Rec center to host Annual Shell & Swap
The islands community is invited to “Shell-abrate” National Seashell Day with a free event.
The Sanibel Recreation Center will host its 2nd Annual Shell & Swap on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sanibel. Shell lovers can connect to exchange knowledge, browse for finds and swap stories.
National Seashell Day is celebrated on June 20.
“Last year we wanted to do a community-driven event where shell collectors and enthusiasts could come and share stories and shells,” city Recreation Department Marketing & Events Coordinator Denise Dillon said. “Also, we’re all probably guilty of collecting too many shells.”
The event encourages shell collectors, beachcombers and curious newcomers to bring their extra or duplicate shells to trade, gift and share with fellow shell enthusiasts.
“So it’s an opportunity to share shells and stories,” she said. “And it makes for a fun day.”
Attendees can browse tables for unique finds.
“Last year was a mix of people looking to get rid of excess shells, as well as people who wanted to show off their finds,” Dillon said. “All are local, Southwest Florida shells.”
In addition to sharing discoveries, they can exchange knowledge.
“They will share their tricks of the trade, their best places. It helps new shellers and even experienced shellers learn something new,” she said. “Everyone walks away learning something.”
Attendees can tell the adventures of big finds.
“It’s a great way for people to swap stories,” Dillon said. “There’s always a story that goes along with finding a rare shell, like a junonia, or someone’s favorite shell.”
“It’s just fun to hear other people’s experiences,” she added. “It’s about the conversations about the shells and what the shells mean to people.”
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will offer local shell identifications.
“People can bring in shells, Southwest Florida shells, local shells,” Dillon said. “We will have someone on hand to identify the shells if they do not know what they have.”
The museum will have shells on display, plus share how they are created and formed.
“People find that very interesting,” she said.
The city’s Natural Resources Department will also be on site.
“They can speak to what beaches are the best to find them and which part of the day or year to find them,” Dillon said. “Also the rules, because the rules are very important, like no live shelling.”
In addition, the Sanibel Shellers group on Facebook will once again paint and hide multiple shells around the islands leading up to the event as way to promote it and National Seashell Day.
It is free and open to spectators.
“Anyone who just wants to come and observe and look, it’s free to come in,” she said.
It is also free for those interested in participating, but registration is required to do so to reserve table space.
The main rules are:
– No sales are permitted; it is a swap-and-share event only.
– No commercially purchased shells; only personal collection items.
– No live shells.
The deadline to sign up is June 18.
The community is encouraged to register to take part or simply swing by for a look.
“What makes Sanibel unique is that shelling is more than a hobby here, it is part of our island’s history,” Dillon said. “So whether you’re a serious collector or someone just shelling for the first time, there’s something for everyone to learn.”
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-shell-swapnational-seashell-day-tickets-1984876021612?aff=oddtdtcreator.
For more information, call the center at 239-472-0345.
The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
2nd Annual Shell & Swap
When
June 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where
Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Details
Free for spectators and participants, with registration required for table space