Mango Queen offers blessing for MangoMania
MangoMania officially began last Thursday when 2015 Mango Queen Jonna Bouchard officially offered the “blessing” for the event.
“We bless this year’s MangoMania event and pray for good weather,” Bouchard said as she tossed a fresh mango into Charlotte Harbor from the Bokeelia Fishing Pier.
The MangoMania kick off were part of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly card exchange at Cap’n Con’s restaurant. The event was sponsored by Capt’n Cons Restaurant, Modern Woodmen and Bokeelia Fishing Pier. Capt’n Cons provided the dinner for the event.
“Mark your calendars for the MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair on July 18th & 19th at the German American Social Club,” Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Jennings said. “This year attendees will be able to enjoy the fresh mangos and other tropical fruits harvested on Pine Island.”
“I am very proud to be this year’s Mango Queen,” Bouchard said. “I’ve been to a number of events already and am looking forward to this year’s MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair.”
Bouchard wore a dress “painted” by local artist Mel Meo.
“I bought the dress for $15 on E-Bay,” Bouchard said. “I was supposed to help Mel paint the dress but we ran out of time and all of the credit goes to Mel. She’s such a wonderful artist and did a great job on the dress. This will be the dress for my reign as Mango Queen.”
Several local bands are scheduled to appear: Trailer Park Barbie & The Boys, Chasing Dallas and Good Bad Kids.
Local participating restaurants include Olde Fish House Marina and Saltwater Smoke House. Each will be serving up their specialty dishes as well as a tasting table to sample Pine Island’s leading crop – mangos.
Bouchard will be there to bring a royal presence to the festival that is for the entire family to enjoy; there is also a dedicated kids’ area that offers activities and games for children of all ages.
This year’s MangoMania will be held at the German American Social Club at 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. Gates open Saturday at 10 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. On Sunday, the festival begins at 10 a.m. and continues to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $5 if purchased in advance and $6 at the gate. Children under 10 years of age are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, located at 3640 Pine Island Road, Matlacha or purchase online at mangomaniafl.net.
For more information about the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce or the 19th Annual MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair call Jennifer Jennings at 239-283-0888 or log onto www.MangoManiaFL.net