Discussions under way for Captiva Holiday Village
Planning for the return of Captiva’s Holiday Village has been under way. While many signature events will be back again this year, there will also be plenty of new and exciting things to anticipate.
“Our goal is to create a wonder-filled, colorful, exceptional, artistic event,” said Paul McCarthy, who led a PowerPoint presentation during the Holiday Village kick-off meeting Wednesday.
The idea this year is to retain and enhance 2010 signature events like the kick-off tree lighting at ‘Tween Waters Inn, add musical performances and highlight Andy Rosse “streetmosphere.” Since Sanibel hosts holiday events in December, McCarthy told the audience the two islands would be working together to create “vacation packages” featuring items from island businesses.
“It will add more value for our visitors,” McCarthy said about the special packages.
With a focus attracting overnight visitors to Captiva Island during traditionally low occupancy periods, there will be many additions to the schedule in hopes of promoting the island as a quirky island village beach destination. Highlights include the Marching Mullet Band, a performance by Country Music Hall of Fame artist Charlie McCoy and Fusion Cuban music with salsa dancing.
Cultural programs with experts in various fields will be held during the day in tents where entertainment is provided nightly. A contest is also being planned as a way of boosting interest in Captiva Island. Returning events include the golf cart parade, luminary weekend and skimboard, along with the lighted boat parade.
The Captiva Holiday Village will be mostly using electronic-marketing tactics, such as eBlasts and eNewsletters, to promote this year’s event. The $120,000 budget will cover the cost of decorations ($20,000), advertising ($40,000), printing ($15,000), entertainment ($30,000), transportation ($5,000) and insurance, licenses, permits ($10,000).
The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau will be providing the most funding, at $40,000, for the event. Other sources include advertising, event revenue, sponsorships and fundraising.
For more information on the Captiva Holiday Village, visit its website at www.captivaholidayvillage.com.