Spammy Jammy

Hurricane season has officially started here in Southwest Florida and we all know what that means. It’s time to start stocking up on fresh water, batteries, flashlights, and generators. However, purchasing all these supplies can become very time consuming as well as expensive. If you don’t have the time or money to be prepared I suggest taking a trip down to the Little Bar in Goodland on Saturday, June 26th for their annual Spammy Jammy party.

For those of you that have never heard of the now famous Spammy Jammy, it is the easiest way to prepare yourselves for Hurricane Season. The party itself started many years ago and was the brainchild of brother and sister owners Ray Bozicnik and Nicolette Bauer.  According to Ray, “It has been scientifically proven that it is necessary to avoid the destructive forces of nature through more than just physical means.” Apparently, this annual party appeals to the Hurricane Goddess of Southwest Florida in a similar fashion to the islands of Hawaii who pay homage to the Volcano Goddess, Pele.

How exactly does this party keep hurricanes at bay? Over time the owners of the Little Bar observed that the hurricanes in the Gulf region tended to sneak up on the area

at night leaving most stranded in their homes. Waking up in their pajamas to a hurricane, they realized that the only thing to eat was Spam. Hence the name Spammy Jammy. The thought was that if this tradition was offered up to the Hurricane Gods prior to a hurricane, then the areas of Goodland and Marco Island might be spared a storm that year.

The party, like its name, has two distinct parts. Spammy, as in that delicious canned meat we have all come to know and love in times of a hurricane, Spam. And Jammy, as in wear your pajamas!! Whatever kind they may be!

Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to help in this annual tradition where Spam is so highly revered. Every year a Spam contest is held to see who can use the delicious canned meat in the most exotic and original way. As Nicolette explained, “Our Spam contest consists of three different categories: food, art, and architecture. Over the years we’ve seen anything from a bust of Spamela Anderson to the castle of Spamelot, and have even tried Spamuel Addams Austin Hogger Ale!” The possibilities truly are endless, but remember, the official rules state that no other canned meat may be substituted!

In addition

to the Spam contest, the Little Bar is offering some of Southwest Florida’s finest live entertainment. John Lowbridge will be performing from 6 pm to 9 pm. He will be followed by the Raiford Starke Band, performing from 9 pm until 1 am. In the midst of all of this will be the annual toilet paper races. A long pole is brought to the middle of the bar and lined with rolls of toilet paper. “Only females may participate as they have more experience with toilet paper than men,” adds Ray. The woman to unravel her roll the fastest is the winner. Prizes are awarded to the top three contestants.

Spam entrants are requested to bring their works of art, food, or architecture to the Little Bar between 5 pm and 7 pm. A panel of guest judges will review each entry and a winner will be chosen from each category.

With the promise of a heavy storm season this year, there is certainly no harm in partying the night away in your pajamas in attempts to keep the hurricanes at bay. So come on down to the Little Bar in Goodland on Saturday, June 26th, and don’t forget your Spam!

For more information contact the Little Bar at 239-394-5663 or at www.littlebarrestaurant.com.