Taste of Pine Island Jan. 30-31 at Phillips Park
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island will hold the annual Taste of Pine Island Saturday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The event will take place at Phillips Park, 5675 Sesame Drive, on Pine Island Road behind the Pine Island Fire Station. Single day tickets are $6 and two-day passes are $10. Children 10-and-under are free. Bring three or more non-perishable food items for a donation to the Pine Island Pantry and receive $1 off your entrance fee.
The Taste of Pine Island will feature a variety of food and craft vendors. The live entertainment this year features something for everyone.
All of the bands performing are either from Pine Island or play regularly here.
The Taste of Pine Island is a family-friendly event with kids’ activities and games. No coolers or pets are permitted.
In conjunction with Taste of Pine Island, the 13th annual Southwest Florida Chowder Cook-off Contest will take place Saturday and the 5th annual Chili Cook-off Contest will be held Sunday. The public will be able to sample and judge the entries.
The Fish Drop will take place Sunday at 4 p.m., with a $1,000 grand prize, $500 second place prize and $250 third place prize.
Fish Drop tickets and Taste of Pine Island tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at Century 21 Realty in St. James City and the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce in Matlacha.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island is working with the Pine Island Food Pantry to incorporate a food drive with Taste of Pine Island. Helping to provide food for island residents who need it is a perfect fit for the event.
The Taste of Pine Island is the primary fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island Youth Scholarship Fund. This year the club hopes to raise over $25,000 at the event to assist Pine Island students with their higher education costs.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island is a community service organization that meets most Wednesday mornings at Bert’s in Matlacha.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island and the Taste of Pine Island, visit the club’s website at www.pikiwanis.com or e-mail Taste chairman, Tim Saulsbery at timsauls-bery@yahoo.com or call him at 239-910-2263.