The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers second annual IslandsFallFest filled with bargains to de-stress at Florida’s unspoiled sanctuary

02/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast will offer the destination’s second annual Islands FallFest from Sept. 1 through Nov. 14, 2009. With special packages created to encourage fall visitation to the area, the promotion combines annual events and festivals with special rates and value added deals for visitors to Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary.

“This year, we are especially sensitive to the economy and the fact that the consumer is looking for the best possible deal for their money. They are also looking for a place to escape from the day-to-day stress,” said Suya Davenport, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “We have worked with the tourism industry to offer price conscious packages that are combined with some of our area’s top annual events and festivals.”

For Floridians, Islands FallFest is a chance to discover, or rediscover, the area. The nearly 30 events spotlighted during the 75-day celebration appeal to a wide variety of interests. Visitors who participate can strap on their eye patches and join the mateys at the third annual Pirate Festival Oct. 9-11; watch artists from around the continent as they create amazing works of art at the 23th annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival Nov. 4-8; enjoy coconuts, multi-cultural food, carnival rides, water-ski shows, crafts and fireworks at the Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival Nov. 6-8; or celebrate German traditions at the 23th annual Oktoberfest Oct. 16-18 and 23 and 25.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Oct. 24-Nov. 1, or “Ding” Darling Days Oct. 18-24. Paddlers, competitors, families, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the nation attend the one-of-a-kind paddling festival. Eco-event festivities will include competitive canoe/kayak races, a pro-am kayak fishing tournament, paddling clinics and demonstrations, seminars, family activities, archaeological and environmental events, guided tours, a speakers' series and more celebrations along the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail.

And “Ding” Darling Days features a week of eco-activities with free tram tours through J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, live wildlife presentations, birding and kayaking tours, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, a nature photography contest and more. The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge’s namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. “Ding” Darling.

Visitors who attend one or more of the featured events on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel can take advantage of Islands FallFest vacation packages at more than 30 properties. Offers range from an extra night for free to discounts of up to 40 percent and room rates as low as $89 per night. Some attractions and retailers are also offering buy-one, get-one-free specials during Islands FallFest.

For information on planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel during Islands FallFest, visit
www.IslandsFallFest.comfor complete details on all events, vacation packages and special deals or call (800) 237-6444.

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