NBC-2 News Today morning anchor Lisa Spooner will emcee and judge this year’s well-loved Captiva Cart Parade, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce announced this week. The parade is part of Captiva Island’s Luminary Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 4.
The slightly wacky, fun-loving parade of holiday decorated golf cart is a 15-plus-year tradition on the streets of Captiva. It convenes at 2 p.m. for check-in and judging, starting at 3:30 p.m.
Spooner, a familiar face at Southwest Florida television news desks since 2010, will announce the 70-some parade contestants and judge the winners of the best-decorated contest.
“I’ve never been to the golf cart parade on Captiva but have always wanted to go,” she said. “So, when I saw the opportunity to emcee and judge it, I jumped at the opportunity. You don’t get much better than combining one of my favorite places in Southwest Florida and getting into the holiday spirit.”
Luminary Holiday Stroll, in its 37th year on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, takes place over the first weekend of December with luminaria lining island walkways on Dec. 3 on Sanibel and Dec. 4 on Captiva.
Besides the golf cart parade, the weekend features open houses at business, churches, and organizations throughout the island from 5:30 to 9 p.m. both evenings. Refreshments, live entertainment, special discounts, and the release of the 2021 Luminary Lager, brewed in partnership with Point Ybel Brewing Company of Fort Myers, are highlights of the event.
“We are so delighted to welcome Lisa to this year’s festivities, which bring out both Captiva and Sanibel residents and visitors for a great time for all ages and a kick-off to a festive and fun holiday season.” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “She will be our first celebrity emcee, so we’re extra excited.”
ABOUT SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. With more than 460 active Chamber members from both islands and businesses from Lee and Collier counties, the Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. The Francis P. Bailey, Jr., Chamber Visitor Center is located at the entrance to Sanibel Island and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. VISIT FLORIDA named the visitor center one of 13 official Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers in the state. It is open 365 days a year and provides comprehensive information about things to do, places to visit, and where to stay, shop, and dine. The chamber website sanibel-captiva.org receives more than 1.3 million website visits per year.
For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact Landen Drake, communications and marketing manager, at 239-472-8255 or [email protected].
