The Islander’s guide to Halloween
Sanibel and Captiva, are offering many ways to celebrate Halloween this year. A handful of restaurants, resorts and organizations on the islands have lined up costume contests, drink specials and even guest DJ’s. Below are some Halloween outings you won’t want to miss.
‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort
According to Tony Lapi, CEO of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, the annual Hallo’Tween party is a “signature event” at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort. On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., guests can partake in a costume contest and listen to live music provided by the Brett Forman Band and The New Vinyls. “The Halloween party is a tradition at ‘Tween Waters that has been going on for more than 25 years, this is probably the biggest Halloween party on the islands,” said Laurent Bosc, hospitality director for Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts. The event costs $15 a person, guests must be 21 and older. This year’s theme is “Nightmare on Captiva Drive.” ‘Tween Waters will have three tents set up outside in their main parking lot. According to Bosc, the $15 wristband will give guests access to the outside party and inside party at Crow’s Nest. The Crow’s Nest will serve their new cocktail list. The tents outside will have a limited alcohol choice, beer, wine and Halloween shots. The $3,000 costume contest will be split among first, second and third place winners. The event is open to the public. For more information, call (239) 472-5161.
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille
From 8 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 28, George & Wendy’s will host its haunted forest themed Halloween party. The Drop Dead Dangerous Duo will perform. “This will be the third year we have hosted a Halloween party here at George and Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille. We enjoy decorating for the festivities. All of our staff dressing according to each years’s Halloween theme,” said Dawn Bermudez, general manager of George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille. There will be late night food and drink specials and a costume contest as well. For more information, call (239) 395-1263.
Sanibel Fish House
The Sanibel Fish House will have its Halloween party Friday, Oct. 28, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be karaoke, dancing and drink specials like $5 fireball and jaguar shots and $2 Corona Light. They will also hold a costume contest. First place will receive $100 cash prize, second place will receive a gift basket and third place will receive a $50 gift card. “This will be our third annual Halloween party. Our favorite part of the Halloween party is seeing the locals come in dressed up. Watching them sing and dance is also a great part of it,” said Mary Stowell, bar manager at the Sanibel Fish House. For more information, call (239) 472-7770.
CROW
At Owl-O-Ween at CROW, guests will have the opportunity to meet their new burrowing owl ambassador and submit a name. The owl was initially admitted to CROW after suffering from a broken wing after being struck by a car. CROW’s skilled medical staff performed surgery on the owl but, unfortunately, the wing did not heal properly. “Without full flight capabilities the burrowing owl would not be able to hunt for itself in the wild, thus making it non-releasable. CROW’s staff began training the bird to be used in education programs as an animal ambassador. Even though animal ambassadors have been conditioned to be more tolerant of human contact, it’s crucial that audiences are aware that these animals are not pets. They are wildlife and still maintain all of the same fears and anxieties as if they were in their natural surroundings. Proper safety must be exercised at all times, so ambassadors are under close supervision of CROW’s staff, students and volunteers during programs,” said CROW Education Coordinator, Rachel Rainbolt. There will also be OWLS of Southwest Florida presentations Thursday and Friday at the Visitor’s Center at 11 a.m. Guests will also enjoy discounts on owl gifts, crafts, contests and more. For more information, call (239) 472-3644.
Island Paws
What originally started as a customer appreciation event has turned into a yearly party. On Friday, Oct. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Island Paws will host its 12th annual Howl-O-Ween Party in the parking lot of Over Easy Cafe. For a $15 donation, attendees can enter in their dogs in a costume contest, participate in a pup-kin carving contest and enjoy complimentary puptails and yappetizers provided by Over Easy Cafe.
Faviana Mullings, event coordinator at Island Paws says every penny raised during the event will go to Gulf Coast Humane Society.
“A lot of the times the money will go towards food, adoptions and heartworm treatment,” Mullings said. For more information, call (239) 395-1464.
Sanibel Community Church
Trunk or Treat will take place at Sanibel Community Church Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be plenty of sweet treats and games for kids. The event is free. For more information, call (239) 472-2684.