Located just off the Gulf Coast of Florida and only minutes from Fort Myers, lies the island oasis of Pine Island. Measuring 17 miles long and two miles wide, Pine Island is the largest island off the Southwest Florida coast. This beautiful stretch of land is surrounded by aquatic parks and mangroves, while the island itself is covered in palm trees, tropical plants and fruit groves. The lush and vibrant wilderness of the island makes for the ideal location for wildlife viewing, relaxation, and watersports. The natural surroundings and abundant sea life have attracted loads of artisans and fishermen respectively. Pine Island has grown into a one-of-a-kind community that is commonly referred to as being part Mayberry, part working fishing village, and it’s instantly apparent as you enter the town of Matlacha. This beautiful town is vibrantly painted and features many different art galleries, seafood markets, unique restaurants and shops you won't find anywhere else. Starting in 2015, Pine Island began to host the premier winter event of the area: the Pine Island ClamJam.
The Pine Island ClamJam is a newer festival, but it has already established a following of thousands from the region and it’s quite popular in the community. The event takes place in the Northernmost town on the island, named Bokeelia. Here you’ll find a picturesque backdrop for the festival and a community that warmly welcomes visitors. The ClamJam is an event intended to highlight the local clam harvest and to support the fishing community. You’ll find a range of delicious seafood dishes, as well as tasty food options for every palate. Live music will fill the air during the event from a variety of talented local and regional acts. In addition to the live music, there is an artisan fair with creative creations from many of the local artists and vendors. With so much to do, this is a great event for the entire family and warrants attending during both days of the festival. We got the opportunity to interview Pat Burman, the Event Chair of the ClamJam Food & Music Festival, to talk about the event.
TS: Tell me a little bit about the event.
PB: This will be our second year of the ClamJam. We anticipate attracting upwards of 5,000 people during our two-day event. Demographically we see everyone from families to single people at the event, but we certainly encourage everyone to attend. This event highlights Pine Island's Local Clam Harvest and our Fishermen's Seafood Industries. We offer our visitors a wide range of arts and craft vendors, eco tours, Palm frond weaving demonstrations, educational booths on clam farming, and live music from some great local bands. Some of our more highly anticipated groups include Grandpa's Cough Medicine, Come Back Alice, Snake Blood Remedy, Good Bad Kids, Blue Sky (Kenny & Rick of Stringtown), and Hip Nauticals. What really sets the ClamJam apart from other events is the locally farmed clams, seafood, and the home grown entertainment on display for all who attend.
TS: Take me through a day at the event.
PB: You arrive at the event, park your car and walk or take a ride on our passenger carts. As you enter the main gate you're greeted by the breezy tropical setting of a Palm tree farm. Here you will be able to view our many vendors and purchase some hot steaming clam or other seafood. In In addition we will also offer Greek food, American food, smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork and after you're all done wash it down with a cold one. After grabbing a bite to eat, you can take one of our eco tours through the Pond Apple Swamp, Community Garden Project and then sit and enjoy music from some great local bands. ClamJam has a warm and welcoming outdoor festival feel allowing you to bring the entire family for a great experience and a chance to sample a selection of our delicious local food.
TS: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
PB: All of the lodging options in the immediate area would be considered “Mom and Pop” establishments. They offer great rates, put you in close proximity to ClamJam, and place you right in the middle of all the activities the area has to offer. While none of the lodging providers are featuring deals specifically for the event, they have a range of deals and specials for the season. A couple of the local lodging establishments include Sugar Sands Inn & Suites and Bayview Bed & Breakfast. Try to make your reservations in advance! Our island is a beautiful winter vacation location for many and the local lodging can fill up quickly.
TS: What does the event mean to the community?
PB: At its most basic level, ClamJam is a great way for the community to gather, enjoy great food, and get to know each other better. The festival also draws people to our beautiful 17-mile long island. Visitors love the amount of fun activities and the friendly, warm community that calls the island home. This extra foot traffic is great for all the local businesses from the gas stations to the restaurants.
TS: Does the event support any special causes in the community?
PB: We support the Center for Organic & Sustainable Living, Inc. (COSL), which is a non-profit organization committed to bringing the community together to share ideas about healthy living and growing community health. All profits generated by this event will be used to support the COSL's Community Garden Project, Young Gardeners Workshop Series, and Scholarship Program.
TS: Why should people come to your event?
PB: The ClamJam is the perfect way to experience Pine Island. You have the opportunity to meet new people, listen to great live music, and sample some of the best food you’ll find in the region. Our island is a beautiful and fun place during every season, but especially during the winter time. Grab the family and head to Pine Island for our ClamJam. You won’t be disappointed!
For more information about ClamJam, please visit their website.