Pine Island Stone Crab Music Fest Set for Nov. 9 With Veterans Tribute

The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will host the Stone Crab Music Fest on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie shopping center on Stringfellow Road. The event marks a return to a more typical schedule after the previous fest was pushed to January 2025 due to hurricane activity.

"It's basically a music food fest, with the emphasis on stone crab," said Dave Conner, according to Cape Coral Breeze.

Dave Conner serves as board president at GPICC. He thinks this gathering might become the biggest Stone Crab event yet.

Veterans will receive recognition through a partnership with the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Organizers have also shifted the tone of music planned for this year's program.

This year's program will be shorter than the January event, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents prefer to keep the fest on the island rather than expand it to a two-day event at an off-island location, according to Dave Conner.

"With a two-day event, generally you get money from the county with grants, then you have to match it," said Dave Conner.

The chamber wants to showcase what the island is known for. Crabbing and fishing top the list. Organizers noticed at the last Stone Crab Fest that attendees wanted to follow their favorite football teams during the fest.

A big screen TV will show live sporting events such as football, along with continuous feed from event sponsors. The TV will play without sound, so music can continue throughout the day.

Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event can contact the chamber at 239-283-0888.