CROW’s Taste of the Islands to return to in-person competition
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife will host its 43rd Taste of the Islands on Nov. 9.
Reimagined in 2020 due to COVID and canceled in 2022 due to Hurricane Ian, the event will return to an in-person competition this year from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
“Taste is back!,” CROW Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “We are so thrilled to bring the much beloved open-air event back to the islands.”
The event will feature live music and showcase Sanibel and Captiva’s vibrant and diverse restaurant community, helping to reunite and celebrate the resilience of businesses. Returning this year, attendees will get a ‘taste’ of CROW and meet its Animal Ambassadors, as well as take home the Taste T-shirt.
“Sanibel is celebrating its 50th anniversary in November as well, and we thought it appropriate to bring Taste for all to enjoy at City Hall,” she said. “We know how much everyone loves the farmers market, so we think the new venue will give a fresh look and feel to Taste.”
In the week leading up to the event, participating restaurants will celebrate at their locations. From Nov. 1-8, the public can ‘taste’ each restaurant’s featured item and get a chance to cast their vote early.
“By continuing to support our restaurant partners with the restaurant week leading up to the traditional event, we hope to make this year’s Taste a must do for everyone,” Hussey said.
Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands is returning as the title sponsor.
“CROW has adapted Taste of the Islands over the past few years, not only to raise funds for their mission, but also to support the islands’ many restaurants,” bank Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff said. “The one-day event gives the community a chance to come together to celebrate the fantastic food and drink the restaurants have to offer while supporting CROW’s good work of saving our wildlife.”
The event proceeds will ensure CROW’s continued success providing the highest quality care and treatment of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care. The funds will also support public education and outreach efforts.
Admission is $10 for ages 11 and older, $5 for ages 10-4, and free for ages 3 and under.
Attendees will also purchase CROW Bucks to receive their “tastes” from the restaurants.
Tickets are available at tasteoftheislands.org or can also be purchased at the gate.
For more information about the event, sponsorships or to become a participating restaurant, contact CROW Development Director Grace Murphy at 239-322-5073 or development@crowclinic.org.
CROW is at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.