Queen Robin presents the changing of the guard
As the excitement builds for MangoMania 2009, Queen Robin Lilly last week met with some of her subjects to dub them as her official knights. Gathering at the Pine Island Library for the changing of the guard, nine island children rode in on their personally decorated steeds to kneel before their queen. Among Queen Robin’s knights are K.B. Beagles, Sam and Liam King, Hannah Holloway, Ariana and Bella Player and Raylee, Baelee and Lainee Klear.
Each of the children who participated was presented with an official steed created by Matlacha artist Leoma Lovegrove. The “stick horses” were made using golf clubs and the heads of a variety of plush animals including teddy bears, rabbits, horses and others. The children then decorated their mounts with ribbons, balloons and stickers and then rode them through the library to the queen who awaited their arrival seated on her official throne.
“I would like to thank Tanya Player with the library for providing this great opportunity to encourage the kids to get involved with MangoMania,” said Queen Robin. “I also owe a great deal of thanks to Leoma Lovegrove as well. It truly was a rewarding experience.”
Also last week, Queen Robin paid a visit to the the Lee County Commission during the board’s Tuesday meeting.
“I was escorted downtown by Lisa Benton with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and wore my official hand-painted outfit made by Leoma Lovegrove. My outfit, along with my tiara, really made me stand out in the crowd of county officials,” Queen Robin said. “We presented the commissioners with oatmeal and mango cookies made at our deli and Commissioner Ray Judah presented a proclamation in honor of MangoMania.”
Lilly is the co-owner, along with her husband Chris Capone, of Little Lilly’s Island Deli located in the Island Exchange Building just north of the center.
Continuing her duties as queen, Lily rode the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce float in the July 4 parade, attend a meeting with the Lee County Visitors and Conventions Bureau and appear as a guest on the Fox 4 Morning Blend, formerly the WIld Bill Show on Fox 4. The program will be taped on Pine Island on today, July 8, to be aired on Thursday, July 9, at 8 a.m. on Fox 4.
While attending MangoMania, Queen Robin will be on hand both days to meet and greet her subjects. In addition to leading the Hat Parade on both Saturday and Sunday, Queen Robin also will be kept busy spending time at several of the vender booths.
“I plan to spend some time at the Hooker booth as well as pouring refreshments at the beer booth so that I have an opportunity to meet and talk with as many people as possible who will be attending the event.”
Several thousand people attend MangoMania each year and it is anticipated that even more may turn out this year as the economy has encouraged area residents to take “stay-cations” this year.
“We encourage everyone to turn out for a great day of fun, food and music fit for people of all ages,” said Queen Robin. “As for the weather, the Mango King, Dick Grimes, has promised great weather this year and has insured this with his official gift of fruit to the hurricane gods earlier this year.”
MangoMania will take place at the German American Club on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about MangoMania, visit floridascreativecoast.com