Jun 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2008

CONTACTS:
Jackie MacKay (407) 814-0014
Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose or Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel launches first Islands FallFest to spotlight special events, deals

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on southwest Florida's Gulf Coast has launched its first Islands FallFest to entice fall visitation to the destination.

From Sept. 2 through Nov. 15, 2008, the destination is bundling existing special events and providing exceptional vacation packages and deals for consumers to enjoy those events.

"Fall can be one of the best times of the year to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, with fewer people and fabulous weather," said Suya Davenport, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, which markets the destination for leisure and group business. "Plus, some of our area's top events take place during this time frame."

The nearly 30 events spotlighted during the 75-day Islands FallFest celebration appeal to a wide variety of interests. Visitors who participate can strap on their eye patches and join the mateys at the second annual Pirate Festival on Oct. 11-12; watch artists from around the continent as they create amazing works of art at the 22nd annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival on Nov. 5-9;
enjoy coconuts, multi-cultural food, carnival rides, water-ski shows, crafts and fireworks at the Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival on Nov. 7-9; or celebrate German traditions at the 23rd annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 17-19 and 24-26.

Outdoor lovers won't want to miss the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival on Oct. 25-Nov. 2 or "Ding" Darling Days on Oct. 19-26. Paddlers, competitors, families, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the nation are expected to attend the one-of-a-kind paddling festival. Nine days of eco-event festivities will include competitive canoe/kayak races, a pro-am kayak fishing tournament, paddling
clinics and demonstrations, seminars, family activities, archaeological and environmental events, guided tours, a speakers' series and more celebrations along the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail.

And "Ding" Darling Days features a week of eco-activities with all-free tram tours through J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, live wildlife presentations, birding and kayaking tours, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, a nature photography contest and more. The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political
cartoonist Jay N. "Ding" Darling.

Visitors who attend one or more of the featured events on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel can take advantage of Islands FallFest vacation packages at more than 30 properties. Offers range from an extra night for free to discounts of up to 40 percent and room rates as low as $89 per night. Some attractions and retailers are also offering buy-one, get-one-free specials during Islands
FallFest.

Those interested in visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel during Islands FallFest can visit www.IslandsFallFest.com for complete details on all events, vacation packages and special deals, or call the destination at (800) 237-6444.

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