Shell Factory to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
One year after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ edicts shut down a number of events, including the final hour of a St. Paddy’s day celebration at the Shell Factory, the venue is going to give it another go today, March 17, when it hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day from noon to 6 p.m.
It is the sixth year the Shell Factory has held this event, and has grown in popularity every year.
“We’re hoping this year is just as good as always. Of course, we’re always concerned about how people are feeling about the pandemic,” said Shell Factory General Manager Anne Sheridan. “It looks pretty good so far. We have many people coming in and the raffle tickets are close to selling out.”
Last year, the event went on as planned, albeit somewhat scaled down, with no dancers or bagpipers and a much smaller crowd. But when the governor shut things down at 5 p.m. they had to close Dog Bones and remove the chairs and portable bars from the parking lot.
The event this year will feature traditional Irish food and green beer, as well as the Shamrock Shenanigans Costume Contest, entertainment all day long with Chuck Peterson, 20 percent off all green merchandise in the store and a 50/50 Pot of Gold raffle.
As far as entertainers, there will be bagpipers and Irish dancers throughout the afternoon.
There also will be a $5,000 reverse raffle, where the last ticket drawn is the winner.
A ticket will get you admission for two adults to the sponsor area. The cost is $100 and you need not be present to win.
The first ticket will be drawn at 2 p.m.
The raffles will benefit the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation.
The Shell Factory is at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave. in North Fort Myers.
For more information, call 995-2141 or visit shellfactory.com
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com