Some may remember that the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce already hosted a 2025 Stone Crab Fest at the beginning of the year, back in January. According to GPICC board president Dave Conner, it was delayed from its original late 2024 date due to hurricane activity. <\/p>\n
Now it is back on a more regular schedule \u2014 Sunday, Nov. 9, and, he said, there is a focus on music.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s basically a music food fest, with the emphasis on stone crab,\u201d Conner said of the upcoming event.<\/p>\n
There is also a salute to the veterans, as the GPICC has tied in the American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Vets, he said, as well as a change in the actual tone of the music. <\/p>\n
Conner admits this event may be the biggest Stone Crab Event yet. The event was a bit longer last time, he said, going from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while this time the event will be put on from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n
The reason it is not being offered as a two-day off-island event, he explained, is that Pine Islanders are very happy to experience it as an on-island event, of which they can be proud. Conner said, otherwise it becomes an entirely different animal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a two-day event, generally you get money from the county with grants, then you have to match it,\u201d Conner said.<\/p>\n
The GPICC is very interested in keeping the island event just that, and featuring what Pine Island is known for, he said, such as crabbing and fishing. At the last stone crab event, he said, he noticed folks were very interested in how their favorite football teams were doing. To remedy that, he said, this event will include a big screen TV, running not only live sporting events, such as football, but also continuous feed from event sponsors. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere won\u2019t be sound from the TV, so the music will still be going. This way people can enjoy the festival and watch football,\u201d Conner said.<\/p>\n
To get involved as a volunteer or a sponsor for this event, reach out to the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce at 239-283-0888<\/p>\n
The Winn-Dixie shopping center is at 9864 Stringfellow Road<\/a>, just south of The Center, on the St. James City end of the island.<\/p>\n