Estero Historical Society kicks off 2023-24 Lecture Series with event at Koreshan

A History of the Koreshan Unity Settlement will be the topic of the first event of the 2023-24 Saturday Lecture Series hosted by the Estero Historical Society. The event will be held at the historic Art Hall in the Koreshan State Park located at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Boulevard. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 16. A continental breakfast will be served. The presenter will be Ron Westcott, the lead docent of Koreshan State Park.

Koreshan Unity Settlement, a religious sect, founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed in Chicago, moved to what is now Estero in 1893. The utopian community was based on a commitment to communal living and a belief that the universe existed on the inside of the Earth. They were an industrious community that built and operated a printing facility, boatworks, cement works, sawmill, bakery, store and hostelry. The Koreshans had a profound effect on the development of Southwest Florida which Westcott will detail in his presentation.

Koreshan State Park charges a $5 entry fee at the ranger station. Visitors can tour the park following the presentation. In addition, attendees are asked to register for the presentation in advance on the Estero Historical Society website. EHS members pay $10 each and non-members pay $15 each.

Learn more about the Estero Historical Society at the website referenced above or by visiting facebook.com/esterohistory. The historical society museum, housed in two early 20th century buildings, is inside Estero Park at 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

Foghat to headline opening show of 2023 season at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater Oct. 12

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, the outdoor entertainment venue located adjacent to Luminary Hotel & Co., has announced its highly anticipated inaugural show of 2023 featuring legendary rock band, Foghat. On Thursday, Oct. 12, Foghat will rock the stage, taking concertgoers on a “slow ride” of musical nostalgia with a show that promises to relive classic hits and make new memories celebrating music, community, and the vibrant spirit of downtown Fort Myers.

“Our team is excited to present Foghat for the inaugural show of our 2023 season at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater,” said Robert Nokley, general manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. “The start of the new concert series underscores our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences and bringing exceptional live entertainment to the riverfront.”

Foghat was a mainstay of 1970s rock ‘n’ roll with a rich musical history spanning more than five decades. Achieving eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum album, the band is known for such hits as “Slow Ride,” “Fool for the City,” “Ride, Ride, Ride” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” Drummer and founding member Roger Earl and lead guitarist Bryan Bassett (a 24-year member of Foghat) lead the band. Scot Holt, former Buddy Guy guitarist, and Rodney O’Quinn round out the group.

Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at CaloosaSoundAmp.com. A selection of VIP, reserved seating, and general admission tickets will be available, ranging from $37 general admission (seat not provided) to $120 VIP on stage. Concertgoers can enjoy food and drinks served inside Caloosa Sound Amphitheater; outside food, drinks and coolers are prohibited. Small lawn chairs and blankets are permitted in the general admission lawn area.

For more information about the event, ticket availability and future shows coming to Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, visit CaloosaSoundAmp.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Fashion to a Tea set for Oct. 25 in Port Charlotte

The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, will host its fourth annual Fashion to a Tea fundraising event Wednesday, Oct. 25, in Port Charlotte, where fashionistas of all ages will gather for a fashion show and elegant high tea luncheon.

This year, Fashion to a Tea’s volunteer models will be sporting cocktail and party dresses, formal wear, business attire, casual wear and athletic apparel provided by Anthony’s Ladies Apparel in Punta Gorda. Models will be the foundation’s very own Guardian ad Litem Volunteers, board members and supporters.

Fashion to a Tea will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister St. in Port Charlotte.

Tickets are $55 per person and include a luncheon, fashion show, silent auction and fun surprises. Guests are encouraged to wear hats that complement the high tea environment. Sponsorships start at $500 and include event tickets, marketing opportunities and public recognition during the event.

Proceeds from Fashion to a Tea support programs for children and teens who have been abused, neglected or abandoned as they navigate the judicial and child welfare systems. Court-appointed volunteer child advocates can request funds through the Children’s Needs Program to cover expenses that foster parents and guardians are unable or unwilling to cover, including birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets and registration fees for clubs and sports. Funds also support Beds for Kids, a program that provides bed frames, mattresses, pillows, linens and stuffed animals so caregivers can provide a safe, comfortable home for children.

To purchase tickets, secure sponsorships or donate items to the silent auction, please call 239-245-7787 or visit VoicesForKids.org/fashion-to-a-tea/.

85th Annual Brighton Field Day Festival Feb. 16-18

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is hosting their 85th Annual Brighton Field Day Festival Feb. 16-18. The “Kid’s Day” is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16, with free admission to all schools. Gates open at 9 a.m.

The Brighton Field Day Festival will feature American Indian arts and crafts, native dancers and music, authentic Seminole food, alligator wresting, PRCA rodeo, concerts and more. The goal for this event is to offer a hands-on and immersive experience that showcases rich Seminole culture and heritage.

As part of this endeavor, they have curated a cultural village and various Field Day events that will enable students to engage directly with Seminole traditions and gain valuable knowledge.

The Brighton Field Day Festival will be held at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, which is at 17400 Sports Complex Road, N.E., Okeechobee. Please contact the Brighton Education Office at 863-763-3572 to schedule your field trip.

American Cancer Society announces Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball will be held Oct. 14

The American Cancer Society has announced the 2023 Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball will be held at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Coconut Point on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Cattle Baron’s Ball is the American Cancer Society’s signature western event with more than 50 events nationwide.

Since its inception, the event has raised $4 million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

This year’s mission moment will support the newly created Lee and Collier County Health Equity Fund. Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally. Many barriers can impact a person’s ability to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer and the American Cancer Society is committed to actively working towards ending cancer disparities. This fund will support programs related to transportation and lodging grants, as well as increasing screening efforts with partners in our community.

The 19th annual Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball will feature music from Whiskey County, along with a live and silent auction, bull riding, axe throwing, Heaven’s Door bourbon tasting, Dunkin’s Diamonds Diamond Heist and a custom designed menu from the Hyatt.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit leecattlebarons.com or contact Nina Gasparrini, Associate Director of Development, at 239-321-5018 or nina.gasparrini@cancer.org.