Archery, Bounce House, Live Entertainment, Beer: Free Family Fun at Sounds of the Sand

provided to the Santiva Chronicle

To support the recovery efforts and conservation outreach of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian destroyed much of its habitat and infrastructure, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, in partnership with Bell Tower and Two Lane Lager, presents Sounds of the Sand, Saturday, March 25.

The family-friendly event will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Bell Tower shopping plaza in Fort Myers, featuring popular Sanibel guitarist and vocalist Danny Morgan with steel drum musician John McLane. Performances by The Lineup Band and Peter Kolter will play warm-up for the main act. A stilt-walker and other local bands will also be on hand for the free event.

“Ding” Darling will set up stations with nature games for families and information about the refuge and its recovery and how to donate to DDWS to support refuge conservation work, including post-hurricane habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and environmental education.

Suncoast Beverage Sales, distributor of Two Lane American Golden Lager Beer brand, will sell beer, profits going directly to DDWS.

Other Bell Tower merchants, including several displaced from their Sanibel locations, will be offering in-store specials and participating out on the plaza. Activities will also include archery instruction, face-painting, axe-throwing, a bounce house, lawn games, themed photo ops, and cotton candy. Musicians will perform on the main stage and at stations at either end of the shopping plaza.

DDWS thanks event sponsor Bubbly Latitude, a Sanibel-based Bell Tower merchant that is donating 15 percent of its profits from sales that day. For more information about the event or how to become a sponsor, contact event organizer April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety.org or watch the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Facebook page.

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birgie Miller at 239-292-0566 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.

ABOUT BELL TOWER
Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining, and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers a creative combination of brand-name retail favorites and exclusive boutiques and distinctive restaurants and entertainment venues, making Bell Tower a true day-to-night destination. Bell Tower is owned and operated by Madison Marquette, a leading real estate investor, developer, and service provider. To learn more, visit www.belltowerfl.com or follow Bell Tower on social media.