Free tickets to the 30th Annual Islands Night on Wednesday, May 3, are now available at Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank, Jerry’s Foods, “Ding” Darling Nature Store, and other island retail locations, or by requesting delivery from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.

 

As has been tradition for Islands Night at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, a parade precedes the game starting at 6:15 p.m., featuring businesses and organizations from Sanibel and Captiva islands. (Admission gates open at 6 p.m.)

 

The Minor League Baseball game of the Florida State League Fort Myers Mighty Mussels versus the Dunedin Blue Jays starts at 7 p.m. Before the game, the chamber will make its annual awards presentation starting at 6:45 for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, and Sue Rosica Gray Volunteer of the Year.

 

The May 3 competition will be one of three “specialty jersey” games of the Mussels’ season. Team players will wear a custom jersey designed by Sanibel artist Rachel Pierce featuring the island’s iconic lighthouse – in its three-legged, post-hurricane stance – against a colorful swirl of sunset sky. The chamber will auction off the players’ jerseys following the game, proceeds to benefit island civic organizations.

 

“We are super stoked to bring on Sam Bailey’s Islands Night as an occasion once again to bond with fellow islanders after the upheaval the islands experienced this past year,” said John Lai, chamber president and CEO. “We have every reason to celebrate together and honor our beloved lighthouse that still stands for island strength and stability. Thanks to Rachel and to all our sponsors.”

 

Sponsors to date include Sanibel Captiva Community Bank at the Homerun level; and, at the Double sponsors level: Ashton Kircher Group, Bank of the Island, Heidrick Insurance, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, and Servpro of North Naples, Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers.

 

The chamber is seeking additional sponsors for the 2023 Islands Night on three levels: Triple ($2,000), Double ($1,000), and Single ($500). Sponsorship benefits include unlimited game tickets, a spot in the parade, and various degrees of publicity, depending on level of sponsorship. Sponsorship donations also benefit island charities.

 

To become a sponsor, participate in the parade, or request delivery of Islands Night tickets, contact Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759.

 

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. 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 Chamber website receives more than 1.3 million website visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].