The 15th annual SWFL Peace Day celebration is set for Sunday, September 25 at Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park in Fort Myers.
The celebration, held in honor of the International Day of Peace, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an opening ceremony for those who want to start early.
“It’s hard to put into words the feelings I get from building a project that started with a couple of hundred people to what has become an annual staple.” said event creator Zachary vanDyne. “It is beyond words and it is beautiful to witness. It’s the 15th annual celebration that brings a day of peace to the Southwest Florida community. This year we were able to increase donations, as well as offer activities during Peace Day, for the organizations we support.”
This will be the first year that the event will feature live mermaids, and there will be an artist village that will allow many talented local artists to display and sell their work. Every year there are new vendors and a wider variety of foods to satisfy all dietary choices.
“Each year, the Day of Peace has expanded its reach, spiraling outward to include and connect with more people and creating opportunities for greater understanding and communication.” vanDyne said. “I am continually grateful for the people here in Southwest Florida, as well as the people who travel from afar to experience a day of peace, and who stand for peace and help create and expand it – every year”.
This year’s theme is Transformation, which organizers say was selected from an ancient prophecy that foretold that people of many colors would come together to unite and restore balance to Earth, and that that time is now .
“Every year, I pray to the Spirit to give me the theme,” vanDyne said. “This year Spirit said the theme was transformation and spoke of the rainbow prophecy and said the time is now. The rainbow prophecy said a generation of people of many colors, many backgrounds and many faiths would come together to unite, restore and herald a time of balance for the Earth. Peace is transformative and comes with understanding through communication. What unites us it is bigger than what divides us”.
This year’s family and pet-friendly free-admission celebration will feature amazing food trucks, vendor and artist booths, live music, entertainment and ample free parking.
Here’s what’s happening this year on Peace Day:
∫ 7:30 h: Beginning of the Day of Peace with the “Ultimate Breathtaking Experience”, Candace Tranter leads a Breath for Peace Empowerment for 100 people to focus on the breath and hold the intention for massive change for humanity.
∫ Druid Elder Opening Ceremony
∫ Sellers’ and artisans’ booths
∫ Delicious food and sweets: Vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous
∫ Live Music and DJ All Day – Presented by Jenni B (All Smiles Entertainment) and featuring David “endure” Delli Paoli, Family Music Time, Violet Midnight, Luna Muni (violin), The Markleys and B-Love
∫ Live entertainment, featuring Calendar Girls, Belly & Hula Connection SWFL, Poets Realm and Luna Moonz
∫ A Day of Peace FIRST: Mermaids, sponsored by Freedom Roofing, will make a big splash on Peace Day!
∫ Dog park for our furry friends
∫ Massage, Reiki and Crystal Bowl Sound baths
∫ Living Universal Medicine Wheel
∫ Meditative peace grid for transformation
∫ Educational talks
∫ Local non-profit organizations
∫ Food and supply drive for ACT (Abuse Treatment and Counseling) and GCHS (Gulf Coast Humane Society)
∫ Peace Blood Drive (One Blood Bloodmobile)
∫ Drum closing ceremony with Ernel Grant
Especially for children:
∫ Family Time Music Singing after Tai Chi
∫ Children’s yoga
∫ Bounce houses and attractions
∫ Painting/art activities
∫ Wa-Ke-Hatchee play areas
∫ Face painting
∫ Free gifts
For children of all ages:
∫ Butterfly tent
∫ Chill out areas with Umbrella Mafia umbrellas
∫ Cocktails and drinks for kids from Millennial Brewing
∫ Live interactive art stations
∫ Stations of photographic operations
∫ Volleyball and tennis courts
“Peace is an umbrella under which we all fit”, vanDyne added. “As we said before, what unites us is greater than what divides us. It is our natural instinct that we all want to be happy, and no one wants to suffer, regardless of race, religion, age, etc.; therefore, the Day of Peace, and coming together on the Day of Peace, is a way to continue to inspire, educate and unite us in this most basic and fundamental desire… the desire for Peace.
“The community is made up of all walks of life and we continue to create a day of peace where everyone, regardless of race, religion, age, economic status, education, etc., can participate. Peace Day has always been, and always will be, a free event for the community.”
Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park is located at 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or chair, relax on the grass with amazing music and entertainment, and enjoy a peaceful day with friends and family.
15th Day of Peace sponsors include Thinking Peace, Helping It Grow: CasaShanti, Grand Illusion, Mitra 9, Millennial Brewing, Freedom Roofing, Neenie’s House, Iona Cannabis Clinic, Zak’s Jewelers, Mystic Moon, What’s Up SWFL, Bath Fitter, Solar Bear, and EPEC.
– Connect with this journalist on Twitter: @haddad_cj
