Cape Coral to recognize International Day of Peace
Residents and visitors can help spread peace at an event this weekend in Cape Coral. The 8th Annual Peace Day in the Park will be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Jaycee Park. Organized in honor of the International Day of Peace – recognized every year on Sept. 21 – it will feature dozens of vendors, live entertainment and demonstrations, activities for all ages and more.
The event is free and open to the public.
“Every year, there’s different things that are happening,” Zachari VanDyne, founder and event coordinator, said. “It’s more about being surrounded by good people and amazing energy.”
A couple of thousand people were estimated to have attended in 2014.
“Last year went amazing,” he said. “Every year, it definitely keeps getting bigger and better.”
VanDyne hopes to get as many people as possible to show up this year.
“We have close to 100 vendors,” he said.
They range from local individuals, artisans and crafters, to businesses and non-profits. Some of items that will be available for sale include local produce, handmade jewelry, vegan lipstick and more.
“They all support peace in our hearts and homes and communities,” VanDyne said.
Live entertainment will be provided by groups like the band Strange Arrangement and The Calendar Girls, a local dance team. Demonstrations on belly dancing, meditation and more will be offered. From 8 to 10 a.m., there will be Yoga for Peace under the trees, followed by a fashion show at 12:30 p.m.
Organizations will offer pet adoptions, and the Shell Factory and Nature Park will be on site.
“They’ll be bringing live animals for people to engage with,” he said.
There will be live art, sidewalk chalking, children’s crafts, face painting and more.
“The whole community can participate in the art,” VanDyne said.
Registration will open for a K-9 charity walk starting at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m. The Bloodmobile will be on hand for a blood drive, while donations will be collected for a food drive.
“Bring out foods that will be donated locally to organizations,” he said.
This year, Abuse Counseling and Treatment and the Veterans Village of Port Charlotte will benefit.
Informational material and take-home pamphlets will also be available.
“We’ll be doing raffles throughout the day,” VanDyne said.
The prizes include gift certificates, jewelry and more, with the grand prize winner receiving a handmade quilt created specifically for the event. The value is estimated at $500 to $900.
“It’s going to be an array of different items,” he said.
Organizers urged the public to stop by.
“Coming out to Peace Day, it’s really about giving back and being part of the community,” VanDyne said. “It’s really about an engaging experience with the community.”
For more information, call (239) 560-5224, email SWFL4Peace@email.com or visit online at: www.peaceday-in-thepark.com. Also find details on Facebook at “Peace Day In The Park.”
Jaycee Park is at 4125 SE 20th Place.