South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat, Jolley Trolley, set for Nov. 26
The holiday season will be in full swing next weekend in the South Cape, as two different events geared towards both families and adults take over downtown.
The South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association will host the South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat and its second annual South Cape Jolley Trolley on Nov. 26.
“Why wait for December to kick off the holidays?” said SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “Tis the season for a ‘jolley’ good time. Our South Cape Business Gift-or-Treat is a great way to include families and children in the festivities. Our goal is always to bring awareness to businesses of South Cape, so what better way than to have people walking through your front door? And after the Gift-or-Treat, we roll right into our 21-plus event: Jolley Trolley. Attendees are encouraged to wear their onesies and bounce around on trolleys and limo buses to enjoy appetizer and drink samples.”
The gift-or-treat starts at noon and runs until 4 p.m. where parents can bring their little ones to have their stockings filled with goodies at South Cape businesses. There are gifts for kids and adults alike, as some businesses will pass out treats of higher value, such as gift cards to local establishments. A limo bus will transport children and families safely across Cape Coral Parkway from Big John’s Plaza to Zak’s Jewelry.
“The Business Gift-or-Treat is a twist on our Trick-or-Treat,” Quinn said. “Kids love to dress up and get involved. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family. Also, it brings people to businesses that they may not have known were there. Right before the holidays, we want to build up the South Cape hype and shopping local.”
If free gifts and weren’t good enough, children will also have the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus.
Participating locations include: Art in the Cape, The Cole Team at RE/MAX Realty Group, Duval Street, Eight-Foot Brewing, John Michael’s Diamond & Jewelry Studio, Karma and Coconuts, Lehne Burger, No. 3 Craft Brews & Beer Bar, Perk & Brew, Pure Joy Massage & Wellness, Salt Life, Mortgage, Trebing Tile & Carpet, and Zak’s Jewelry.
South Cape Jolley Trolley
From 7 to 11 p.m. attendees can board trolleys and frolic around to some of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy a drink and appetizer sample themed around the holidays. Tickets include a wristband to board the trolleys, a passport of locations to be stamped (collect them all to be entered to win the grand prize sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon), eligibility to win prizes for answering trolley trivia, entry into the photo booth contest where the winning photo will receive four tickets to SCHEA’s New Year’s Eve Trolley Event, access to the official photo booth at Dolphin Key Resort, and samples at each location. Make sure to dress in your most festive-themed garb.
“It’s always a good time,” Quinn said of the event. “We continue to see different onesies, ugly Christmas sweaters, and pajamas every year. Participants get creative and we absolutely love it.”
Participating locations and their samples include:
• BackStreets Sports Bar – Gingerbread Cookie Drink & White Chocolate Covered Pretzel
• BIG BBQ – Christmas Punch & Pork Sliders
• The Dive – Santa’s Milke & the Grinch’s Dip
• Dixie Roadhouse – Boozy Grinch Punch & TBD
• John Michael’s Diamond & Jewelry Studio – Sangria & Santa’s Italian Treats
• Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood – Jolley Monkey & Meatballs
• Rack’em Spirits & Times – The Rumbel Tumbel & Mom’s Ginger Snap Cookies
• Rusty’s Bar & Grill – Eggnog White Russian & Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes w/ Caramel
• Tiki Bar – TBD
“Everyone puts a twist on it,” Quinn said of the locations. “Whether it’s the drink and appetizer being served, the decorations or the staff outfits — the involvement is awesome and we are so grateful to partner with these local businesses.”
Guests can check-in from 6 to 7:30 p.m. under the entry awning of the Dolphin Key Resort (1502 Miramar St.) and at Big John’s Plaza. Late check-in will take place until 10 p.m. at a to-be-determined location.
Quinn said these kinds of events continue to highlight their mission of being a champion for small business in the South Cape.
“We are promoting events that increase the foot traffic and promotion of the area,” she said. “That in itself is building awareness. Especially over a holiday weekend where there is likely to be even more visitors in the area. We are here for the community, helping one event — or in this case, two — at a time.”
This event is 21-plus. Valid ID at check-in will be required.
Tickets are $30 with designated driver tickets at $25. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the South Cape Hub. Designated driver include everything the normal ticket does, other than the drink sample, which can be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage. Day-of tickets are $35, if available.
Tickets and more information can be found at www.SouthCapeEntertainment.com.