The 4th of July celebration started early this year in South Cape. Considered the “Heart of Cape Coral,” it is home to a variety of bars and restaurants, and there is no better way to enjoy them all but on a trolley.
On Saturday, July 1st, The South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Associations (SCHEA) hosted the 5th annual South Cape Red, White & Brew trolley event.
The event featured some of downtown’s best restaurants and bars providing beer, appetizers, and live music. The participating locations included Backstreets Sports Bar, Paradise Pizza, Cape Coral Brewing Co., Dixie Roadhouse, Monkey Bar and Steakhouse, Perk & Brew, Ralph’s Place, Rack’em Spirits & Times, Tiki Hut and Two Amigos
The trolleys are rented from Naples Trolley Company and seat 80 patriotic party goers. As a trolley host, I experienced first-hand how much fun these events are. Over 1000 participants hopped on and off at each restaurant where they sampled an all American beer and appetizer. Each attendee receives a passport that they have stamped at each location. At the end of the night, the passport is turned in in hopes of winning the grand prize, a summer beach package. In addition, participants are encourage to have their photo taken, dressed in their most patriotic garb, in the lobby of Dolphin Key Resort. The photos are displayed on Facebook for the public to vote on. The winner receives $100.
As the night progresses and the passports receive more stamps, the trolleys become a party zone. Participants break out in song, ranging from The Star-Spangled Banner to less patriotic tunes. Prizes are given away to those with the most knowledge of trivia and an occasional tattoo contest ensues. At the next stop, a new group of patriotic trolley riders hops on.
By the end of the night you’ve made new friends, sampled food and drink from some of the Cape’s best bars and restaurants and have a passport full of stamps in the hope of winning the grand prize.
Personally, I think the trolley is the best part, but I’m biased.
SCHEA hosts monthly trolley tours, each with a different theme and prizes. Learn more at www.southcapeentertainment.com
Next up is Bacon Fest!
See you on the Trolley!
