Heroes in the Sand — The Cincinnati Firemen return
The sand is already starting to heat up as we head back into warmer weather, but it’s going to downright catch on fire in a few days, when the Cincinnati Firemen make their way back down to the island, celebrating spring break with singing, dancing, shaking and twerking along the beachside stage of the Lani Kai.
Raising funds for local charity while putting on their hilariously entertaining variety shows March 6 to 16 (no show on the 12th), starting at 1:30 p.m., a group of about 25, you’ll see all the fire-fighting regulars, including Scar, Joe, Jeff, Ricky D, Kevin, Chad, Johnny and Cam, along with five newbies, fresh to the tumultuous island-style tomfoolery and super-sweet springtime shenanigans.
“We’ve been practicing every Thursday and Sunday since January, and the guys are ready to get down there and put on some hopefully awesome shows for you,” modestly said by Angelo “Scar” Scarlato, one of the co-founders of the annual trip down south for nearly two decades, along with Jeff Yount and Joe Diebold.
These 1.5-to-2-hour-long variety shows feature some of the hottest dance moves and skits to some of the hottest songs of today and a few years back. A few of their most popular skits include the dance to MJ’s Thriller, Grease, the Black Eyed Peas, Kid Rock, a few hits from the Village People even Elvis makes an appearance!
“We didn’t delete too much from the prior show, and added at least two new skits. They’re pretty hilarious, and we’ve put together an 80s medley, too. It’s gonna be pretty funny and it sounds like I’ll be stuck in my thong again,” Scar laughed.
The Cincy Firemen attract thousands to the island annually, just to get their eyes on the variety show prize, and while the boys are having fun in the sand in sun, they’re sure to help raise funds for local charities in need. This year, they will once again help the ARABA?Shrine Club.
“Since performing at the Lani Kai five years ago, we’ve raised just under $55,000 for local Southwest Florida charities,” Scar said. “We’ve chosen to yet again raise funds for the ARABA?Shriners because they’re an amazing group that tirelessly does what they can for local children.”
Since shifting their shows from the privately owned north-end beach cottage to the Lani Kai, the pair seems to be a match made in heaven. “The Lani Kai is amazing the Conidaris family Mr. C and staff treats us so well we love them and they love us and they’ve done millions of dollars of renovations to the hotel since we were down last year it’s really nice.”
Larry Puccia, general manager of the Lani Kai, is happy to have the firemen return year after year. “Our prime motivator is the charity work they do all they generate for local non-profits seeing the joy their shows bring to people,” he said. “We have people call months in advance asking when they’re coming back down people who come to the shows every single day. It’s a community thing that the Lani Kai is all about we want to be a small part contributing to all of the good they do down here.”
Be sure to hit up the firemen’s Facebook page by searching “Greater Cincinnati Firefighters Show,” and visit LaniKaiIslandResort.com to see the latest additions to the resort, including the all-new Sabal Palm Bar and Grill on the main floor, or call 239-463-3111.