Summertime events in the Everglades

By Patricia Huff

The Big Cypress Sportsmen’s Alliance is scheduling a Kids Swamp Buggy Safari for Saturday, June 18. This event will be confined to private property access trails due to the 60-day Preserve closure during this time. Plans are for all to meet at 9 AM at the Concho entry point which is located seven miles north on Turner River Road off US 41. The program will include a BBQ and buggy ride in the afternoon before returning at approximately 4:30 PM. For more information, please call 239 370-8532.

The 36th Annual Miccosukee Music Festival will be held on Saturday, June 18, beginning at 9:30 AM at the Miccosukee Gaming Resort on US41 and Krome Avenue. There will be alligator demonstrations, carnival rides and country music. For more information, call (305)222-4600 or visit www.miccosukee.com and click on “calendar.”

Take your father out fishing this weekend! There will be a license-free fishing weekend during June 18-19, coinciding with Father’s Day. For more information about saltwater fishing or the license-free fishing weekend, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and FishingCapital.com. Also, with Tuesday, June 21, being the first day of summer, the National Park Service has announced that the entrance fees for the national parks will be waived. Lots of fun things to do this time of year!

Plan early for

the Everglades City celebration of Independence Day on Saturday, July 2, when a parade with the theme “Celebrating Everglades Wildlife” will begin at 10 AM following the opening ceremony at 9:30 AM. Arts & Craft booths will open at 11 AM with hot dogs and a fun-filled day for the whole family. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 PM that night. While in town don’t forget to visit the Museum of the Everglades to see the Everglades City art students’ work. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Call 239-695-0008 or visit website www.evergladesmuseum.org

Concerning the Smallwood Store & Museum in Chokoloskee, it remains closed. The lawsuit by Collier County and Smallwood Store, Inc.; against Florida-Georgia Grove LLP was filed jointly on May 26.  Among other items, the County is asking that the Florida-Georgia Grove “re-pave and bring Mamie Street back to its prior condition…” The archaeologist hired by the property owner visited the site on May 23 and has submitted her “Report of Observations” to the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources.

For more information, visit website: www.evergladesmulletrapper.com

Patricia Huff has lived in Everglades City for the past 16 years and is the Publisher of the local newspaper The Mullet Rapper.