Men, Is Your Lawn Mower Tough Enough?

Come on out with your riding mower and get your freak on for the "Second Annual Lawn Mower Pulls," to see if you have what it takes. The event will showcase who has the most powerful mower.



In addition, the event will feature a car show and car wash from 11am-4pm, activities for the kids including:  a dunk tank, bounce house and a raffle. Money raised from the event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Lawn Mower Pulls takes place from noon-6pm on Saturday, September 25 at Advance Auto Parts, 50 Pine Island Road, North Fort Myers. To register your mower or truck, please call 239-265-6001, entry fee is $10.

photo by slabcity

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

How to Stay Cool in Southwest Florida

With one of the hottest summers on record in 2010, it is always of concern in staying cool and avoiding the effects of excessive temperatures. In this post, I will outline some fun ways to help everyone stay comfortable, and have fun, in Southwest Florida.

First off it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids when it is very hot, as we tend to become dehydrated easily. Drinking water is best for us as it quickly quenches our thirst and does not add excess calories. There are other fun ways that we can escape the heat and stay cool in Southwest Florida.

Many take advantage of cooling off at the beach by swimming in the Gulf, swimming in their own or community pool, by taking a cold shower or simply remaining in the comfortable quarters of an air-conditioned building.

However you decide to beat the heat in Southwest Florida, it is important that you listen to your body. Do not overexert yourself without first taking the proper precautions by simply making sure you are properly hydrated. By staying cool in Southwest Florida we can all can enjoy a lifestyle of increased energy.

photo by Sting Nygaard

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Naples Do Your Enjoy Jazz?

This evening is the final performance of the 2010 "Summer Jazz on the Gulf" series, at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Relax in a tropical setting with good friends and family listening to the outstanding jazz sounds of "Denise Moore and Then Some," featuring Billy Marcus, from 7-10pm, free. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverage concessions will be available. Coolers are not permitted at the event.

photo by fabbio

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Celebrate National Estuaries Day at Rookery Bay Reserve

Southwest Florida, come out and have fun and take part in Celebrating National Estuaries Day, at Rookery Bay Reserve, in Naples. The event will take place from 10am-3pm, on Saturday, September 25, and admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free. There are a number of activities that will be ongoing throughout the day, that the entire family can enjoy, and participate in. These activities are free and will include boat trips within the estuary, guided trail walks, touch tank, exhibits, restoration efforts of important habitat, and showing of the film "Wild Ocean" in 3D.

Food and beverage concessions will be available. Plan on bringing the entire family out to Rookery Bay Reserve, and learning about the importance of preserving our estuaries.

photo by cletch

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Philharmonic Percussion Clinic and Summit

Southwest Florida come out and enjoy two great Percussion performances at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, on Saturday, September 11. The first is The Percussion Clinic at 3pm. Here the audience, will be able to experience and be entertained by two amazing percussionists, Danny Seraphine, an original member of the band Chicago, and Jeff Queen, a snare drum soloist, who is an initial cast member of the Broadway hit Blast. The performance will take place in the Daniels Pavilion.

The second performance is the Percussion Summit at 8pm. This performance will feature Danny Seraphine and Jeff Queen. Performing at the Summit will be Percussion Section Members from the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and percussionists from the Florida Orchestra and Jacksonville Symphony. Come out with family and friends for a spectacular and amazing evening of percussion music at its finest.

Tickets can be purchased by calling The Box Office, 239-597-1900 or visiting us online: Philharmonic Center for the Arts.

photo by vxla

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida get your Holiday Weekend started off in the fast lane, with the Pilot Club of Naples/John Clay 5K Run, at Lowdermilk Park, at the corner of Gulfshore Boulevard North, and Banyan Boulevard in Naples. Race day registration is 6:15-7:15am, with the race starting at 7:30am.

The Labor Day Weekend in Southwest Florida has some other fine outings that the entire family can enjoy. The Village on Venetian Bay, will feature Cathy O playing guitar, and performing from selections that include classic, pop and rock. Also performing and entertaining Southwest Florida will be the Malibu Duo.

What would the holiday weekend be without a great pool party and delicious food to eat? You can join Shula's Steakhouse at the Naples Hilton, for the Labor Day Weekend Pool Party, on September 4 & 5, from 11:00am-4:00pm.

Just to the North of Naples, in Charlotte County, at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, is the "Big Boy Expo" that will taking place on Saturday September 4, from 10am-6pm, and Sunday September 5, from 10am-5pm. Another fine place to have a great time with the family over the weekend, is at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, in Fort Myers. They have a number of neat events over the Holiday Weekend.

Whatever you decide to do over the weekend, simply enjoy yourselves with family and friends. Finally, with the start of College Football this weekend, I hope everyone's team has a successful and productive season.

photo by Kenc0618

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Clyde Butcher's Annual Muck-About

Are you looking for something unique and different to do over the Labor Day Weekend? How about taking part in Clyde Butcher's Annual Muck-About or swamp walk at The Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee. Participants can observe the unique habitat of the Everglades, and see wildlife in its native environment. Walks are scheduled on Saturday, September 4-5, from 9am-2pm, and on Monday, September 6, from 9am-noon.

Reservations are required, and can be made online by visiting The Big Cypress Gallery. Cost is $50, and children are free with each paid adult. The correct clothing to wear 1. Long pants, hat, old tennis shoes and bug spray. 2. Bring a change of clothes, because you will get wet on the walk. 3. Waterproof camera to take pictures. 4. You will be supplied with bottled water. 5. Bring your own lunch and snacks in a cooler.

For more information and reservations: please call 888-999-9113.

photo by The_Gut

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com