Snores & Roars, St. Patty’s on deck at Shell Factory
The Shell Factory & Nature Park will have one big event after the other this month, as well as a relatively new feature that seems to be gaining traction.
On Thursday, the Budweiser Clydes-dales will make a return visit from 1-3 p.m. courtesy of Suncoast Beverages.
Last year’s visit by the Clydesdales proved to be one of the largest promotions ever and this year, organizers are expecting a repeat.
Visitors will get to see the full team, with eight horses getting hitched and paraded around the center parking lot.
The Shell Factory will be the first of four stops in Southwest Florida.
Then, on Sunday, March 17, the Shell Factory will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with an outdoor celebration in the center parking lot that last year brought in more than 1,000 people.
Admission is free.
Chuck Peterson will provide the Irish music from noon to 6 p.m., with Bagpipers and Irish dancers, Irish fare such as corned beef & cabbage and green beer.
There will also be a “Shamrock Shenanigans” costume contest and a 50/50 Pot of Gold raffle. Also, all green merchandise in the gift shop will be 20 percent off.
“This event has gotten really big. We’re hitting 1,000 people and the party will happen rain or shine. We know how to handle that now since we had it at Gumbofest,” general manager Anne Sheridan said.
Another promotion the Shell Factory is promoting is the Snores & Roars sleepover at the Nature Park.
This overnight camping adventure brings the Nature Park to life at night for kids of all ages.
Snores & Roars will be March 23, April 6, May 11 and June 8, though with a big enough party it can be done anytime and can even be combined with a Fun Park package, which some people have requested.
The cost is $39.99 per person, which includes pizza, a snack and a continental breakfast and a guided tour of the park for close encounters with the animals.
Tents and chairs will be provided.
Campers must have their own sleeping bags and pillows, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and no children are to leave the nature park without adult supervision.
Nature Park personnel will supervise the campout.
Sheridan said the event has gotten more popular, with any date open for sleepovers and birthdays, provided enough people come.
“If people call us with a group of 12 or 20 and they have a different date and if we can accommodate, we will,” Sheridan said. “The most fun part about it is that it’s the best birthday party on the planet, and we’ll customize a package for you if you want the Fun Park or other things.”
Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Sandy at 995-2141, extention 110, or email slynch.shellfactory@ gmail.com
The Shell Factory and Nature Park is at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.