Chamber gearing up for 2011 Community Fair & Retail Expo

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce will host the 2011 Community Fair & Retail Expo on Sunday, Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way.

"There will be things to do for all ages," said Bridgit Stone-Budd, Director of Marketing for the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. "There will be lots of fun stuff for the kids, games, raffle drawings and food and drink for everyone. And all of it is free!"

In addition to vendor booths found throughout the Community House complex, the event will offer live music, a DJ, an emcee and entertainment, photo opps with the Sanibel Fire Department's fire engine, a bounce house, a giant slide and segway rides from Billy's Bike Rentals.

Free food and refreshments will include coffee and bagels from The Coffee Bar @Bailey's, hot dogs and soda provided by Bailey's General Store, boiled peanuts and bottled water courtesy of Billy's Bike Rentals and wine tasting with Big Crush Distributors and The Grog Shop.

There will also be spectacular raffle prizes given away, in addition to several door prizes and product giveaways provided by the vendors. Congress Jewelers is this year's presenting sponsor and will be raffling off a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Along with the event's platinum sponsor, Congress Jewelers, the gold sponsor is 'Tween Waters Inn and silver sponsors are The Coffee Bar @ Bailey's, Royal Shell Property Management, Fort Myers Pest Control and ShopOnSanibel.com.

"We've had 100 percent retention at the expo because our businesses enjoy coming back every year," added Stone-Budd, who is producing the event for the fourth consecutive year. "I think that it's important for local businesses to get to know the products and services available from their fellow businesses here on the islands. And the fair is a great way for everybody to come out and mingle with their community."

For more information about the event, contact Bridgit at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce at 472-8255. JEFF LYSIAk