Cape Coral Needs Parade Participants For Veterans Day

Right now all eyes in Southwest Florida seem to be on Halloween. It's everywhere you turn from yard decorations and office décor, to costume and candy lined store shelves. However, there is another holiday just around the corner that has municipalities and organizations all over Florida preparing for. No, it's not Thanksgiving. It's not Christmas either. The City of Cape Coral needs parade participants for Veterans Day and you have one more week to register in order to get in on the action.

Cape Coral relies heavily on volunteers to put on this annual event intended to recognize and honor the men and women who served our country in military service. Veteran's Day is November 11th. It falls on a Saturday this year so the parade crowd is expected to be a big one. The following Monday is a federal holiday. It's the last widely observed three day weekend of the year.

This year's parade route travels west down Cape Coral Parkway, in the south side lanes. It stretches between Cape Coral Street and Chester. The parade beings at 11am. However, the staging starts at 9am. Click here to register if you want to help out. If you would like to enter a float, click here for the rules and regulations.

One more thing. You need to get those applications filled out by next Monday, October 30th. You have time to get you group and float together, but not much. Cape Coral needs parade participants for Veterans Day. If you can't participate in the parade, put the date on your calendar so you can be a spectator.

Halloween is almost here and the number of events celebrating the holiday continues to grow. Stores are full of Halloween costumes, candy and décor. It's a fun time of year. Do you like to dress up, like a good scare? Perhaps you just like to get out and enjoy some good old fashioned pumpkin carving. It is all possible in the coming weeks. To help you navigate, we've put together a list of the best Halloween events in Southwest Florida and have updated it. Whether you live in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte or anywhere in between, there is something in close proximity.

Many activities, parties and celebrations were canceled last year due to such widespread damage from Hurricane Ian. Party goers are ready to make up for lost time and it appears there are lots of places and events to accommodate. Halloween is not just for the little kids. There are lots of things for the big kids to do too. Here you will find everything from hayrides to concerts. In addition, trivia nights, boat cruises, wine tastings, and everything in between.

Some events have costume contests. Stay tuned for a separate rundown specifically for costume events. In the meantime, take note. Events are both inside and outside. Some could be affected by the weather. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check social media sites for updates if you have any doubts. Dress up. Get out. Halloween in Southwest Florida is going to be a lot of fun this year. Check out these events.

Farmer Mike's annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze is back for its 7th season. There is a more kid friendly Amazing Honeybee Corn Maze as well. Festivities include zombie paintball, bounce houses, pumpkin patch and all kinds of fun. Events are every Friday through November 5th. However, the haunted corn maze is Friday and Saturday nights from October 6th to 28th. Prices vary. Farmer Mike’s is in Bonita Springs. More info here.

Halloween has returned to Gator Mikes. This year it is Frightmare on 78: Back from the dead. Muster your courage to take the haunted hike through Gator Mike's wooded area. You never know what you will encounter along the way. Be prepared to scream. The event takes place every weekend through October 28. Tickets start at $20. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park is on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Click here for more.

At the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium this is a decades long tradition. Take a 30 minute walk on an elevated boardwalk,  through the wooded, sometimes swampy areas of the nature center. You never know what is lurking in the darkness. The event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Halloween. More info here. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

A fun event for kids at the Naples Zoo. Dress up and walk the Trick-or-treat trail. Games, contests, prizes and lots more. the fun is October 13-16 from 9am-1pm each day. Free admission for kids in costume. More info here. 

Halloween Notte – Port Charlotte Pumpkin Festival Scare Park opens October 13th at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. There are crazy, scary haunted houses but also some less scary events and fun for kids of all ages. Halloween Notte is only held on the weekends through October 31st. Prices vary. More info here.

Put on by the City of Bonita Springs, this outdoor movie screening features “Casper.” Bring your chairs and blankets. Besides the movie there will be pumpkin decorating trick-or-treating, photo, food, entertainment and more. The park will be filled with spooky lights and fog too. the event is in and around Riverside Park on Saturday, October 21st from  5:30-9 p.m. More info here.

This adult part is a l Hallowine Wine Walk through Mercato in Naples. Your screams will be of delight, not fear, sampling food and wine. There is a costume contest and lots more. It's Wednesday, October 25, from 6-9p.m. Enjoy a commemorative wine glass too. Advance tickets $65, 4 for $220. $80 at the door. More info here.

This fun Halloween event is at Wonder Garden's in Bonita Springs. Events run Thursdays and Saturdays from 5-8 pm. In addition, there are family events October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26 and 28 that include games, activities, photos, animal enrichment and more. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. <a href="https://wondergardens.org/halloween-nights-in-the-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More here</a>.
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Springtime Farms is in North Fort Myers and their Fall Festival runs through October 29th. Here you will enjoy a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a petting zoo, and more. There is also a Haunted Maze, Haunted Trail, and Bird Aviary.

This night of music is presented by Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. It's not just about music. The lobby will be filled with entertainers and all kinds of magic before the show. October 29th, 1:00. More <a href="https://www.bbmannpah.com/events/detail/gulf-coast-symphony-presents-hogwarts-halloween" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info here</a>.

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<span style="color: #1f1f1f;">The Spooky Fun Halloween Science Show takes place on a boat with Pure Florida. Set sale October 21st at 10am. While on board enjoy slimy, spooky experiments and demos while enjoying the great outdoors. Boat departs from Tin City Docks. Kids $23, Adults $46. More <a href="https://www.purefl.com/pure-florida-presents-halloween-fun-science-kids-cruise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info here</a>. </span>
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This is a classic Halloween activity. The campy, interactive movie is playing several places during the month of October. One is at Arts Bonita. Here, the move is outdoors. The screening is Monday October 30th at 7pm. $15 includes prop bag

These are two different events taking place at the Sidney & Bern Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. The Wicked Walk is an immersive art experience put on by students. It involves a variety of performances. Octoboer 19th, 6-9pm. $10 adults, $5 children.

The Dark Art Exhibit features haunting and unnerving art from local artists. Works are on display now through October 25th. More info here.

Dress up and bar hop via this spooky trolley, in downtown Cape Coral. It's the 10th annual Halloween Trolley party. Expect costume contests, photo booths, prizes, and candy. Enjoy different Halloween themed food and drink at each of the eleven participating bars and restaurants. October 21st, 7-11pm. $22 advance tickets. Designated Drivers $17.  More info here.