Fifth grader wins MangoMania art contest
After having sifted through more than 50 drawings render by Pine Island elementary students, during last week’s fifth grade graduation, the winner of the youth MangoMania art contest was announced.
“First of all congratulations to you on your big evening here tonight,” said Mango Queen Carie Call. “We are here to thank you all so much for participating in the 2010 MangoMania Art T-shirt contest. There were so many talented entries, but we chose one winner, Austin Lagarto.”
Austin is a fifth grade student at Pine Island Elementary School and received his design on the official children’s T-shirt for 2010 MangoMania and a $50 cash prize.
Throughout the month of June, all of the artwork produced by the children are on display at the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.
“We are encouraging family members and residents to stop by the chamber during the month to view all the art,” said Chamber director, Lisa Benton. “All of the submissions are wonderful and very creative.”
Images created by the children range from mango sunbathers to mango aliens and were produced in vivid colors. At the close of the show at the chamber, the children will be able to take their artwork home.
MangoMania will take place on July 10 and 11 at the German-American Club on Pine Island Road and in addition to special activities and a designated area specifically for children, organizers will be introducing something new for the whole family to enjoy.
This year, MangoMania will feature a “Kid’s Farmers Market” for children to sell fruits and vegetables during the two-day event.
“With the economic hardships that many families are enduring, we thought it would be great to help some of them to earn some extra money,” said event coordinator, Leslie Arias. “For just $25 kids will be allowed to set up a table and umbrella or tent to sell fruits and vegetables that they may be growing in their own backyard. The children also will be asked to participate in the opening day parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday and their market hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
All children participating in the Kid’s Farmers Market must be accompanied by an adult and should be well protected from the sun.
Those interested in participating are asked to call the chamber office at 283-4842 or e-mail Leslie at mangomaniafair@gmail.com
Arias also said that vendor spaces are still available for local businesses and individuals to sell their wares.
“This is a great venue and a great time of year to expose your products or business,” Arias said. “Last year, MangoMania had over 8,000 attendees during the two-day event and we expect it to be even bigger this year.”
Those interested in either vendor space or sponsorship, e-mail Arias or stop in or call the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.
Vendor information and application also can be found online at MangoManiaFL.com