Sundown Stroll ready to step off at Tarpon Point
The first Sundown Stroll of the season kicks off next week with a Halloween theme.
The popular stroll is held on the third Thursday of the month at Tarpon Point Marina Shopping Promenade, 5871 Silver King Blvd.
Sponsored by a different business each month, the event now in its third season is open to the entire community.
The theme of this season’s first Sundown Stroll, to be held from 5 p.m to sundown on Thursday, Oct. 18, is Promenade Shops for Safe Trick or Treat.
The October stroll will feature trick or treating, arts and crafts, live music and a costume contest.
The costume contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. The winner of the children’s costume contest will receive a $25 gift card to Target and the pet costume winner will receive a $25 gift card to PetSmart.
This month’s sponsor is Estrela Spa & Salon.
“Every month the event is sponsored by a different business at Tarpon Point,” said Krissy Simone, with Esterra Spa & Salon. “Each time the owner of the business chooses a charity that they are involved with, have a connection to, or are passionate about. We do it throughout the season, October through April.”
The businesses in the Tarpon Point Shopping Promenade include Esterra Spa & Salon, Westin, Nauti Mermaid, Marker 92, Eva by the Sea, Gather, Gulf Coast Fudge Co., She Sells Shoes, Lorne’s Gallery, The Looke and Pinchers.
The goal of the stroll is to give back to the community by featuring a different charity. Money is raised for the charity through a raffle.
To date, more than $11,000 has been raised, as well food, school supplies, pet supplies and clothing for local charities including the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Trafalgar Middle School, Love and Compassion Ministries, Captains for Clean Water, Heart and Homes for Veterans, SWFL Crime Stoppers, Cape Caring Center, Florida Run For the Fallen, Donate 4 Kids Foundation and Heights Foundation.
For October, the charity is Paws Crossed Inc.
“We have someone that is a part of our staff that is passionate about this particular charity,” Simone said, adding that she and her family members volunteer. “It is something they were already actively involved with.”
So, when Simone found out that October was “her month,” she thought Paws Crossed Inc. would be a great charity to raise money for through the Sundown Stroll.
The drawing for the raffle will be at sundown.
“Strollers” can also purchase Halloween-themed drinks and food during the event. The Halloween- and fall-themed drinks for purchase will be at Gather and Nauti Mermaid.
“There will be a lot of vendors here that have to do with the animal community,” Simone said, such as veterinarians, and local pet shops that sell pet supplies.