Two events coming to community park
The North Fort Myers Community Park will host two big events on Saturday that people of all ages can enjoy. One is for bargain hunters, while the other will have a special guest in a big red suit.
The park will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the proceeds going to the United Way, which is using the event as one of its many fundraisers.
People wanting to rid themselves of surplus items in their garage, closets and sheds will have the opportunity to pay $5 for a parking space-sized sales area in the parking lot near the football field.
Lee County employees will be donating items and there will be a United Way booth for people to make monetary donations, according to Tiffany Vance, who is in charge of fundraising for the United Way in north Lee County.
The event is different from the flea market, which is done in February, though this event will help people pay for their Christmas shopping while giving those looking to buy a chance to find great bargains. After all, one man’s junk is another’s treasure.
“I figured we had to come up with an event to generate donations and to raise awareness of the United Way and what it’s about,” Vance said. “We hope to have representatives from the United Way to help spread the word.”
Those who purchase a parking space must be at the park to set up by 7:30 a.m. and must bring their own tables and chairs. About 20 spots have been sold so far, Vance said.
Meanwhile, at the rec center, children will be able to have breakfast with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A Continental breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the outdoor patio, with Santa in one of the rooms, after which the children can enjoy arts and crafts and a dance performance by the Snap Dance Crew in the gymnasium.
Vance said it’s a good way to keep children entertained while the parents are either buying or selling at the yard sale.
“We’ll have parents who are setting up their parking spaces while the kids can enjoy breakfast and Christmas cheer with Santa,” Vance said. “Kids can make ornaments for the tree and things like that.”
Santa will also be there to hear what the kids want for Christmas and take pictures with them.
Vance said this is the first time the event has been held on a Saturday morning. It had previously been done at night with hot chocolate and cookies.
Vance hopes the synergy between the rec center and the United Way makes for two successful events.
“We’re going to help each other out. They’re going to send people my way and I’ll send people their way. It will be a group effort for everyone involved and we hope to get a good turnout,” Vance said.
Breakfast is $3. For more information on either event, call the recreation center at 533-7200.