Auxiliary donation kicks off Fall Fest drive

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FILE PHOTO Participants at last year’s Fall Fest had fun in costume.

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ANDREA GALABINSKI The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336 presented a check to the North Fort Myers Community Center this week to kick off Fall Fest. Pictured are First Vice President Nina Stoughton; Dee Sims, president of the Auxiliary; June Christine Susterich of the park; Community Service Chairman Mary Risner; Legislative Committee Chairperson Sharon Wingate and Second Vice President Christine Tressel.

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For the last 10 years, the North Fort Myers Community Center has hosted one of the area’s largest events, the Fall Fest.

It is always held on the Friday before Halloween, this year Friday, Oct. 29.

“This year will be our 10th year anniversary,” said Senior Recreation Specialist of the North Fort Myers Community Recreation Center June Christine Susterich. “Every year we draw hundreds of kids and families with plenty of things to do.”

There is always costume contests for children and adults. “The ages are ages up to 3-year-olds, ages 4 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 and up. And we encourage adults to enter that last division, in costumes.”

Trophies are awarded along with goodie bags – 200 for the first 200 kids in costume.

The popular festival includes many activities besides the big costume contest.

“The North Fort Myers Fire Department will be here with their Safety House, the Blood Mobile from Lee Memorial Health Systems will also be here. There will also be a Scare House. Pop Warner Concession will be open to purchase food and Pop Warner will provide a state-of-the-art PA System to broadcast music and announcements,” said Susterich.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post 336 kicked off funding for this fall’s festival. “They donated toward the cost of the trophies and a portion of the bounce house cost,” said Susterich. The auxiliary representatives that presented the check included Auxiliary First Vice President Nina Stoughton; Dee Sims, president of the Auxiliary; Community Service Chairman Mary Risner; Legislative Committee Chairperson Sharon Wingate and Second Vice President Christine Tressel.

Sponsorships for the Fall Fest are now being sought, along with donations. “Candy donations would be very helpful,” Susterich said. “This must be wrapped individual candies.”

She’s very excited it is the 10th anniversary. “We would like this to be the biggest and best festival ever.”

For information, call the North Fort Myers Community Recreation Center office at 652-6002. It is located at 2021 North Tamiami Trl.