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Search is on for this year’s Mango Queen

By Staff | May 7, 2009

SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE The search is on for the 2009 queen of MangoMania. Last year, Tonya Player passed on her crown to the 2008 queen, Lynn Berrietter, who will, in turn, crown this year’s queen to be announced in June.

With the 2009 MangoMania Tropical Fruit Festival swiftly approaching, members of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce are actively searching for a queen to reign over the event.

The queen will serve as ambassador for the July 11-12 event to be held at the German American Club in Cape Coral. Among the responsibilities of the queen will be to meet her subjects and promote MangoMania, as well as the communities of Matlacha and Pine Island through meeting with government officials and the media.

The Mango Queen must be at least 18 years of age and be willing to actively promote the event as well as participate in the festivities to take place at MangoMania.

Last year’s queen, Lynn Berrietter said she most enjoyed her experience mingling with area residents and visitors.

“It was such an honor and an enjoyable experience to serve as Mango Queen and I highly recommend it to anyone,” said Berrietter. “It was so much fun getting to meet new people and promoting the island and all we have to offer.”

Among the queen’s responsibilities are a visit to a Lee County Commissioner’s meeting in Fort Myers, a Visitors and Conventions Bureau meeting, the Red White and Boom celebration in Cape Coral, and participating in the annual July 4 parade on Pine Island atop the chamber float.

All nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, June 1. Prior to the final selection, all of the nominees will be invited appear before the chamber board to explain why they would like to be crowned Mango Queen for 2009. The nominees will also be asked to explain their plans for promoting the event. The board will then determine, by vote, who will be named Mango Queen. The winner will be crowned at the MangoMania kick-off party to be held on Thursday, June 18, at Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery in St. James City.

This year marks the 13th annual ManogMania Tropical Fruit Festival hosted by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. This event not only celebrates local tropical fruit, but also provides an opportunity to showcase area businesses and artisans.

To date, several musicians have been booked to provided entertainment throughout the two-day event. On Saturday, July 11, among the groups to perform are the Captiva Band, formerly known as The Troublestarters, and on Sunday afternoon, international songstress and poet Annie Wenz will take the stage.

According to Benton, this year youngsters will find more “hands-on” activities and it is hoped that the Imaginarium, MOTE Marine and Charlotte Harbor Estuaries will be present to introduce the children to fun and educational activities. In addition, food, art, fruit and plant vendors are also being sought to participate. Anyone interested in reserving vendor space can call the chamber at 283-0888 or send an e-mail to info@pineislandchamber.org

MangoMania will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12.

For more information about nominations, call Lisa Benton at the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce 283-4842.