Blueway Festival comes to Pine Island this weekend
Three days of paddling and celebration will take place in Matlacha and Pine Island during this year’s Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival.
From Matlacha to Bokeelia and St. James City, paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do Friday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 7, as the 10-day celebration comes to a finale on the island.
The festivities will begin Friday evening in Matlacha with a Paddler’s Reception at Angler’s Inn, at 11282 Matlacha Avenue. The event is sponsored by Bert’s Bar. Happy hour food and drinks will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. A captain’s meeting and reception for participants in the Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament will be held at Angler’s Inn from 6-6:20 p.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, all are invited to travel to Randell Research Center in Pineland. Meet at the Pine Island Historic Marker at the Calusa Heritage Trail from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and canoers and kayakers can take part in an estuary paddling trip.
According to Cindy Bear, with Randell Research, highlights will include learning about estuarine plants and animals and how archaeologists use the remains of these organisms to learn about the Calusa and their environment. Participants will receive on-the-water information about the Pine Island Sound segment of the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.
The cost to participate is $25 for members of the Randell Research Center and $35 for non-members. Paddlers are asked to bring their own boats and equipment and register in advance. All benefits from the estuary paddle trip will benefit the on-going archeology and programs at Randell Research Center.
For landlubbers, Randell Research has a special activity planned. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m, guided tours will be conducted at the Pineland Mound Complex of the Calusa Heritage Trail. Woodworker and artisan Felix Macaguani Rodrigues will be on hand to share his work and knowledge with visitors.
Rodriguez produces hand-carved canoe paddles of native design in the artistic traditions of his Ciboney heritage. His family tree extends from Florida into Cuba and his paddles are known for their authentic, yet original pre-Columbian periods. Producing museum quality pieces, Rodrigues’ works have been sought by tribal art curators.
To register for the estuary paddle trip or for more information, call Randell Research Center at 283-2157.
Also Saturday, learn how to be kinder to Blueway boarders with a visit to the Pine Island Public Library. From 9 a.m.-noon, a seminar titled “Yard Blues” will be hosted by Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program. A guided walk will take place on the library grounds and those attending will learn the top 10 native plants that residents frequently plant along the 190-mile long Blueway paddling trail.
For more information, call 533-7515 or visit: lee.ifas.ufl.edu.
Photographers will have an opportunity to show off their best images of the Blueway as well Saturday. A Photo Contest Reception will take place at the Matlacha Community Park from noon-1:30 p.m. There will be a presentation by outdoor photography speaker, painter and past photo contest winner Jeanette Chupack. A presentation of “Florida Time Forgot” will be hosted by nature photographer Mark Renz. It is free and open to the public.
During the afternoon, fishing and kayak enthusiasts can participate in the Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Matlacha Community Park. Anglers must present digital photo cards of their catch no later than 3 p.m.
Dominick Greco, of Kayak-Charters.com, will host a presentation from 3-3:30 p.m., then the winning anglers will be presented with awards at 3:30 p.m.
Joining in on Saturday’s festivities will be members of the Calusa Land Trust of Pine Island, who will conduct a tour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The guided paddle will take participants to the Calusa Island in Bokeelia to be introduced to one of the Land Trust’s most interesting preserves. The tour begins at Jug Creek Cottages in Bokeelia and participants will paddle about a mile and a half to Calusa Island, where there will be a guided hike of the island.
A donation of $20 per person is suggested for the tour. For those who do not own a boat, kayaks will be available to rent from Tropic Star. To reserve a spot, call 283-1878 or e-mail Brenda@CalusaLandTrust.org.
Those needing a break from the fast-paced activities can rest under the trees and enjoy an Organic High Tea and Fashion Show in St. James City. Hosted by Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, the event will take place from 2-4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center.
After the brief rest, return to Matlacha for a Paddler’s Reception at the Sun and Moon Inn, at 3962 Pine Island Road. Refreshments, beer and raffles will be provided by Matlacha’s Sandy Hook Fish and Rib House for a modest donation. The reception will be followed by a Paddler’s Dinner and Music at the Pine Island Resort, KOA beginning at 6 p.m.
Admission is $20 per couple or $12 for singles. Attendees must arrive no later than 8 p.m. to enjoy dinner. Place reservations by calling 283-2415 or e-mail pineislandresort@gmail.com.
Wrapping up the festival will be more hands-on activities Sunday. Join the Southwest Florida Paddling Club for a trip on Pine Island Sound from 9-11 a.m. The paddlers will launch from Pine Island Commercial Marina on Maria Drive in St. James City. All participants must wear a life vest while on the water. Other suggested items to bring along are water, binoculars, a camera and clothes appropriate for the weather. Parking is free. To RSVP, call Pat Owen at 410-0167.
For those who would like to rent a kayak for $25, contact Jory at (941) 621-2502.
Earlier Sunday, back at the Matlacha Park, a Paddle of the Pass Canoe and Kayak Regatta will take place. Check-in will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. and the regatta will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy the rest of the day at the Taste of Matlacha and Bluegrass for a Blueway concert in the Matlacha Community Park from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by the Matlacha Civic Association, several island restaurants will offer samples from their menus for a small charge. Participating this year will be Bert’s Bar and Grill, Miceli’s, Moretti’s, Olde Fish House, Perfect Cup, Sandy Hook and Sandi’s Old Town Deli.
Admission is free and tickets will be on sale to sample from each of the booths. The cost of a ticket is $1.50, which could be used toward food or beverages. The price of a soft drink or bottle of water will be one ticket and entrees will be sold for two to five tickets. All proceeds from the Taste of Matlacha will benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.
While visiting the park Sunday, attendees can witness kayak demonstrations, a presentation from the Calusa Ghost Tours and Florida Paddlesports SUP, as well as windsurf demonstrations with Ace Performer.
For more information about the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, visit: leeparks.org or calusabulewaypaddlingfestival.com.