Volunteers still needed for event benefiting Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Bell Tower Shops has announced the final list of 24 craft breweries participating in Pumptober-Fest on Oct. 13, and the lineup has a decidedly Florida flair.
All but six of the participating breweries hail from the Sunshine State, with a half-dozen brewing right here in Southwest Florida.
“The craft beer scene has exploded across Florida in recent years, and we wanted to create a fun environment for beer aficionados to sample some hard-to-find brews that aren’t typically for sale in your neighborhood bar or restaurant,” said Shannon Palzer, marketing manager for Bell Tower Shops.
Pumptober-Fest will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. Admission is $35 in advance, or $40 at the door, and includes unlimited tastings of ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts. Proceeds from Pumptober-Fest will benefit the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“The Foundation supports the Chamber’s directive to focus on education by providing college scholarships, grants for teachers, entrepreneurial education, internships and mentoring initiatives,” said Colleen DePasquale, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We’re hoping the first Pumptober-Fest draws a large crowd because the event’s success ultimately will allow the Foundation to enhance its support for students, teachers and entrepreneurs in the Fort Myers area.”
The event’s name is a combination of pumpkins, which will be a key visual element at the event, and Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of beer, fall and family fun. Pumptober-Fest will kick off with the ceremonial tapping of a giant beer-filled pumpkin.
Craft brewers confirmed for Pumptober-Fest include Barrel of Monks Brewery (Boca Raton), Big Storm Brewing Co. (Cape Coral), Big Top Brewing Company (Sarasota), Blue Point Brewing Company (Patchogue, New York), Bury Me Brewing (Fort Myers), Coppertail Brewing Co. (Tampa), Due South (Boynton Beach), Elysian Brewing Company (Seattle, Washington), Fat Point Brewing (Punta Gorda), Florida Avenue Brewing Co. (Tampa), Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park), Green Bench Brewing Company (St. Petersburg), Islamorada Beer Company (Islamorada), Kona Brewing Co. (Kona, Hawaii), Millennial Brewing Company (Fort Myers), Motorworks Brewing (Bradenton), Old Soul Brewing (Fort Myers), Scotty’s Bierwerks (Cape Coral), Southern Tier Brewing Company (Charlotte, North Carolina), Shipyard Brewing Co. (Portland, Maine), Swamp Head Brewery (Gainesville), Tampa Bay Brewing Company (Tampa) and 3 Daughters Brewing (St. Petersburg).
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Carlos and Way Too Tall Torrie, a stilt walker and balloon artist. Cat Country 107.1 host Mike Tyler will operate a live remote at the event. Attendees also can test their skills and luck at carnival-style games.
A selection of restaurants at Bell Tower Shops will be offering samples of their fresh and innovative cuisine, including Bistro 41, Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, World of Beer and others.
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation needs additional volunteers ages 21 and older to help on the day of the event. Contact DePasquale at Colleen@FortMyers.org with your full name, age, cell phone number and email address.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance by visiting FortMyers.org. Follow Bell Tower Shops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates using the hashtag #PumptoberFest2018.
About Bell Tower Shops
Bell Tower Shops is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers fine retail shops including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink and Talbots. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: Bistro 41, Cru, DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s and Society. In addition to The Fresh Market, Bed Bath & Beyond and a 20-screen Regal Cinema complex, Bell Tower Shops is home to exceptional specialty retailers and restaurants including Society, World of Beer, Francesca’s Collection and Ulta. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. Visit TheBellTowerShops.com for more information.
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette merged operations with PMRG in June 2018 to create a new leader in commercial real estate. The firm offers PMRG’s leasing, property management, investment management and development services, combined with Madison Marquette’s specialized development, investment and marketing expertise. Madison Marquette’s strength in retail and mixed-use assets joins PMRG’s office, medical, industrial and multi-family capabilities to provide national leadership across asset classes. PMRG’s dominance in the southern U.S. combines with Madison Marquette’s presence in primary gateway markets on both coasts to serve the top institutional owners and investors in the industry. The company provides leasing and management services to a diverse portfolio of 330 assets in 24 states and manages an investment portfolio valued at over $6 billion. The combined company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with a major presence in Houston, Texas. With 600 professionals in 12 regional markets, the merged firm is a member of the Capital Guidance group of companies.
