The North Fort Myers Community Park’s 8th Annual Fall Fest, an event that draws hundred of kids and families alike, will be held Oct. 24.

New this year, look for an expanded Toddler Scare House, Commissioner Tammy Hall to introduce the event and the bloodmobile from Lee Memorial Health Systems Blood Center taking donations.

There are also double the number of businesses and organizations providing fun at booths. No sales are allowed, only activities.

One tradition over the last few years that will not change is an ongoing dedication of the park memorial to the late officer Sgt. Felix Romano.

“Sgt. Romano was an active volunteer at our park,” said Christine Schirmer, senior recreation specialist. “He actually volunteered here several years ago the day before his accident.”

Romano had been umpiring a game between the sheriff’s and fire departments when, on his way home, he was killed in an auto accident on Interstate 75.

Hall will give an introductory hello at the event at 6 p.m., and then the memorial will be recognized.

Besides the Toddler Scare House, there is always the regular Kid’s Scare House. One key volunteer who handles the scare houses is Sue Dufresne.

“She’s the creator and builder of the scare houses for the last six years and she does a wonderful job,” said Schirmer.

Dufresne’s daughter, Katie Smith, is also helping out this year, and will help man the spooky attractions.

There will also be a hayride and costume contest with trophies and free hot dogs, chips and soda for all.

“The first 150 children with costumes up to 12 years of age will get goody bags with prizes, candy and coupons,” said Schirmer.

One thing that will be different this year is tickets will be given to those at the gate, and once everyone gets their free hot dogs and soda, there will be seconds until all the food is gone.

US 41 Self Storage is the major sponsor of the event, along with other area businesses.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will do the cooking, and the Cape Coral Fire Department Safety House will be on display, a mobile that simulates hurricanes and fires. It will be staffed by Cape Coral and North Fort Myers fire department members.

The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. For information, call the park office at 652-6002.



Other park happenings

North Fort Myers Community Park will host strength training and toning classes two days a week through the next few months.

The cost is $28 per month. The purpose is to safely build muscles and tone the body through a variety of techniques and stretches. It is a back-to-basics approach with squats, lunges, bicep curls and push-ups to improve muscle mass, bone density and metabolism.

This is a weekly, one-hour class on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November and December, Nov. 4-25 and Dec. 2-23, from 8:45-9:45 a.m.

A new class of the 3 Plus Club will start Nov. 4 and run through Dec. 9 at the park. This is for children ages 3 to 5, and the cost is $15 per session.

Officials said it is great fun and builds social skills. Children will enjoy organized games, short movies, singing, crafts, special guests, art projects, story time, snacks and more. They will use small and large motor skills by playing active games, interacting with other children and enjoying arts and crafts. The class finishes with a light snack together under the pavilion. Wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.

For more information on both classes, call 652-6002 or 533-7440 to register.