NEW AT THE FESTIVAL
Newly featured this year is a daylong event at Lovers Key State Park,a destination beach park with paddlecraft launches featured on the Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Florida Beaches.” It sits along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile marked-and-meandering saltwater trail on Southwest Florida’s coast. The day’s events highlight Stand-up Paddleboarding, coastal kayaking classes and demonstrations, canoeing, paddling gear for purchase, guided off-road cycling, birdwatching, educational wading trips and living history programs. Most of the day’s events are free with park admission. It’s happening Oct. 30.

RETURNING
Both Canoe & Kayak and Sea Kayaker magazines are coming to this year’s event.

Details on the Sea Kayaker-sponsored social event for the Oct. 29 will be revealed in the next e-newsletter. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned.

The Canoe & Kayak social event will involve a canoe/kayak trip with Publisher Jim Marsh. Meet up with Jim, take a paddle and then come join the food and beverage festivities with raffle prizes at Bonita Bills. Even if you skip the paddle, come join the festivities. Admission is a donation to the blueway – details to come. Post-party specials offered at Doc Ford's right next door.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
 Thinking about coming? Here’s some quotes from people who attended in 2009:

“It’s in all the national magazines.”
– Nyla and Ken,  Lakeland, FL

“Very cool to see different parts of the waterway via different festival venues.”
– Michael, California

“The schedule is really good; it’s easy to find places to stay; and, I liked the Website.”
– Bill, Connecticut

“Because of the race, we spent at least three days in Lee County (FL).”
– Mike and Laura,  Tampa Bay area

“I saw the Sea Kayaker calendar listing and ad. This is the first time I’ve been here. I booked four tours. Next time I’m bringing my wife.”
– Neil, Ontario

THEY’RE NOT THE ONLY ONES TALKING ABOUT IT
The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival recently was recognized in the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events of 2010.

BOOK YOUR LODGING NOW
Lodging packages exist for the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, including those that include guided tours, early-morning box lunches, access to freshwater hoses and other lagniappes. To take advantage of packages, call (888) 529-6588 or check out the offerings here.

WHAT’S NEXT
Details about on-water classes
Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament
Pine Island festivities Nov. 5-7
Sea Kayaker social

FIND US
www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com
Fan us on Facebook (Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival)
Follow us on Twitter (calusapaddle)

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