What would you do with $1,000,000 but yo

What would you do with $1,000,000 but you could only buy ONE thing?

Free live entertainment at the Village e

Free live entertainment at the Village every Friday and Saturday night! Father/Daughter Duo Magen & Mike perform 5-9 pm, Center Stage, enjoy

Bark, Bark, Barktoberfest!

As we inch closer to the holidays, fall season brings upon us a soothing air. Drinking sweet apple cider at home, carving pumpkins with family and watching leaves fall from the trees are all included in our transition to autumn. In spirit of the best season of the year, Fishermen’s Village is presenting the third annual Oktoberfest!  On Saturday, October 8th, the Village will be filled with an array of October activities for everyone.

 

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!

Ahoy me hearties!

August 26-28 was a weekend filled with endless treasures and an array of pirates! Fishermen’s Village would like to thank all the mateys who came out to join in on the fun! The adventure into the Golden Age consisted of boat parades, cannons thundering and mermaids galore! Whether you were seeking food, bountiful booty or Blackbeard’s ship, Fishermen’s Village had something for everyone. Sarah Tratski from North Carolina exclaimed “This has been the Village’s best Pirate’s weekend yet! My kids and I have had a wonderful time and can’t wait to return next year.”

“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, Why Can’t That Be Me?

Charlotte County Young Professionals (CCYP) is an interactive organization of committed and talented professionals in the age range of 21-40, who are proven to be active in the Charlotte County area. Starting in 2005, this association has worked to expand Charlotte County’s future success and has made a massive impact! These goal-oriented workers provide their fellow members with development on a professional level, involving them in philanthropic actions, creating awareness of community issues, and influencing them to shape Charlotte County to the best it can be. 

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!

 

 

 

 

“A quaint little fishing village with a PIRATE problem”

Ahoy me Hearties! The most adventurous weekend at the Village is quickly approaching! Get your wooden legs, pet parrots and eye patches ready for the event of the year. It’s a “yo ho” filled weekend loaded with bountiful booty and  extraordinary treasures that can be seen and purchased as you explore through the Village with the rest of the pirate crew.

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!

New Member to the Village

My name is Nadia Kemal, a rising senior at Charlotte High School in the beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida.  Although some teenagers may complain that “the Punta Gorda is too small” or “there’s nothing to do”, I still love it because it’s home. My family and I are of Ethiopian descent, in Eastern Africa and I see it as my home away from home. My friends think I’m nuts for being involved in numerous activities in Punta Gorda, mainly Charlotte High. Just to name a few, I’m a member in the National Honors Society, play Varsity Soccer and a competitor in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. I have passion for all of the things I’m involved in but my top two has to be writing and research (total opposites I know!). I think it is extremely vital to make goals for yourself and focus on what is important in life. Going into my senior year of high school and considering college applications is scary but I’m ready for it! I’m hoping to attend the University of Florida Honors College or Brown University and major in Environmental Law/Environmental Engineering. The staff and faculty at my school has made so many opportunities available to their students which has helped me achieve all of my goals. This past year, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate in a selective program for Charlotte County’s High School Juniors called Junior Leadership Charlotte. The program is geared towards young, motivated students, who want to learn more about Charlotte County and the several careers available to us. The program gave me insight on so many types of jobs and eventually, my social media internship at Fishermen’s Village. The Village is now in its 2nd year for providing this job opporunity to high school students, where I get to learn new methods of social advertisement, as well as build my writing skills along the way. The staff at Fishermen’s Village is more than I expected. Every single member of the Village family has a warm and welcoming personality that strongly reflects what the Village stands for. There is a “family” atmosphere that is not visible in too many businesses. I was jumping for joy when I was told that I go the internship and I’m looking forward to learning, living and loving Fishermen’s Village within the next year, even more than I do now.