The Sun Bay Paper Page 12 January 28, 2022 - February 3, 2022 Cont. from pg 1 a live swimming mermaid who retrieves shells for children, there will be archery, axe throwing, a batting cage, a swimsuit model in a dunk tank, and even a bearded sexy-guy contest Visitors can enjoy a fun family day of exhibits and activities including getting a photo with a twelvefoot Python and pet a live alligator while 11-year-old Sophie McKee educates people about SW Florida’s wildlife. And as always, attendees old and young can also expect a few last minute surprises! This year’s Expo will also be the host of SW Florida’s first $10,000 “Winner Take-All” Food Truck Showdown where Expo attendees will be the judges and can vote for their favorite food vendor. Food trucks have signed up from as far as Georgia and entries had to be closed back in December due to the incredible response to this competition. Chefs will be sharpening their culinary skills, as they compete not only for a check for $10,000, but also a unique item from the Trophy Case and a free vendor spot at all of Nautical Mile Magazine’s future shows. All Food items will be $10-orless so attendees can try different items, so bring your appetite! Estero River Kayaks is set up in a separate 2,000 square foot room, Bass Pro Shops has joined the Expo this year, and exotic fishing skiffs like Avid, Eagle View and RazorFish have signed up to show off their latest fishing machines. Griffiths went on to tell us, “Of all things, the ‘Sexy-Guy’ beard contest has gotten a lot of attention. Each day at 2pm the band takes a break and SW Florida’s sexiest bearded gentlemen take the stage in a competition where they will be attempting to win the votes of all the screaming ladies, so ladies… make sure to bring your sexy bearded guy and show him off! There will be fishing seminars in a 200-seat area inside the main building hourly throughout the 3-day event by local fishing guides who know the local waters. There’s also a national K9 dock-jumping competition ...”The Dash To The Big Splash Bash” is a Ultimate Air Dog (UAG) Regional Qualifier and will be going on all 3 days of the Expo. go to: ultimateairdogs.com for more information. Musical performers will entertain the crowds from two stages, and there will be three bars available to guests, plus a pair of 80foot tents which can seat about 700 people. Jim said that Expo proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida with 25% of event sponsorships and 100% of an impressive prize raffle onsite during the 3-day Expo. The Foundation stands to receive several thousand dollars before the gates even open! The raffle will take place in the main building each of the 3 days. Adding “we are proud to help support the Make-AWish foundation” Sponsors for this year’s Expo include Gavin’s Ace Hardware, David Schuman’s Allstate, The Marine Trading Post, MirrOlure, Tow Boat US of Cape Coral, Capt. Rob’s Bait & Tackle, Dock Sentury, Fabritech Outdoor Living, and Fort Myers Marine. “Outdoor enthusiasts of SW Florida have been waiting for a multi-faceted coastal event like this for years. With our recent population growth, SW Florida’s Coastal Expo is expected to be one of the largest events of its kind in the state of Florida,” said Griffiths. The show runs from 9-5 on Friday and Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. General admission is $12. Anyone under 18 enters for free to encourage kids to explore the fun the coastal community represents and encourage parents to bring along the whole gang. Active police officers and Sherriff Deputies are welcome to attend as Expo guest, free of charge A “Baggage-claim” system has also been incorporated so shoppers can have items waiting for them at the exit so they don’t have to carry things around. The Civic Center is located at 11831 Bayshore Rd. in North Fort Myers at the intersection of Bayshore Road and Highway 31. For more Information about the expo go to: NauticalMileMagazine.com The Second Annual Coastal/Nautical Expo! FREE Re-Entry to Expo All Weekend
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA2ODE3