Worden Farm also hosts events and tours, educating about farming and culinary techniques. This includes culinary workshops, farm tours, gardening workshops, private market bookings, farm feasts and special events.

From the Fall to the Spring seasons, anyone is able to gain access to their wonderful food by going to a sponsored farmer’s market. The farm produces over 50 different varieties of certified organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, making it hard to walk away without buying something! Worden Farm’s Greenmarket will be featured at the Village every Wednesday, between the months of January and March, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Not only will organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers be available for purchase from Worden Farm but the Village will also have 100% natural granola from Leslie’s Granola, fresh seafood from Peace River Seafood, imported olive oils and spices from Bella Balsamic, Culinary Cooking Demos by Charlotte Technical Center and live entertainment by Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst for some dancing while you shop!

By becoming a member of Worden Farm, you are guaranteed: affordable weekly harvest share of fresh, local, organic produce, during peak season, a weekly farm newsletter with recipes, ideas, farm updates, and photos, free farm tours for members and guests during the season, discounts on farm workshops and special events, 10% discount at all Worden Farm farmers market locations, personal satisfaction of connecting with the farm, and helping to protect the environment, preserve open space, support family farming, promote training of future organic farmers and gardeners, and create a strong local economy and community.

Visit www.wordenfarm.com for further farm membership information, crop information, over 50 different listed recipes, and upcoming events or call 941 637-4874 for more information. You can always visit www.fishville.com for upcoming events, times and locations of upcoming Worden Farm’s Greenmarket at the Village. See you at the market!

Amy and Bryan Hick’s Beach Bums fudge store has been an incredible hit in Southwest Florida but it’s new addition, Beach Bums Sweet Shoppe:Cupcakes, Sweets and Treats, is a whole other story! As soon as you enter the store, your nostrils are hugged by a sweet and sultry aroma of freshly made chocolate and sweets. Jumbo cupcakes, double fudge brownies and cookies are made every day. There are 15 different kinds of chocolate filled cupcakes that are guranteed to make your taste buds scream for more. Saltwater taffy and delicious bulk chocolates are available by the pound (but you will certainly want more). If you’re looking for the sweets without getting the sweet tooth, there are sugar free choices as well! Hand dipped pretzels and graham crackers are the way to go for a salty but sweet taste. Not to mention, Beach Bums also sells nostalgic candies for a “sweet” trip back to the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s like old fashioned candy drops and handmade candy canes. Soon to come is are whole lines of cake and cupcake cookbooks so you can bring Beach Bums to you! Need ideas for holiday or birthday gifts? Head on over where there are themed items such as birthday hats, specialty holiday ornaments and household decorations and so much more!

Plans for a night out on the town? Check out our new bling store Bitz of Glitz! This store is fun for all ages with everything a girl needs. The costume jewelry, handbags, belts and scarves makes this store an accesory dream! The owner, Meme Albright, also owns two other stores in the Village, Bijoux and Sea Spirit. The merchandise allows customers to mix and match with inexpensive jewelry that is sure to make you shine even more. Sparkles, rhinestones and floral patterns are popular in this cute and trendy store. During the holiday and birthday season, it’s a great place to easily find something to work with whether you’re on the runway, headed to school or out to dinner with some family and friends. Everyone is talking about Bitz of Glitz!

For more information on these great new stores visit www.fishville.com or call 941-639-8721.

The festivities will begin at 5:30 pm with the arrival of the one and only, Santa Clause. Join us for his arrival in his reindeer drawn carriage courtesy of TKM stables! Following the official ribbon cutting are Lee County Pipes and Drums as they parade through the Village. Be sure to stop by Center Court to catch their special Christmas performance.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Bring the whole family to join in song with the Charlotte Chorale Dickens Carolers from 6:00-8:00pm. Get Christmas airbrushed art for free on your face or body or even a free balloon creation courtesy of Luis the Balloon Man. Throughout the night complimentary refreshments will be offered to our patrons as you join us for dancing the night away to the Boogiemen Band from 5-9 pm, getting snapshots with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and shopping throughout the Village for Christmas gifts. Be sure to catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage by TKM Stables for a small fee to complete the enchanting night of holiday festivities.

Calling all golf carts! Show off your holiday spirit on November 26^th, 2011 by decorating your golf cart and participating in the Christmas Lighted Golf Cart Parade at the Village. Staging will take place at the end of W. Retta Esplanade beginning at 5:30 pm and the parade will begin at 6 pm. If you’ve got the best golf cart in town, show off! For more information and the registration form go to www.fishville.com

Between December 3 and December 31, King Fisher Fleet is offering their annual Christmas Lights Cruise. All aboard as you enchant yourself upon a relaxing cruise and ride down the harbor and the canals of Punta Gorda to see the Christmas lights. There will be cruises offered at three different times during the evening but reservations are strongly recommended! King Fisher Fleet is taking reservations and selling tickets fast. Call (941) 639-0969 to reserve your seat on a cruise and enjoy an evening at the Village!

Admission to the kick-off event is a canned donation to be donated to the Good Samaritans Food Pantry. Parking is also free of charge. We can’t wait to see you there in your holiday spirit throughout November and December. Happy Holidays!

The weekend will kick off on Friday, November 4th with a multitude of contests! Think you are good at hoola hoop or 50′s dances? Come out for the challenge and win a great prize. The contests will go on from 5-9 pm with 1950′s sock hop music presented by Just For Fun at center stage.

The fun continues on Saturday, November 5th with a Vintage car show from 11 a.m-2:00 p.m. presented by the Veteran Motor Club of America SWFL. If you’re a fan of Antique cars, join us to ooh and awe over these classic vehicles!  Enjoy the musical stylings of Donna Marie from 12:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and the Doo Wop Crew from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and learn all of the popular dances and tunes of the 50′s!

The last day of this exciting weekend will end with the car show from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. presented by the Mustang Club of Charlotte County. Over 100 antique cars will be on display. Check them out to vote for our annual “People’s Choice” winner! The winner will be announced at the Awards Presentation at 3:00 p.m., center stage. The talented Doo Wop Crew will be performing 50′s music from 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.

You don’t want to miss out on the 50′s sock hop! For more information visit us online at www.fishville.com or call at 941-575-3067. We hope to see you there!

The event will begin with shows by the talented East Elementary and Sallie Jones Elementary Schools from 10:00 am-10:30 am, at Center Court. Support the hard work and enthusiasm of these young entertainers! Throughout the day, children and their families can choose a pumpkin from East Elementary School’s PTO Pumpkin Patch. While enjoying the festivities, stop by the patch to take home an orange Oktoberfest souvenir! The excitement continues with the 2nd annual Weiner Dog Derby from 11:00 am-12:00 noon. All different types of pups are welcomed for this 25 yard race to the finish so start training your furry friends!

Village merchants get to join in on the delight of Oktoberfest in “Scarecrows on Parade” where their originality will be put on display. Scarecrows have been historically used to frighten off birds from harvests, but the Village-Crows will be ones of style, cuteness and appeal. We encourage the public to vote on their favorite display based on the merchant’s innovation. There will be a multitude of different kinds to choose from; big, small, short, and tall, we have them all! Every vote is eligible to win a fabulous prize of $100 village bucks to use for dinner at one of our great restaurants or something special from any of our stores. Enter for a chance to spoil you, Village style!

While relishing the variety of German food and delicacies sold at the Village restaurants, check in on the live entertainment during the day. Follow the dance steps along with the Steinwingers Oompah band as they perform German and Bavarian polkas, waltzes and marches, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Schuplattler Gruppe Alpenrose dancers and Peter & Edith will also be performing your favorite German tunes from 5:00-9:00 pm, Center Stage. Get those dancing shoes ready!

If you have enjoyed Fishermen’s Village’s “Muttini Mingle” events, presented by Salty Paws, you don’t want to miss the 6th annual Barktoberfest on October 29th, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., center court! Get ready to dress up “man’s best friend” into the most creative outfit you can put together for the biggest pet costume contest in town. Space is very limited so pre-registration is required to participate. This is a charity event sponsored by Salty Paws as all proceeds go towards the local animal shelter. Join us for exciting activities for you and your furry friends to adore! Call 941-575-7599 for more details.

Fishermen’s Village invites you to join us for the event of the season! Admission is free and we guarantee a great time. Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda.  From I-75 take exit #164, turn left on to Hwy 17 and proceed 3 miles to the Village.  For more information, call 941 639-8721 or visit Fishville.com. We hope to see you there!

“All adults hoay” for the wonderful Pirate’s Ball which occurred on the first day, August 26th, of this fun-filled weekend. The ball featured Celtic Mayhem, who performed a mix of original and contemporary music and got all of the buccaneers on their feet! A portion of the ticket sales from the Ball benefited local charities such as The Yah Yah Girl’s and the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition! A hearty cheers to those who contributed to this huge charity event!

On Saturday, August 27th, the Pirate Flotilla and Invasion was a huge hit (no pun intended). Ships and their motley crews fought a major battle of water weapons and cannons! Major prizes and trophies were awarded to the Most Decorated Boat, the Most Lively Boat and the Most Unique Boat. Families were welcomed to our Kid Zone which included rock climbing, face painting and pirate themed games!

Hundreds of spectators joined in to view the beautiful “Merbellas”. Sparkling mermaids basked in the Village pool and tanks to show us their gorgeous tails. Don’t be surprised if you tossed a coin in the tank and your wishes came true! Bohemian Fire also awed the guests as they are known for their amazing and innovative crowd pleasing performances. By juggling fire-lit poles and jumping through hoops, this creative group was something you didn’t want to miss!

All of the fun couldn’t have happened without our major sponsors. We would like to greatly thank Marine Max, Tobacco Free Florida, Pirates magazine, Green Hibiscus Transportation Co., Florida Weekly, Pirates of the Treasure Coast, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, 94.5 Classic Rock, Centennial Bank and of course all of Fishermen’s Village visitors. We can’t wait till next year and we hope to see you soon at the Village!

CCYP’s main vision is to network throughout the community, and do so through their countless events! Every month, CCYP holds evening meetings and “Meet and Eat” lunches. Evening meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at a local venue for appetizers and networking starting at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting usually includes an informative speaker, club business and/or an activity. Current members and potential members are more than welcome, and no RSVP is needed! “Meet and Eat” lunches are held on the second Tuesday of each month at various locations, usually offering a presentation from a guest speaker and allowing representatives from several businesses to communicate! Many members and new comers have found these networking events to be extremely beneficial for their business and customer outreach!

Through their philanthropic ideals, CCYP is able to give a monetary donation each year to the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for a total of $500. In addition, they also are extremely involved throughout the year with volunteer events and work such as building homes for Habitat for Humanity. By involving these young professionals, CCYP creates and cultivates future leaders in the process. They strive to foster economic development in Charlotte County as they work to keep professionals in our community.

                CCYP is filled with executive board members who make everything happen. The 2011-2012 board members include; President-Michael Neufeld, Vice President- Matthew Chase, Treasurer- Francine Lisby, Secretary- Liz, Evening Meeting Coordinator- Aaron Olson, Lunch Meeting Coordinator- James Coalwell, Membership Coordinator- Erin McCormick, Sponsorships Coordinator- Kristin Merchant, Volunteer Coordinator- Eve Sweeting, Public Relations Coordinator- Jessica Boles, and Special Events Coordinator- Stacy Calvino. Past and present Board members generously donate their personal time, assets, ingenuity and talent in making this organization what it is today.

                Not only does the organization network and participate in their community but they are also all about a fun time! Special events are hosted each year for all members and guests including; theme parties, wine tastings, boat tours, holiday events, canoeing, paint balling, bowling, camping, and much more! If you are interested in being a Charlotte County Young Professional and gain membership for your business or organization, visit the homepage, http://www.ccyp.info/menu/home. Get in on the fun and be involved in our great county!

The three-day pirate parading begins at 10 am on Friday, August 26th! The night begins with live entertainment by Deuces Wild on the Center Court stage from 5-9 pm and following is the famous Pirate’s Ball at Captain’s Table from 7 pm-11 pm. This adults only fundraiser will have pirate themed entertainment featuring old world styled folk music, sea shanties and a mix of original and contemporary music performed by Celtic Mayhem! Come dressed in your best Buccaneer, Swashbuckler or Tavern wench clothing to participate in the Pirate Ball costume contest that will be judged at 10 pm. Tickets to the ball includes entry into the contest and a donation to Punta Gorda’s charities. VIP tickets includes the popular Captain’s Table Surf n’ Turf buffet with table reservations! These tickets are available for purchase at  http://www.fishermensvillagepiratefest.com.

The excitement continues on Saturday, August 27th with the Pirate Flotilla and invasion starting at noon! Major prizes and trophies will be awarded to 3 winners for Most Decorated Boat, Most Lively Boat and Most Unique Boat. ”All hand hoay” as we shoot our water at the Village with pirate cannon battles, plank walking, sea shanty competitions, live mermaids, pirate encampment, and treasure hunts! The adventures are all family friendly. Enter your kids in our costume contest for an array of prizes and booty! Shiver me timbers! The night ends with a twilight fire show spectacular by the amazingly talented Bohemian Fire, creating a finale you don’t want to miss!

As the adventures end on Sunday, August 28th, the Village hosts live entertainment for anyone who’d like to join the fun! All different types of “Pirate Partying” will be occurring throughout the day with musical stylings from Celtic Mayhem, For Love or Money and many more, not to mention the pirate encampment and treasure hunt for all of the gold! “Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship”  is complete with square-rigged sails, smoking cannons and a crew of professional performers that entertain with lighthearted piratical merriment,
songs, games, and some factual pirate history. So prepare yourself for their swashbuckling escapades as they take you back to the golden age of piracy! Don’t forget our village merchants, restaurants, and vendors will be available all weekend getting into the pirate spirit as well.

Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen to join us for some great fun! There is something for all ages and admission to the three-day Pirate Fest is free so come one, come all to the event of the year!