Family event to feature archery, live entertainment and more
In partnership with Bell Tower and Two Lane Lager, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will present Sounds of the Sand on March 25 to support the recovery efforts and conservation outreach of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel after Hurricane Ian destroyed much of its habitat and infrastructure.
The family-friendly event will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Fort Myers shopping plaza, featuring Sanibel guitarist and vocalist Danny Morgan with steel drum musician John McLane. Performances by The Lineup Band and Peter Kolter will play warm-up for the main act. A stilt-walker and other local bands will also be on hand for the free event.
The refuge will set up stations with nature games for families, as well as offer information about the refuge and its recovery and how to donate to the DDWS to support refuge conservation work, including post-hurricane habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and environmental education.
Distributor of Two Lane American Golden Lager Beer brand, Suncoast Beverage Sales will sell beer, with the profits going directly to the DDWS.
Other Bell Tower merchants, including several displaced from their island locations, will offer in-store specials and will participate out in the plaza. Activities will also include archery instruction, face-painting, axe-throwing, a bounce house, lawn games, themed photo ops, and cotton candy. Musicians will perform on the main stage and at stations at either end of the shopping plaza.
Event sponsor Bubbly Latitude, a Sanibel-based Bell Tower merchant, will donate 15 percent of its profits from sales that day.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact event organizer April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety.org or check the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Facebook page.
Bell Tower is at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.