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Boca Grande throws a party to usher in season

Fall was in the air and in the attitudes of those who attended the Boca Grande Fall Festival over the weekend, and with approximately 2,000 off-island guests, was considered a success by those who coordinated the event.

“It was really something,” said Lynda Lancaster, executive director of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. “We raised approximately $28,000, which is a great thing for our scholarship fund, and for the community. It was a little windy, a little chilly at times, but it made it really feel like fall … and that’s something we don’t usually get to experience.”

The festival was held to benefit the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund, which distributes approximately $35,000 every year to local youth for continuing education needs.

The day started at dawn for the vendors and artists that had their wares set up on Park Avenue. David “Smitty” Smith, the barbecue chef from Hudson’s, said that he put his butts on the grill at 4 p.m. on Friday, and hauled the large cooker from the store to his spot on Park Avenue at 4:30 a.m. Saturday.

By the time 10 a.m. rolled around, the sidewalks and streets downtown were already filling up with visitors and the air was filled with the smell of burning wood from the barbecue cookers.

Down the street, Chef Michael Katz of the Pink Elephant was getting warmed up, too. He won the grand prize in the barbecue cook-off for his brisket. When he was presented with the plaque, named with the prestigious title “The Golden Sop Mop People’s Choice Award,” he was grinning ear to ear.

“It was a great competition,” he said. “It was for a great cause and everyone who cooked, and ate, had fun.”

Kris Boyden said of the two she sampled both were “absolutely wonderful.”

“I’m actually sorry I didn’t go back and get more of the Pink Elephant brisket and the bakery’s samples,” she said. “My biggest regret of the day.”

Over at the mechanical hammerhead, there was a line that didn’t quit until the beast was packed up in the truck. Lilly Chadwick, the 12-year-old grand-daughter of Gasparilla Inn and Club owners Will and Sarah Farish, ended up with $100 and a big smile. She managed to stay on the shark for 85 seconds, a record of all the children and adults who took their turn “riding the shark.”

“It was so exciting,” she said. “I loved it. It was fun, the whole day was really, really fun.”

When the crowd numbers started peaking in the afternoon, the barbecue was flying off the plates. Executive Chef Peter Timmins of the Gasparilla Inn and Club, one of the coordinators of the event, said he thought the turnout and the day in general were fantastic.

“I still can’t believe we managed to get 15 restaurants to participate in an event like that, and for everyone to be as committed as they were, was an absolute marvel,” he said. “Everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun, and chefs are a very competitive bunch. I think 15 people thought they won the contest, but the people who really won were the ones who showed up to taste the food. I was amazed at the support that was given. They stepped up, and not only helped, they showed me something I have never seen before.”

When the bands started playing the beer truck got busier. Local real estate agent Kevin Hyde had his hands full drawing beer after beer for 30 patrons.

“I consider it my community service,” he said. “I do wish I had one of these at home, though.”

The downtown area emptied out at 7:30 p.m. when the fireworks were scheduled to start. Hundreds gathered on local beaches to watch the display, put on by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

“Ohhhs” and “aahhhs” were heard throughout the crowd as the display went non-stop.

“It was an absolutely amazing display,” Lancaster said. “Everyone should thank Hudson’s Grocery, as well as Comcast, for such an incredible sight.”

“It was like one long finale,” one spectator was heard saying. Others around them agreed.

The next morning more than 150 people packed the Boca Grande United Methodist Church for the ecumenical breakfast.

The wind didn’t deter seven young anglers from participating in the youth fishing tournament, held at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier on Sunday, Oct. 18. They all went home with prizes, which included tackle boxes and new fishing gear.

“Only a few daring little anglers showed up for the cold and windy tournament, but all of them had fun,” said Joe Wier, supervisor for Lee County Parks and Recreation and organizer of the tournament. “The children who showed up for the event had a great time and all of them caught fish.”

The little anglers were: Elijah Fraley, 6; Charlotte Chatham, 4; Ben King, 8; Adam Houk, 7; Clyde Houk, 9; Jack King, 10; and Sashia Fraley, 9.

“The kids hooked into mangrove snapper, small grouper, speckled trout and some big pinfish,” Wier said. “The fish of the day was a19-inch snook caught by Jack King. Jack also caught the most fish with eight measured and released.”

The smiles were extremely big when Joe handed all the children a brand new fishing rod and reel for participating in the tournament. All of the fishing combos were donated by the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce. Boca Grande Marina donated all of the bait for the tournament.

Sunday evening the Crowninshield Community House was the stage for hungry people looking for spaghetti. They were not disappointed, as the now-famous spaghetti was doled out by heaping platefuls, along with many desserts and side dishes.

On Monday, the Gasparilla Properties – Grande Aire Boca Grande Golf Classic took place with more than 60 golfers competing.

The Grand Champion Flight award was taken by a foursome consisting of Jay Choi, Jack Collins Jr., Chris Collins and Scott Alexander. They shot a 56.

First flight winners were a team consisting of Karen Swager, Mike Hutchens, Howie Stoughton and Tom Myers, with a 65.

Second Flight winners included Tony Strong, Marc Hetzner, Annette Moran and Pam Debrosie with a 71.

In the closest to the pin contest, Steve Martson took Hole 5, Tom Myers won Hole 6, Jay Choi won Hole 14 and Jack Pierce commanded Hole 17.

Justin Eighmey took the award for the Men’s Longest Drive, and Karen Swager did the same with the Women’s Longest Drive. Tucker McCrum won for the longest putt.

“Wasn’t it something to see the whole community get together for this festival,” said Bob Melvin, co-owner of Gasparilla Properties. “I love it when we can do this and everyone has such a good time. These scholarships are so important to the youngsters in this community, so it was a great thing all around. I hope we can do it again.”