Pine Island Chamber to host Stone Crab Festival/Adopt-A-Crab Auction Nov. 13
In an effort to begin a tradition, the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the Adopt-A-Fish Auction in last November. According to Chamber Executive Administrator Tammy Aeschliman, this year they will be hosting the Adopt-A-Crab Auction, combined with the Stone Crab Festival Nov. 13, at VFW Post 4353, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We’re combining the events because we think that will be a good mixture of the two. We’re going to have stone crabs, a lot of artists, non-profit organizations and our island food vendors, like Olde Fish House, Blue Dog, Eddy’s Awesome Shrimp Truck, Nauti Tiki BBQ and Nick B’s. We are really excited that these vendors have stepped up to support this event,” Aeschliman said.
The event will feature live performances by Zydegatorz and Matt Lee Crew, breaking for the crab auction in between. The auction, she said, begins early with online bidding and will benefit island non-profit organizations, such as the Matlacha Hookers and FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help).
In addition to the food and music, Bud Light and Bokeelia Rum are sponsors of this event.
There are 32 vendors in all, said Aeschliman, as well as local artist Mel Meo, who has designed this year’s event poster. Meo will be present signing posters at the event and there will be event T-shirts available for purchase, as well as a children’s area, featuring Chuck It Axes, made with rubber and Velcro, especially for kids. There will be a photo booth and props for plenty of on-sight theme photos, as well as a treasure chest with parting gifts.
“These events couldn’t go on without the great chamber we have. There’s a lot of pride there. We really want everyone to come out and experience the great food and support all the local businesses,” Aeschliman said.
Event Chairman Dave Conner, who has been on the Pine Island Chamber Board of Directors since January, said he is super excited to get this event going. Conner, who is a seasoned board member and event planner, said he got together with Blue Dog Bar and Grill owner John Lynch to figure out an off-season event to support island businesses.
“Every year we’re going to change the theme. Last year we did the fish auction at Olde Fish house. This year we decided to do a crab auction and merge it with the Stone Crab Festival so we could do two events at once. We wanted a fun local event where local businesses could kick off the season. We got a good response, I know we’re sold out on vendors,” Conner said.
Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 is located at 8150 Stringfellow Road in St. James City.
For additional information about the event, call the chamber at 239-283-0888.