The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon Presents The 22nd Annual Taste of Bonita

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Nov. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Bonita Springs, FL - The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon and Lee Memorial Healthcare System will host the 22nd annual Taste of Bonita on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 20 - 22 at Riverside Park on Old US 41 in downtown Bonita Springs, FL.

The Taste of Bonita attracts over 20,000 attendees and is an opportunity for restaurants to showcase their cuisine and for residents and visitors to enjoy three days of free events geared for the whole family.  Sunday is the “official” Taste of Bonita when attendees have the opportunity to eat and enjoy food from over 20 of the area’s finest restaurants, including Beauregara’s Homemade Ice Cream, Big Hickory, Buffalo Chips, Cupcakes In Paradise, DeRomo’s, Farmer Mikes, Fitzgerald’s, For Heaven Shakes Ice Cream, Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro, Pizzaro’s Restaurant & Pizzaria, Randy’s Fish Market, Royal Scoop, Smokin R’s BBQ, Stevie Tomato’s, Sweet Odin’s and The Stage.

Sunday’s festivities will also include live entertainment throughout the day. There will be a children’s play area with games and rides and $20 raffle tickets for a chance to win a six month boat club membership to Baywater Exclusive Boat Club & Rentals. Admission and parking are free.

New this year is the Wine Fest & Craft Beer Social which has been moved to Friday night and greatly expanded; adding Florida craft beers and local spirit tastings to the event.

General admission to the Wine Fest and Craft Beer Social is free. There will be 50+ premium wines, 60+ Florida craft beers and local fare for tasting ($2-5 per taste).  “With the help of The Wine Merchant in Naples, we have selected an impressive list of wines from all over the world,” said social chair and Rotarian, Rick Perry.   “We also want to showcase the talented Florida craft brewers this year, and have 30 Florida craft breweries represented.”

Brian Hahn, co-owner/brewer of Momentum Brewhouse in Bonita Springs said, “We are celebrating our one year anniversary in Bonita Springs that weekend, so please come visit us at the social.  This is a great way for us to say thank you to the community!”

There will be a Latin dance performance (6:00-6:30) by Enchanted Ballroom and DanceLife of SWFL in Bonita Springs.  At 7:00 local Santana tribute band Sanctum Soul takes the stage until 9:00. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the free concert.

There will also be a VIP aspect to the social, available by ticket only. Ticket holders will be greeted by sparkling wine & Norman Love chocolates or a craft beer & soft pretzels from Sweet Odin’s Bakery from 4:30-6:30 (tickets $35 online at EventBright.com or $45 at the door).  VIP ticket holders will enjoy tastes of special wines or craft beers along with spirits from VOM FASS and Wicked Dolphin Rum.  Several local restaurants & caterers will showcase their culinary specialties, including Angelina’s, C-Level, DeRoma’s, Fitzgerald’s, Tijuana Flats, Tony Sacco’s and Bokamper’s.

The VIP lounge will be set with tables and chairs, and all participants receive real glasses and a raffle ticket.” There will be six raffle baskets filled with gifts and certificates from local businesses worth approximately $300-$500 each.

On Saturday, a Chili and BBQ Cook-off & Craft Fair will be held from 11 am to 3pm.  Local amateur chefs will compete for the People’s Choice Award and local craft vendors will showcase their wares.  There will be live music during the day, followed by a free concert in the park from 5:00 – 9:00 pm featuring Jimmy Buffet tribute band, The Caribbean Chillers.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, beer, wine and margaritas will be available for purchase Saturday night.

The event is made possible with the support of local businesses including the event’s presenting sponsor, Lee Memorial Healthcare System, as well as Baywater Exclusive Boat Club, The Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track, The News-Press, JJ Taylor, Naples Daily News/Bonita Banner, ABC-7, Univision, Spotlight Magazines and (radio sponsor).

Proceeds from The Taste of Bonita support various charitable endeavors, including high school Scholarships, Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Gift of Life, The Wheelchair Foundation and many others.  A toy drive will also take place on Sunday and donations of new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages are greatly appreciated.

The Rotary club was chartered in 1992 and is made up of business professionals who come together to serve the community and promote their vocations.  Over 34,000 Rotary Clubs can be found in over 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide. To date the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon has donated over $800,000 to charities in large part through funds raised at the annual Taste of Bonita.

For more information, call Rob Grady at 239-405-1400 or visit www.tasteofbonita.com.