Viewpoint: Summer fun

Summers have changed over the last decade, and for those who have lived here longer, the difference is even more noticeable. This year expect plenty of community activities even though this is low season.

Celebrities will be here for two events: the Southwest Florida Soap Fest Weekend and the National Sports Gala. Daytime drama stars come to the island Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, for four activities. A Night of Stars and a Celebrity Bartender Bash are scheduled for Saturday with a cruise and golf tournament Sunday. All events benefit Hospice of Marco, Ricky King Children's Fund and Eden-Florida.

The National Sports Gala will be held at the Radisson on Saturday, June 24. This is a revived event that previously took place as part of the defunct Sports Fest. Celebrities from football, basketball, soccer, golf and other professional sports will each share a table with nine local guests. Guests can ask questions, get autographs and take photographs with their special celebrity. Proceeds will benefits the Marco Island YMCA.

The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce will hold The Glory of the Grape, a wine-tasting experience starting at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at the Marco Island Yacht Club. This is the second year for the tasting and features 20 wines from 10 countries with foods to complement the selected varieties. Money raised will support the chamber.

A new event Saturday, Aug. 12, produced by Judy Perez of Arturo's Ristorante Italiano, gives six islanders a chance to raise money for separate local charities. Marco's Dancing with the Stars is roughly fashion on a television program where novice dancers are paired with professionals and asked to compete as partners. The event includes the competition, dinner and an evening of dancing.

Of course some standby events are slated for the summer too. Little Bar Restaurant in Goodland will again sponsor Spammy Jammy on Saturday, June 24. This annual offbeat pajama party features an artistic Spam competition and is rumored to ward off potential hurricanes.

Marco Island will host this year's Fourth of July fireworks. A treat for all ages and a patriotic tribute, the fireworks will be ignited on Independence Day from a barge offshore and will be visible the entire length of Marco Island's crescent beach.

Locals will want to be here for all this summer's fun as island groups work to make having a good time a year-round expectation on Marco.