Fall Festival the biggest ever
There was a record number of vendors and a record number of people who jammed onto the football field at the North Fort Myers Community Park on Friday to enjoy the Fall Festival, one of the signature events in town.
More than 1,500 people, mainly families with small children in costumes, came to have their faces painted, play on the bounce house, get free candy from vendors and test drive their Halloween costumes in hopes of maybe getting a prize in the costume contest.
James Pittro, event organizer, said things were under way well before the 6 p.m. starting time and was confident of a tremendous evening.
“People were lining up to get in. We got some last minute people come in who wanted to be vendors, so we got them in,” Pittro said. “The kids are showing up and it looks like a great evening.”
The RE/MAX Realty Team, The Rotary of North Fort Myers, Winn Dixie and Publix were the main sponsors for the event and they spared no expense making this the biggest Fall Festival to date.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was in full force with their toys, giving children a tour of their vehicles and coming up close with a police dog.
The animal fun was only beginning as the Shell Factory brought some of their critters from the Nature Park, including an albino python and a small alligator.
The event was big for the local businesses and organizations as 40 vendors came to advertise their business for free, give goodies to the kids, and even demonstrate some of their features.
A dentist countered the candy by giving away toothpaste and toothbrushes, while the local astrological society allowed people to look through their telescopes.
Pastor Gavin Croft of the First Baptist Church of North Fort Myers had a booth for the fourth straight year, eschewing the thought of putting on its own Halloween event.
“We want to be part of serving the community and getting to know them. We have some games and even a have a giveaway,” Croft said. “Rather than compete with the community, we would rather partner with them.”
The feature events were the costume contests for the tots, little kids and big kids, followed by the dance contest for kids and adults as darkness fell.
The whole idea was to have fun for the kids in a safe, family-friendly environment. That is what keeps families coming back every year.
“It’s a family atmosphere. The kids have a blast. They have the bounce houses and are free to play and have fun,” Kristin Ralston of North Fort Myers said. “My kids wear the family costumes here and my son wears his scary stuff on Halloween.”
Shannon Woolsley, of Lehigh Acres and Kristin’s friend, brought her children as well.
“I think it’s a great time with all the families and events for the kids and all the community involvement is wonderful,” Woolsley. “It’s my first time here, but not my last.”
The kids liked it, too.
Sonny Garcia, 9, came dressed as a karate kid.
“It’s a lot of fun and a lot of candy and cavities,” Garcia said. “I may to go trick or treating if my dad lets me.”
Rhonda Lopez brought her kids for the third time, who loved the police toys, the dance contest, and candy.
Gabe, 8, dressed as the Joker, was partial to the police stuff.
“It was fun. I loved the cops. I got a lot of candy, especially peanut butter cups. They’re my favorite because they have peanut butter in the middle,” Gabe said.