The Sanibel Community House (TCH) hosted the 87th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival in early March, and it was a resounding success! The event, presented by the Sanibel Community Association and the Shellcrafters, brought together residents and visitors for a celebration of all things shell-related.
This year’s festival boasted record-breaking attendance across all three days. Attendees enjoyed browsing a wide variety of exhibits featuring shells, shell art, crafts, and local artwork. They also had the opportunity to vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Awards.
Congratulations to the Winners!
The winners of the People’s Choice Awards are:
- Class 1 – Flower Arrangements Made of Shells:
- 1st Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
- 2nd Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
- 3rd Place: Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)
- Class 2 – Animals:
- 1st Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
- 2nd Place: Gina Panzer (Fort Myers)
- Class 8 – Mirror/Pictures/Shadowboxes:
- 1st Place: Linda Harrell (Fort Myers)
- 2nd Place: Linda Harrell (Fort Myers)
- 3rd Place: Denise Moore (Fort Myers)
- Class 9 – Wreath:
- 1st Place: Deb Determan (Sanibel)
- 2nd Place: Linda Ledel (Cape Coral)
- 3rd Place: Barb Walling (Sanibel)
- Class 13 – Tabletop Display:
- 1st Place: Marvin and Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)
- 2nd Place (tie): Denise Moore (Fort Myers) & Leslie Anding (Sanibel)
- 3rd Place: Cheri Bailey (Fort Myers)
- Class 14 – Miscellaneous:
- 1st Place: Sandra Hotaling (Fort Myers)
- 2nd Place: Marvin and Mary Hennemann (Fort Myers)
A Big Thank You!
TCH extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. This includes the many volunteers and vendors who contributed their time and talent. A special thanks goes to The Sanibel School students and the Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum & Aquarium staff who volunteered at the “Shell Shed,” educating attendees about fascinating live mollusks.
Of course, the festival wouldn’t have been the same without the generous support of everyone who contributed, donated, sponsored, and attended. Thank you for helping to make the 87th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival a memorable event!
