Initial Home Town Carney a huge success

Nov 30, 2016 2 min read

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Donna Cook and Marty Kendall, president of the Garden Club, at the carnival. ED FRANKS

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From left, Geneve Corneta, Matlacha Hooker DJ Ruscik and Allison Files at the Dunk A Hooker booth. ED FRANKS

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A youngster picks a prize after playing “Chuckaduck” at the Calusa Land Trust tent. ED?FRANKS

Under sunny skies and with cool breezes blowing, the first annual Hometown Carney took place Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Winn-Dixie parking lot.

“I am really thrilled with the exceptional turnout,” Mariners president Wayne Reed said. “All morning we were almost filled to capacity and the afternoon looks like we’re going to finish strong.”

The Matlacha Mariners teamed with numerous organizations on the island to assemble the event.

Some of the sponsors of the event were Matlacha Mariners, Matlacha Hookers, Pine Island Kiwanis, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Olde Fish House Marina, Calusa Land Trust, Pine Island Garden Club, Beacon of Hope, Greater Pine Island Lions Club, and Pine Island Fire Department, in addition to several churches and other groups on the Island.

“This was a lot of hard work but it’s very gratifying to see the number of vendors and islanders here today. We had something like 20-plus vendors.” Reed said. “I thought if we join with the Matlacha Hookers and as many local civic and charitable organizations as possible to bring a nostalgic, old-fashioned town carnival to Pine Island, we would have a successful event.”

“We’ll have music throughout the day by Annie Wenz, The Skinny Water Seagrass Band, Rosebush Theory and Pine Island’s own Strange Arrangement will be there,” music organizer Warren Van Kirk said.

Michelle Harmon brought her two sons to play “Chuckaduck” at the Calusa Land Trust tent.

“I’ve never seen this before on the island,” Harmon said. “I hope they do this every year as my sons get older.”

“We’re excited to join forces with many of the local civic and charitable organizations on Pine Island to provide a fun family event to raise money that will stay right here on the island to help local neighbors in need,” Reed said. “I hope we can do this Hometown Carney every year.”

The Matlacha Mariners and Matlacha Hookers are independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that raise funds through several popular events year round and then contribute to deserving local community charities and support groups throughout the year.