Ave Maria’s weekly seasonal events return this fall
With an eye for creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, the town’s development team has an impressive roster of upcoming events which highlight the best of Ave Maria’s cultural and communal spirit. These yearly traditions continue to draw in the thousands with engaging family activities and electrifying performances by local music entertainment, making the Town Center a place for endless smiles and memory making.
“It’s shared time and time again that Ave Maria has so much to offer, and our events are meant to showcase just that,” said Donna Marquez, events coordinator for Ave Maria Development (AMD). “As the town continues to grow, so do our events. Bigger and better every year! Our festivals are meant to engage people’s interest that this community’s reputation is turning into a premier destination for visitors and serious homebuyers.”
Mark your calendars for weekly events starting this November:
Saturdays, November 2 through April 26
The annual Ave Maria Farmers Market was the largest ever last year with more than 60 vendors, and now entering its eighth year, shoppers can anticipate even more booths to line Pope John Paul II Blvd. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. attendees will enjoy convenient access to freshly sourced produce from nearby growers; jams, jellies, oils and sauces; homemade baked goods; handcrafted soaps and beauty products; plants and flowers; pottery and art; new and vintage clothing; and unique jewelry and trinkets by local designers; plus, the presence of service providers continues to grow too with real estate professionals, interior designers, travel agents and the like.
“There’s nothing quite like just-picked fruits and veggies straight from the Immokalee farms. This is the ideal place to get to know your farmers,” remarked Dennis Strausbaugh of SW Florida Markets. “What brings people to this hometown market is that people come to socialize, walk around, shop and experience Ave Maria.
Free Music, Trolley Excursions & Church Tours
Tuesdays, January 14 through April 22
Every Tuesday in season through April 23, Ave Maria visitors are treated to 1-hour guided trolley tours running hourly from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The excursion begins at the Welcome Center on Annunciation Circle and travels to all the neighborhoods and interesting spots around town. Riders will get the full scoop on the latest commercial development, news, amenities and residential highlights, and will also receive complimentary goodies including coupons from in-town businesses.
A rotating slate of musical entertainment livens up the Town Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with performances by saxophonist Jim Blackburn, the Jeff Hughes interactive band, vocal soloist Wendy Renee, the Mason Williams duo, Latin singers Harmony 2, folk band Patchouli, singer and acoustic guitarist Chris Stultz, and the Caribbean steel drum band Steely Pan.
As a companion activity the same day, the Ave Maria Catholic Church offers free, 30-minute guided tours of its world-renowned parish from 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors will learn about and explore the architectural and historical details of this intriguing structure. Visitors are also encouraged to check out the United States’ one and only Mother Teresa Museum at Ave Maria University, as well as the many wonderful shops and restaurants located in Town Center, the Publix Retail Shops, Midtown Plaza and Park of Commerce. Tuesdays are super fun in Ave Maria. Make a day of it!
