Coconut Fest continues today, Saturday and Sunday
A 5K race and kids’ run event is something new this year to help Cape Coral celebrate through the annual Coconut Festival through this weekend at Sun Splash Family Waterpark.
The inaugural Coconut 5K Run starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine. The kids’ run follows with an 8 a.m. start. The entry fee for the Coconut 5K is $35 for ages 18 and older on race day starting at 6:30 a.m. The kids’ run costs $10 to enter.
All proceeds from the run benefits the Achieva Foundation, which supports local schools.
“We’re excited to be adding this event to the Coconut Festival,” said Achieva CEO Gary Regoli. “Community service and supporting local schools is a big part of Achieva’s DNA.”
The four-day celebration of the city’s near half-century in Southwest Florida continues Saturday and Sunday. Visitors are treated to all kinds of live entertainment, carnival rides, games, food, contests, fireworks displays each night, and much more.
“It’s the city’s birthday party celebration,” said Todd King, special events coordinator for Cape Coral Parks & Recreation in an interview last week. “We’re looking forward to the whole town coming out and having a great time.”
Adult admission is $7 per day with children under age 5 admitted free. All-day carnival wristbands for unlimited rides are $25 at the gate.
Parking is free at Sun Splash, but somewhat limited. Event visitors are encouraged to arrive early to be assured of a parking space. The event normally draws upwards of 30,000 visitors over four days.
Friday is Coco Country Night from 5 p.m. till midnight. The main performance stage is all country entertainment by Blaire Hanks at 6:30, CAM at 7:30 and Chris Janson at 9:30, the latter following the first of two fireworks displays.
Hawaiian and Polynesian style dance groups are joined by a Cirque du Soleil style troop performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Saturday is Coco Rock ‘N Roll Night from noon to midnight featuring two tribute bands performing ZZ Top and AC/DC hit songs plus the headline concert by Blue Oyster Cult.
“The fun thing about these tribute bands is they do everything in character,” said King. “That’s the fun and novelty of their performing the songs we all know. You actually think you’re watching ZZ Top and AC/DC.”
ZZ’s Best gives its tribute performance at 6 p.m. followed by Back in Black’s tribute to AC/DC at 7:30. The last fireworks display goes off at 9, followed by Blue Oyster Cult at 9:30.
Sunday’s events begin at noon and close down at 9 p.m.
Sunday is more a family day.
Local school and community groups performing gymnastics, musicians and singing will be featured.
Football fans can watch the NFL games on the jumbo TV screen in the Kia party tent.
Sun Splash is at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
For more information call 239-573-3128, or visit www.cocofest.com.