Photos courtesy of Naples Island Business Association.

The Naples Island Business Association has announced the return of the Naples Fest 2015 Street Fair, to take place on Thursday, August 27 from 5:00PM to 8:30PM

“We are, at times, the best-kept secret in Long Beach,” said Naples Island Business Association President Bart DeLio, who views the event as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of what Naples has to offer. “Each year, since we’ve brought this event back, we have grown over 30 percent. Last year, we introduced a live band and a beer and wine garden and things just took off from there”.

DeLio said that a kid-friendly zone will be added to the 2015 festival to counter the beer and wine garden (to return to The Naples Car Wash), an effort to include face painting. Balloon art and other fun activities for the younger participants to enjoy just as much as their ‘rents might savor a cold one by the canals.

A few of the area’s outstanding restaurants will vend the best bites they have to offer. Be brave and try Carreras Cemitas’ contemporary Mexican fare, including the Coyote Fries, a daring plate of sweet potato fries, carnitas, onions, cilantro, avocado slices, oaxacan cheese, crumbled panela cheese, sweet-and-sour and “Daaa Pink Stuff” sauce.

Chianina Steakhouse, K.C. Branaghan’s and, the most recent addition to the area, Kihon Sushi and Japanese Tapas, will be participating. Not to forget the fittingly Italian array of eateries, including, Komo’s Cocina, Michael’s on Naples Ristorante, Michael’s Pizzeria, Valentino’s Pizza and many more who will be participating.

Shops and services providers in the mix will include Alamitos Bay Neighbors Magazine, Bayshore Wellness, Caught in the Moment Photography, Edward Jones Investments, Lisa Hopkins Optometry and Naples Salt Therapy.

“Each year we do this event someone will come up to me and tell me there was a store or restaurant they love that they would not have known about if it were not for the festival,” said DeLio.

As far as entertainment goes, Trish Burke and the Local Experience will be returning as the live band. In addition, DJ Bill Lovelace will be hosting on the West end of the festival. Guests not interested in walking too much, or those that are simply looking for scenic cruise, can keep their eyes open for the Long Beach Trolley courtesy of The Big Red Bus, to offer free rides around Naples during the event.

“People come out for the Christmas Boat Parade each year and our Naples Fest Street Fair is encouraging them to come out the rest of the year as well,” DeLio said. 

There is no charge to attend, but guests will need to purchase tickets for food and wine. Leftover tickets can be used for opportunity drawings.

For more information about Naples Fest, click here or visit the Facebook page here.