Shell Factory’s ’Nam Jam re-set for Sunday
The Shell Factory & Nature Park is back on track in the wake of Hurricane Irma with two major events on back-to-back weekends and a change to one of their signature weeknight promotions.
On Sunday, the Shell Factory will hold its storm-rescheduled Nam Jam event, from noon to 6 p.m.
Rick Tupper, marketing director and CFO of the Shell Factory, said the postponement may have worked in their favor, since the word got out they had rescheduled it.
“We ended up getting double the interest, and a number of military vehicles will be there, the Calendar Girlz will be there, and two World War II veterans lined up,” Tupper said. “It might have worked to our benefit and the weather should be nicer.”
The event will feature a cookout from noon to 3 p.m., with veterans getting a free hot dog and chips, followed by a veterans’ tribute at 3 p.m., including a color guard ceremony.
All veterans receive free admission to the nature park, a free round of miniature golf, tickets for two draft beers or one well drink, 20 percent off any purchase in the retail store, $3 off on the Sunday Italian buffet and a free picture with a zipline purchase.
Chuck Peterson will provide the music, and there will also be a 50/50 raffle, with the proceeds going to the Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation, a Cape Coral-based organization that serves area veterans and houses the Military Museum.
The following Sunday, on Oct. 29, there will be a Halloween bash, which last year became one of the hits of the year. Tupper said he expects this year to be even bigger.
There will be a Trick or Treat in the Nature Park from 10 a.m. to noon, with two-for-one admission there after 1 p.m.
There will be a costume contest after trick or treat that is expected to be held outside starting at 12:30 p.m., live entertainment in the Dolphin Room and the Swamp Patio from noon to 7 p.m., and a special family Halloween Fun Park package.
“The Nature Park will be ready for them. We have it cleaned up and some new animals for them to look at,” Tupper said. “We had 1,100 kids last year and I expect up to 1,500 this year.”
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Shell Factory will start up a weekly dance night to replace its Singles Mingle in the Dolphin Room.
Jerry Dycke, a former recording artist and songwriter for Sun Records in Memphis, and MCA Churchill in Nashville, who was also inducted into the Florida Country Hall of Fame in 1994, will provide the entertainment.