The campaign is underway for the selection of this year’s queen to rule over MangoMania Tropical Fruit Festival. This year, the Board of Directors for the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce made the decision to have the community have an input in the queen selection, having narrowed down the candidates to three finalists. The finalists are Barbara Luck Riso, Karen Burns, and Carie Call. All three finalists are securing sponsors in the community, and anyone can cast their vote for their favorite by submitting a paper ballot or for 25 cents a vote. All votes are to be collected at the Chamber’s Welcome Center, on Pine Island Road. The last day to stop by with your vote is May 18.

The queen will be announced at the “Mango Mania Kick Off Party” at the Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery on May 20. The evening’s festivities include the monthly Business After-Hours and business card exchange among Chamber members, along with the announcement of the winners of the tee shirt artwork contests. The winning designs for both the adult and children’s shirts will be displayed during the evening. Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery is located on Maria Drive in St. James City. There will be island-style music, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages, along with door prizes from several island businesses. Please RSVP if you will be attending, by either calling 283-4842, the Chamber Member Hotline, or email to info@pineislandchamber.org.

All three finalists are actively involved with the Pine Island community, with their business interests and their membership in island organizations. For more information on MangoMania, you may contact Leslie Arias, event chairman, at 283-0888, or email mangomaniafair@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering to help out for a few hours at the festival, we would love to have your assistance!