‘One big ol’ block party’
St. James City will be rocking Saturday, Oct. 22, when local businesses hold the inaugural Rocktoberfest. The day’s activities begin at noon and continue well into the evening.
Scott and Barb Adams, owners of the Low Key Tiki, are enthusiastic about the event.
“We business owners got to talking and decided we needed to have something for the community,” Scott said. “Having it in October before the season is fully under way is great timing.”
Barb added,”Matlacha had its Art Night and Fort Myers its art and music nights. We wanted something for St. James City.”
Denise McConnell, bar manager of Ragged Ass Saloon, has just joined in the planning but brings experience of involvement with similar events held for Pine Island Little League with her.
“This will be one big ol’ block party,” she said.
According to Jenny Kormos of the Two Fish Inn and president of the St. James City Business Association, sponsors of the event, vendor applications are now being accepted.
“We’d like to see 40 vendors of arts and crafts and products such as salsas,” Kormos said. “We want as many local residents as possible.”
Kormos has already arranged for a kids’ carnival with a rock climbing wall, gladiator joust, water bubbles, a trampoline bungee ride, a bounce house, games, and food.
All of the vendors will be set up within walking distance of the four music venues, Low Key Tiki, Ragged Ass Saloon, Woody’s, and Froggy’s.
Low Key will have Jim Banks from 1 to 4 p.m. and Greg Fulks on his cigar box guitar from 5 to 8 p.m. Burnt Out Band will be at Ragged Ass from 1 to 5 p.m. A band yet to be announced will commence at 3 p.m. at Woody’s and play until 6 p.m. Finally, Froggy’s will showcase Under the Influence from 6 to 10 p.m.
J.D. Hollway of the Waterfront Restaurant will have a food booth set up in the Monroe Canal Marina parking lot. He is also in charge of the scavenger hunt.
For more information on becoming a vendor, call Kormos at 283-4519 or visit www.saintjamescity.org.