Winter Events on Pine Island, Florida

Great Horned Owl at Dawn in Bokeelia

A New Year has dawned on Pine Island and there are a slew of island festivals and activities planned for the first three months of 2012.

January Events:

Jan 13, 14 and 15 is Florida's Creative Coast Weekend, featuring special exhibit, workshops, demonstrations tours and music.  Check the website:  http://www.floridascreativecoast.com/, for details.

Jan 28 is Pine Island Moose Bicycle Poker Run, annual bicycle poker run with 6 stops from Saint James City up to the Moose Lodge, 10 am to 3 pm. $5 per ticket, food and music at the Pine Island Moose Lodge.  For tickets call 239-283-4245.

January 28 and 29 is Taste of Pine Island, 11 AM - 5 pm at Phillips Park in Pine Island Center.  Two full days of local restaurants featuring the best of their fare.  Also live entertainment and children's activities.  Day on eis the chowder cook off, day two is the chili cook off.  For more info:  http://www.tasteofpineisland.com/.

February Events

February 4, Annual Southwest Florida Mullet Toss at Matlacha Community Park, Children's Competition starts at 10:30 a.m., adult's competition starts at noon.  Fund raiser for Pine Island Charities, for more info: http://www.matlachamariners.org/

February 10, 11, 12, Island Pirate Fest and 2nd Annual Pirate's Ball.  Sponsored by Bert's Bar in Matlacha, there will be a Parade of the Mermaids, Pirates Ball and Costume Contest, and Boat Parade.  More info:  http://www.piratesball.com/, and http://www.islandpiratefest.com/.

February 11 and 12.  My favorite annual event, this year will be the 40th Annual Pine Island Art Association Fine Art Show and Sale.  At the Matlacha Community Building in Matlacha Park, the show and sale will be from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.  I get a new painting here almost every year!  More info:  http://www.pineislandart.com/.

Feb 11, 12 & 13.  Another Pine Island Creative Coast Weekend.  Check the Website:  http://www.floridascreativecoast.com/

Feb 18 is the Annual Pine Island Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 4 pm at Phillips Park at Pine Island Center.
Annual fund raiser for the Pine Island Garden Club, there will be plant sales, seminars, raffles, demonstrations, bake sale and more.  More info:  http://www.pineislandgardenclub.org/.

March and April Events
March 3, Annual Rubber Duck Race to benefit the Calusa Land Trust in Saint James City, time and location to be announced.

March 10 - Seventh Annual Calusa Heritage Day from 10 am - 4 pm at Randell Research Center's Calusa Heritage Trail in Pineland.  This annual celebration focuses on regional archaeology, history and ecology.  $5 per adult, children under 123 are free.  More info:  www.flmnh.ufl.edu/RRC

March 17 - Annual Southwest Florida Seafood Festival and Car Show from 11 am - 5:30 pm, not on Pine Island, but close at the German American Club in Cape Coral.

April 7 - Explore the Estuary of Pine Island Sound.  From 9 am to 12 noon at the Calusa Heritage Trail pavilion.  "Muck About" Pine Island Sound and learn about the plants and animals of the local estuaries.  Pre-registration only by calling: 239-283-2157.  Children must be over 9 with accompanying adult.

All of these events are a great way to support local organizations and learn more about beautiful Pine Island, Florida.