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Trashy Beaches:

Come out for Bay Days, sponsored by Keep Collier Beautiful, the local chapter of Keep America Beautiful, on April 26. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers will participate in an Earth Day beach clean-up at various locations in Collier County.

The event has grown since its inception 18 years ago when Naples residents organized a clean up out of concern for Naples Bay. It has spread to at least 13 locations throughout the county, with Tigertail Beach being on the list of places to be spruced up after the winter tourist season. Some other locations included are Wiggins Pass State Park, Vanderbilt Beach, Lowdermilk Park, Naples Pier, Bayview Park, Rookery Bay, Keewaydin Island, Marco River Marina and, of course, Tigertail Beach.

Anyone interested in participating should meet at the Tigertail Beach kiosk (or at the other locations), and be dressed appropriately for the cleanup, specifically by wearing shoes that can get wet. Volunteers will receive garbage bags and gloves. Bottled water will also be handed out. The Tigertail Beach cleanup is hosted by the Friends of Tigertail Beach. Information: 394-1470.

Tamiami 80 Celebration!:

There will be a parade on Saturday, April 26, with more fun on Sunday, in Everglades City to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Tamiami Trail.

Among the participants will be the Collier County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle patrol, posse and honor guard. Antique cars will carry dignitaries including Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Dist. 1 Stanley Cann, Barron Collier III and Everglades City Mayor Sammy Hamilton. Also included will be cyclists with the Naples Pathway Coalition & Everglades River of Grass Greenway and the Ochopee Fire Control District. Music will be provided by the Dixie Land Band.

The morning will begin with a free Pancake Fly-In at 10 a.m. at Everglades Airpark. The meal will be hosted by Chuck Gretzke, of Wings 10,000 Island Aero Tours.

A monument to Daniel and Lucy McLeod will be unveiled by their grandson James D. Brown, Jr. after the Opening Ceremonies. Daniel W. McLeod was the Mayor of the city of Everglades from 1923-59.

Sunday’s events will include a tribute to Deaconess Harriet Bedell by Jack Geist, Vestry & Outreach Committee of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Coral Gables. The Deaconess was a missionary in Everglades City from 1933-60. She is due to be canonized early next year. Her plaque as a Great Floridian is on the front porch of the Museum of the Everglades.

Wine connoisseurs:

Naples is known for culture, art and great cuisine, so its appropriate that on April 24, those who appreciate fine wines can taste the best that local restaurants have to offer during the fifth annual Naples Wine Tour.

Starting at locations downtown, tour participants can take a tastefully prepared journey of delectable appetizers, complemented by incredible wine tastings at each participating restaurant to enjoy the bold flavors of reds and white wines.

Greater Naples Area Chamber of Commerce (COC) Senior Vice President of Programs Brenda O’Conner, said, “This is our fifth year, and we had a waiting list at the last event, held in November. So, we will be offering this tour to 400 people this year.”

Unlike other events, the Naples Wine Tour features a format that eliminates the hassle of forgetting a ticket at home. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests pick up a passport and wine glass at one of three locations. This glass will be use to get a generous tasting at each stop. “The tour will showcase each of the restaurants that are participating,” explained O’Conner. The tour will last until 9:30 p.m.

The cost is $65 per couple or $35 for a single glass and passport. Reservations are required and are selling quickly at the COC Naples Visitors Center, 800 Fifth Avenue South, by calling 435-3742, or by e-mail at info@downtownnaplesassociation.com.