CECI to hold 24th annual Spring Festival for families
This weekend’s 24th annual Spring Festival will offer holiday fun for families on the islands.
Hosted by the Children’s Education Center of the Islands, it will take place on March 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Community Park, located adjacent to The Community House. The event will feature an egg hunt and Easter Bunny visit, pony and unicorn rides, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and more.
“It’s a thank you to the community for all the support they’ve given us throughout the years,” Cindy DeCosta, director of the CECI, said. “It’s also a fun time for the students and returning alumni.”
The Easter egg hunt will start promptly at 9 a.m.
“The egg hunt is divided by ages,” she said.
There is one for 24 months old and younger, for ages 3 to 4, and for ages 5 and older.
“We have over 3,500 eggs for the entire thing, so everyone leaves with eggs,” DeCosta said.
She noted that the eggs contain candy, stickers and trinkets for the youth.
“The Easter egg hunt is free,” DeCosta said.
A $10 armband gets visitors into the event, with unlimited access to the other activities.
“It is a cash-only event,” she said.
The Easter Bunny will hop in and make an appearance at 10:15 a.m.
“It is free pictures with the Easter Bunny,” DeCosta said.
There will be a giant slide and a moon bounce set up for the children.
“There are pony rides and unicorn rides,” she said.
In addition, there were will games, along with arts and crafts projects.
“They’re geared toward preschoolers, but all the elementary children enjoy them, as well,” DeCosta said. “Some of them are painting Easter eggs, spin art, and making candy or spring necklaces.”
There will also be nail painting and temporary tattoos, along with a possible face painter.
“All families are invited,” she said.
Organizers estimated that about 250 people attend each year.
“This is a great family-friendly environment,” DeCosta said. “And it’s a safe environment, it’s all enclosed.”
Local musicians Shawn and Abbey Allison will provide the live entertainment.
“Their son was an alumnus here,” she said.
A silent auction will feature over 60 items for people to bid on.
“We have a full-day boat rental, a half-day fishing charter, a stay at ‘Tween Waters and lots of merchandise from local stores here on the island,” DeCosta said, adding that there are gift certificates from local restaurants. “There’s even a couple of baskets with pre-stuffed Easter eggs.”
Bidding for the auction will close at 11 a.m.
The festival proceeds benefit the center’s scholarship fund and capital improvements.
“There is a smaller fundraising element that is used for our scholarship program,” she said.
Currently, about 35 percent of the center’s students rely on a scholarship in some form.
The center also hosts a pig roast in the fall to help fund the scholarships.
“Just to kind of help us get over the hump,” DeCosta said.
Snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase.
“There will be concessions available,” she said.
The unlimited armbands can be bought day of at the event or in advance.
“Which would save you from standing in a long line,” DeCosta said.
To purchase them in advance, call the center at 239-472-4538.
Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities.
“They can have a good adult time, and the kids will have a good time,” she said.
For more information, visit about the CECI visit online www.childrenseducationcenter.com.
The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.