SWFL Peace Day fest set for Sunday
Now in its 16th year, annual event becomes block party celebration
If You Go:
What: 16th Annual SWFL Peace Day
When: Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cottage Street in downtown Fort Myers
Parking: Parking for the event will be in the “Jury Parking Lot” located on the corner between Heitman Street and Cottage Street
A long-standing tradition in Southwest Florida will continue to spread the message of harmony and goodwill this weekend in Fort Myers.
The 16th Annual SWFL Peace Day takes place this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., taking on a “block party” format on Cottage Street in downtown Fort Myers. The street will be closed at both ends for visitors to fully enjoy activities, vendor booths, and opportunities to connect with the community.
“We are so excited for this year’s Peace Day celebration,” said event creator Zachari vanDyne. “The block party concept has been around for many years, and it’s known as a way to bring a community together for fun and connection. So many people we have talked to this year are thrilled with SWFL Peace Day hosting a block party in downtown Fort Myers. We hope that the new format continues to expand the spiral of Peace and inspire our community.”
The free event, held in honor of the International Day of Peace, also will feature food trucks, vendor and artist booths, live music, entertainment, and fun for the entire family, with many more surprises yet to be revealed. This year’s theme is “Community: Flow with It! Grow with It!”
Here’s What’s Happening This Year at Peace Day:
• Vendor and artisan Booths
• Delicious Food and Sweet Treats: Vegetarian, Vegan & Omnivore
• Live Music and DJs throughout the Day: Hosted by Jenni B (All Smiles Entertainment)
• Live Entertainment
• Water stations for pets
• Massage, Reiki, & Crystal Bowl Sound Baths
• Local non-profit organizations
• Food and Supplies Drive for ACT (Abuse & Counseling Treatment)
• Peace Blood Drive (One Blood Bloodmobile)
• Family Time Music Singalong
• Morning Time Tai Chi
• Yoga for All Ages
• Bounce House, Kids’ activities & Art
• Face Painting and Giveaways
• Butterfly Tent
• Mocktails and Kid-Friendly Drinks by Millennial Brewing
• Community Live Art, Henna & Readings
Due to Hurricane Ian, this year’s Peace Day event had to take on a new look, but nothing could stop organizers for presenting this event to the community.
“Since the first SWFL Peace Day 16 years ago, people have anticipated each annual Peace celebration, and many call it their favorite event of the year,” vanDyne said. “It’s not only the live music, fabulous food, and imaginative and creative vendor booths. It’s the combined energy of peace we all bring to share with community that is tangible, in the air and all around us.”
In 2017, Jaycee Park was damaged by Hurricane Irma and the event was moved to Alliance for the Arts. When COVID-19 was keeping the community from gathering in person, organizers created a billboard campaign and yard art signs for people to connect and support peace in the community. A few years later, due to the increase in attendance, it moved to Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park. This year, with Hurricane Ian damage to the park, organizers decided to hold the first-ever Peace Day Block Party.
“It’s an actual day of peace, created by all of us together,” vanDyne continued. “When people get together in the name of peace and begin to communicate and co-create, the spiral of peace expands and grows, and we set a world-changing example for generations to come.”
Parking for the event will be in the “Jury Parking Lot” located on the corner between Heitman Street and Cottage Street.
If parking becomes full, attendees can find a parking spot in surrounding areas, such as Centennial Park and surrounding parking garages.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com