Preserve hosts Visions of the Past Saturday
Fort Myers Beach history has always been intriguing for the average resident or visitor sporting a curiosity.
This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., one can explore and travel through history through a free guided walk amongst visual aids.
The annual Visions of the Past – a Guided Walk Through History will once again explore more than 2,000 years of the Beach past at Matanzas Pass Preserve.
Attendees will enjoy the facts and folklore of years past with a stroll through the protected preserve while visiting costumed Calusa Indians, Spaniards, Pirates, Koreshans, Early Settlers and Pioneers of Estero Island.
Officials are geared up for an expanded event this year.
“I’m so excited about the event this year,” said Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Vickie Little. “We’ve added a number of different things. The event has really taken off.”
John Paeno of Calusa Ghost Tours has joined the history-themed tour. So has Masseuse Corrie Francisco, who will also be involved in the pirate segment of the walk as well as members of the Beach Arts Cooperative.
“We’ve added a new station to our actual walk this year,” said Little. “It’s kind of neat to see the community step up. We’ve got some new blood and some real cool costumes.”
Near the preserve entrance, there will also be a craft and vendor area with sale items such as local honey, native seeds, candles or soap making, pottery and photography. Chef Dan Andre of Mango Street Inn, a Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve member, will be serving his signature jerk chicken while other food items will be available.
Visions of the Past is sponsored by the Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve, Red Coconut RV Resort, Estero Island Historic Society, Calusa Ghost Tours/Paddlesports, Tranquility Cove Massage and Lee County Parks & Recreation. It is open to all ages. Reservations are encouraged but not required. If you would like to reserve a time slot, email vlittle@leegov.com. For more information, visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7444.