Upcoming MangoMania to feature local musical talent and more
Tropical fruit festival to return to island July 17
The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will be showcasing local musicians at MangoMania on Saturday, July 17.
At 9 a.m., the music begins with the Fiddler and I, featuring Becky Cole (guitar) and Pat Olkowski (fiddle). They have been playing on the island for more than a decade. Olkowski describes their music as a variety of Irish, old-time, bluegrass, Cajun, blues, folk and more. They measure the mood of their audience and select a variety of suitable songs.
At 12:30 p.m., Mini MangoMania presents MattLee Crew, with Matt Lee (lead vocals and guitar), Brandon Kidd (saxophone and keys), Brett Hendershot (drums/vocals) and Forrest Bolebruch (bass). Formed in 2019, they have been playing venues from Pine Island/Matlacha to Port Charlotte and Fort Myers/Cape Coral. Their music ranges from blues/soul to classic rock and funk.
At 2:30, Mini MangoMania welcomes back the Hot Flashz dancers at the Queen’s tent. This 45+ entertainment troupe dances all over Lee County. They began performing back in 2005, as a half-time show for the Florida Flame Basketball team. Since then, they’ve grown into a countywide non-profit organization.
Mango Queen DJ and her court will be hosting the Mini MangoMania contests.
Check in at the Mango Queen tent to join the fun.
Do you have the “worlds” biggest mango? Weigh-in starts at 1:30 p.m. on July 17.
Do you make the best mango bread, cookies or jams? Sign in and drop off your goodies between 9 and 11 a.m. Winners will be announced at noon.
See our website for a full list of contest categories.
Remember Mr. Potato Head? Now you can create your own Mr. or Mrs. Mango Head. Bring them with you or create your own at the festival between 9 and 11:30 a.m., winners announced at noon. If you juggle, throw or eat, enter some of the fun filled contests — Mango Juggling, Mango Toss or Mango Pie Eating Contest
Check out the event website for details and schedule at www.mangomaniafl.net