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Island school fundraiser to offer live entertainment, food trucks and more

3 min read
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Marking its 26th year, the Annual Seahorse Festival is shaking things up with a few changes.

Organized by The Sanibel School PTA, it will take place on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school – a return to its traditional location after trying out the Sanibel Community Park last year. PTA President Alicia Clark added that the free event will be held during the day and with longer hours.

“To have it more family-orientated and kid-friendly,” she said.

Also new, there will be a mix of live entertainment, food trucks and big ticket auction items.

Clark explained that the festival benefits the school and its teachers and students.

“We raise money for workbooks, field trips, educational programs, the STEM program, robotics program – whatever the needs are for the school,” she said, referring to the PTA group. “This is our biggest fundraiser that we do every year to supplement the finances for the school and its needs.”

A variety of entertainment is planned throughout the day, including character visits from the Easter Bunny, Cinderella and Spider-Man. Rhythm Quest, a world percussion group, will perform, along with Ocianna – a Fort Myers drum circle. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of music and comedy with Mike Arone.

Way Too Tall Torrie will entertain from high above, stilt walking and creating balloon animals.

For a $20 wristband, children can have unlimited all-day access to the “Kid Zone.”

“We have quite a few inflatables,” Clark said.

There will be about 11, including an obstacle course for all ages and games – with three of the inflatables dedicated to children ages 6 and under. There will also be a Velcro wall, bungee run, Spider Jump and four-sided rock wall, plus face painting and life-sized basketballs, baseballs and such.

“That’s huge because people wanted to know if there was something for the younger kids,” she said.

The wristbands can be purchased at the event.

A silent auction and the “pick and purchase” sand buckets provide adults with the opportunity to contribute to the cause and win prizes. The buckets cost from $25 to $100, while the auction includes artwork, jewelry, gift certificates to local restaurants, boat rentals and new hot items up for grabs.

“We’re going to have some big trips,” Clark said.

There are golf trips and a New Hampshire trip, plus Disney, Universal and Bush Gardens tickets.

There will also be a donation raffle to win a recliner from Matter Brothers Furniture.

Bidding for the auction will close at approximately 4:15 p.m.

As for food options, there will be trucks and treats like Red Roc Cravings, Hawaiian Husky Organic Shave Ice and Cotton Candy, Blue Moon Pizza – pizza from an antique fire truck – Paw Paw’s Kettle Corn, Krispy Kreme and Chocolattes’ Coffee, which will be serving up chocolate crepes and coffee.

“We’ve never had food trucks before,” she said.

“Our food trucks this year are going to be huge,” Clark added.

Refreshments will also be available for purchase, such as water, soda and juice.

“We’re also selling hats and T-shirts designed by the students,” she said.

There will be parking at the school and nearest J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge lot.

Residents and visitors are welcome to come by.

“It’s going to be bigger and better than ever,” Clark said.

The PTA will post sneak peeks of auction items and more on its website and social media.

For more information, visit thesanibelschoolpta.com or “The Sanibel School PTA” on Facebook.

People can also contact the school for more information at 239-472-1617.

The Sanibel School is at 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.