Another Successful Boat Show
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 The 4th annual Lovers Key Boat Show, Market and Seafood Fest took place on January 25 and 26 at the event field at Lovers Key. The scheduled 3 day event was cut short by weather that dropped an estimated 4 inches of cold rain on the event field Sunday. Regardless of the weather, the event scored well with Friday marking the busiest single day in the 4 year history of the Show. And Saturday wasn’t far behind. So while we lost a full day and Saturday being a bit off – the 2-day attendance wasn’t that far off.
This year, Bonita’s own Justin Satttler offered 60 feet of fresh seafood! Justin reports “Folks really love the freshness and variety. This was a great show and we love being local. We’ll be back!” From fresh grouper, crab legs and shrimp to paella, lowcountry boil and jambalaya – there was something being served for everyone.
Full time residents mingled with vacationers picking through the wares ranging from nautical shirts to hats, art work and more. Bargains were to be had and sales were strong. Teak furniture was a favorite and both make-up and kitchen knives attracted many.
FOLKS will earmark this years’ earnings to provide furnishings for the soon-to-be constructed Welcome and Discovery Center. The Rotary Club adds their portion of the earnings it to the local Clubs Foundation which then choses important projects in the local community to fund.
Noting the sophistication and environmental orientation of locals and visitors alike, Tesla Corp signed on as an exhibitor and brought not one, but 2 cars to the show. The cars were a hit as the Tesla site was crowded all show long! Add electric bikes and carts and it looks like in 2020 we will have an entire electric line up as 2 electric boat manufacturers have indicated they may join us!
The “2” day “nautical themed” event really had a variety with furniture, boating accessories, and beautiful new boats. Event goers took advantage of the opportunity to check boats out up close and personal. “Boat show” pricing proved very tempting as dealers reported brisk sales. Most said, ‘See you next year!’
All were happy to close another successful event for both the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs and the Friends of Lovers Key. A hearty thanks to all those who participated and attended.
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Dennis Goodman Artwork Raffle
Mark your calendar for March 7 to be at The Dennis Goodman Studio and Gallery in Naples. Dennis of course was the lead photographer for the current FOLKS 2019 Nature Calendar, and at this free special Sponsor Appreciation Event he will join FOLKS in raffling one of his beautiful bird photographs. Light fare and social drinks will also be served, and FOLKS members are encouraged to attend, meet Dennis, and even lend their thinking to design of the Calendar for 2020 which is now in the planning stage. This is also an opportunity to say thank you to those local businesses who helped sponsor the current 2019 calendar. Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go toward furnishing the new Park Welcome and Discovery Center building to include the special environmental exhibits. Call Board Member Kathryn Klar, 561 346 6616, for more details.
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“Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war."
Loren Eiseley
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What did you want to be when you grew up? What did you want to do in retirement? How about a King in his counting house counting out his money?
That can be you! If you are interested in being a money counter, Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. has just the place for you. Wanted! A treasurer. Contact Jack DeLancy at 239 470 9556 or email jdelancy@aol.com.
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Mark your Calendars!
Save the Dates!
2019 Season of FOLKS Special Events
Check our website and upcoming E-News for more details as these events draw near.
2019
April 11 Luau on the Beach (6-8 PM)
May 11 Annual Turtle Trot 5K
Songwriters at Sunset Free Live Acoustic Musical Concerts in the Gazebo – First Thursday of the Month
March 7, 2019
April 4, 2019 |
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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of February.
Programs are included in park admission fees of:
$4.00 for vehicles with one individual.
$8.00 for vehicles with two to eight individuals.
$2.00 per pedestrian or cyclist.
All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park and registration is required. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities.
For assistance or to register, contact the park office at (239) 463-4588.
All programs begin at 10:00 a.m.
February programs include:
19th February
Manatee Talk
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Meet with a Park Naturalist for an interesting and informative talk about our local Manatees. Learn what these fascinating creatures are all about and how you can help protect them. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
20th February
Sensational Sharks
Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Naturalist for an interesting and fun talk about Sharks. Discover why sharks, which are often feared, are an incredible group of animals which are commonly misunderstood. Explore why they’re important to our ecosystem, and learn what you can do to help protect them. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
22nd February
Alligator Program
Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Ranger for an interesting talk about our local Alligators. Learn why alligators are an important part of our SW Florida ecosystem, what makes them so incredible, and why they are so commonly misunderstood. Learn what you can do to safely co-exist with them, and how you can help protect them. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
26th February
Beginning Birding
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Explore some of the prime birding areas of Lovers Key State Park with a Park Naturalist, and learn how to identify the birds you see. You will also get tips on other places in the park where you might find some great birding. Feel free to bring your own binoculars or camera. We also have a limited number of binoculars available. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
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Seeking a Volunteer Media Coordinator
The FOLKS Board is looking for a volunteer to assume duties as Media Coordinator. The position involves writing and distributing press releases, getting to know community leaders and press staff, website content management, and a host of challenging and fun opportunities. The FOLKS Media Coordinator is now even more important to the Park as the new building comes out of the ground and the Capital Campaign to outfit the building moves into high gear!
Come Join us!! Call Rich Donnelly, President: 239 495 7045.
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| FOLKS would like to thank the following Business Sponsors for their support as we fund raise for the future Welcome and Discovery Center. Please consider visiting their businesses and supporting them as well. Business Partners help support the environmental education mission of the Park.
Add your business to the list!
Contact Rich Donnelly at: president@friendsofloverskey.org
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The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed by the citizens of the community to support Lovers Key State Park and is registered as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your Membership and Donations are tax-deductible.
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