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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Calusa Palooza Festival Celebrates Our Clean Water

The Calusa Waterkeeper Calusa Palooza, held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., March 22, at Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers is not only a huge celebratory sequel to Big Calusa 2019, it’s also the culmination of the largest-ever cleanup of our region's waterways that began on March 14. Food trucks, beer sales, vendors and more are part of the fun. Net proceeds from Calusa Palooza and the kayak and paddleboard race will benefit Calusa Waterkeeper programs. 


The water-themed education and entertainment festival will be capped off by a twilight Concert for Clean Water in Centennial Park. This double-header concert is a ticketed event that features St. Pete favorites Elly & Company at 4:30 p.m., and headliners Hotel California, The Original Eagles Tribute Band, at 7 p.m. Early bird discounts for tickets and VIP packages are available.


Family activities include kick-off kayak and paddle board races, as a paleontology exhibit, nature workshop, a Calusa River master naturalist tour, boating safety training, fishing tutorial for kids, a live mermaid show, a Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger testing demo and an on-land rowing demonstration.  


“With the help of Keep Lee County Beautiful, our partner in the largest-ever cleanup of our region’s waterways, and the help of volunteers and Lee county residents, we are creating something truly exceptional—a day that entertains, educates and promotes clean water all year long,” advises K. C. Schulberg, Calusa Waterkeeper executive director.


To sign up and register a water cleanup with Keep Lee County Beautiful, visit SignUpGenius.com/go/805094aaaaa2ca4f49-calusa. For more information or to purchase Concert for Clean Water tickets, visit CalusaWaterkeeper.org.