Page 48 - May-June-July Life In Naples
P. 48
by Lois Bolin CSENROTWIFBIEIRDD
Old Naples Historian
V alue, like beauty, is in the eye of OFF SHOULDER SEASON
the beholder. If the beholder’s eye
is that of a tourist related business Tropicool, one of Naples first events to celebrate the end of tourist season in the 1980s, has
or that of a local resident, the value of the been replaced with CityFest, a tribute to the closing (May) and opening (October) of season
Snowbirds can be disproportional and with the focus on activities for both locals and visitors alike.
fluctuates throughout the year.
EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO MAY - JULY ARE:
The term Snowbird has been in use
since the late 1600s, but it has only been May 1 Taste of Collier (36th)
applied to humans since the early 1900s
when northern laborers would flock south April 24-May 8 Arts World Festival
just as the cold, harsh winter set in up
north. Today, all kinds of Snowbirds, from May 14 Great Dock Canoe Race (40th)
vacationers to retirees, set their sights
southward when the first frost appears. May 25 SWFL Veterans Alliance Lunch*
Naples was established to attract June Third Street’s Farmers Market (Every Saturday)
Snowbirds to this “never-never land of
impossible charm,”where birds of a feather July 4 City Parade
flocked together to enjoy the other types
of birds that were plentiful along Naples SNOWBIRD CERTIFIED
shoreline and her swamps.
One business in Naples has taken their value for Snowbirds to a whole
BIRD SANCTUARY new altitude by designing a prototype educational program for their agents
and collaborating agencies around the country. McQuaid Company &
Pioneers’ affinity for wildlife was so Real Estate Services, the same company that brings you Taste of Collier
great that when the Town of Naples and Rockin’ the Point concerts, reaches out to let Snowbirds know that
Charter was established, section 26.4.b they don’t just talk the talk - they walk - or fly it as well.
made the city of Naples a sanctuary for As a McQuaid agent and resident Old Naples historian, I can attest that values, community,
birds thus declaring the city to be a bird fun and service is the fabric of Tiffany McQuaid’s company, which is stitched together with the
sanctuary. golden threads of creativity - lots of creativity. One needs only to peer through the windows of
McQuaid’s offices at Bayfront and Coconut Point or check the comparative standings of this
Nowhere did I see the term Snowbird. unique boutique real estate company to see how true my words are.
Yet, like clockwork, Neapolitans are We love telling Snowbirds that through word of mouth, since 1890, when Walter
imprinted with the signs of their initial Halderman first began promoting his dream community through the Louisville Courier,
arrival in October when the habitual Naples has attracted Captains of Industry and Captains of Boats and those who wanted to
nest fluffing begins followed by the see what this little bend in the road was all about. It’s with great pride when we share that
full onslaught in mid-January, which thanks to them, Naples has been named the #1 Best Destination for Luxury Travelers (USA
signals that it’s open season for galas TODAY’s 10 Best travel section); the #1 Small Art Town in the country ( John Villani, The
and charity events. 100 Best Art Towns in America, 2005); America’s Best All-Around Beaches; Top American
Cities for Food and 30 Best Small Cities in America by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; and
While some see Snowbirds as travel the lists go on and on.
time impediments or trespassers on their Yes, we love our Snowbirds - especially when we understand how much value they bring to
claim to their favorite restaurant, we know, our community in supporting our local charities and tax base through tourists tax. Yes, we love
in our heart of hearts, that Snowbirds are when Snowbirds take their northern flight but we also love when their hearts are filled with a
a lifeline to our area’s economic stability. yearning for warmth and return to this land of impossible charm hoping that maybe this will
be the year they will clip their wings to make this place their forever home.
*Jerry Yellin, Pilot who flew the last mission of WWII. Call 239.777.2281 for details.
48 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016
