Chamber crowns Mango Mania royalty
By ED FRANKS
Dozens of Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce members gathered last Thursday at Island Cafe on the Bay to celebrate the crowning of Jonna Bouchard as the new Mango Mania Queen.
“And now for the big announcement everybody is here for,” Jennifer Jennings said. After calling Theresa Roach, Tonya Player, Valarie Hedman and Melissa Koferi forward, Jennings said, “Ladies and gentlemen this year’s Mango Queen is Ms. Jonna Bouchard.”
Jennings also announced the winners of the Mango Mania T-shirt competition. The children’s T-shirt 2015 design winner is Julissa Gvaderrama, who received a check for $50. The adult R-shirt design winner is Fishwear Outfitters of Matlacha.
The 19th annual Mango Mania Tropical Fruit Festival will be held Saturday, July 18, and Sunday 19, at the German American Club on Pine island Road, Cape Coral.
All of the former Mango Queens present helped “dress” and crown the new queen. “The Crown Jewels are by Steve Timcak of Island Visions,” Jennings said.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Bouchard said. “I am a little overwhelmed but I promise to do as much as I can to serve as your queen and really love this island.”
Among the queen’s responsibilities will be to promote Pine Island as a tourist destination.
“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight,” Jennings told the crowd. “If you haven’t visited the Wellness Center be sure to stop there before you leave tonight. Tim Shevlin has a ‘natural’ approach to health with yoga, healthy eating. Be sure to stop by the Wellness Center and also Maureen Peters at Tropical Treasures.”
Jennings announced two new chamber members. The first was Walkin’ the Dog Fishing Charters opened by Chuck Downes and the second is Pine Island Pizza (opening in the old Beacon of H.O.P.E. building). Two current members rejoined for the coming year: Blue Dog Bar and Grill and Cube Smart.