Every Labor Day Weekend, Englewood comes alive for Pioneer Days. To help you plan, the Englewood REVIEW drops August 28th with a special edition packed with everything you need to know.

There’s plenty on the schedule:

– The wild Cardboard Boat Races
– Diaper Derby (it’s seriously competitive!)
– The legendary parade down Dearborn Street
– Family fun at Pioneer Plaza

And then there’s the “Mayor for a Day” race, always a hit. 

Each one is hosting their own fundraiser leading up to the main event. Whoever wins gets to ride down the parade route, wear the sash, and help showcase what makes Englewood so special.

Mike Dalke is this year’s committee chair, working with Mary Jones and Amy Gonzales to keep everything running smoothly. Pioneer Days has raised money for all kinds of local charities, some brand new, some well-known. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a chance to give back to the community.

Questions, or want to join in? Call Amy at 360-431-6910. Fundraising starts on August 1st. Big thanks to the Englewood Chamber for making all this possible. Here’s to 70 amazing years. Let’s make this one the best yet.

Click here for more information.

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Last season felt like a whirlwind. In spring 2025, they hosted a Beatles Tribute, raising money to buy a sousaphone for the marching band. 

Their second Woodstock event sent admission donations straight to St. David’s Jubilee and, again, toward that sousaphone. Charlie Foxtrot Brewing Co. jumped on board as a partner and became the heart of the new food court, with part of their sales covering festival expenses. 

For 2026-27, they’re planning six concerts split between winter and spring, all at Pioneer Plaza. The winter series kicks off with Oktoberfest on the 25th. Expect a mix of entertainment, a new “Kids’ Korner” filled with lawn games, and a food court offering German eats, capped off with a concert.

On November 22nd, they’re honoring veterans, servicemen, and their families with a Wizard of Oz theme: “There’s no place like Home.” They invite musicians who are vets or want to pay tribute to someone who served at the Open Mic: share a name, branch of service, introduce yourself or someone special. ROTC and veterans can join the cornhole tournament, and vet organizations may set up booths to showcase their services or sell merchandise. Bands like Rising Tide and Old Glory, with veteran musicians, will close out the event.

December 6th brings the Holiday Showcase. Local musicians deliver holiday tunes to get everyone in the spirit. The food court and Kids’ Korner return, along with another concert. Artists are welcome to display and sell their original work at every event.

Sydney, the founder of The Artist Colony, shares her story: “I was self-employed forever, organized and managed well. When I moved to Englewood, I started making concrete garden sculptures. Tried two-day art shows for two seasons. Honestly, I would’ve saved money staying home. So, I thought, why not start a local art group? A colony for artists to show and sell their original art: low costs, no travel, easy setup. We’re now in our fifth season for the Outdoor Gallery, twice a month in Pioneer Plaza. And it got bigger than I ever thought. We’re a 501c3 now and rolling out six Family Festivals and Benefit Concerts. We’ve partnered with the Englewood YMCA and created ‘The Artist Palette,’ offering classes for adults and kids at the YMCA. Supporting the arts and performing arts is what we do. And have I actually sold my garden art? Not yet, but I will, once the Artist Colony is truly established.”

She’s especially thrilled with their YMCA partnership. “Liz is the director. I asked if there was a room available for art classes. She gave us space, and we talked about how to use it. Now our artists can work there up to five days a week, evenings and weekends included. They can use it as a studio, set up areas to sell their work when teaching, and during monthly family events at the Y, we host mini art markets, putting a spotlight on our artists and their classes.”

As the Colony grows, Sydney’s bringing veterans into the fold. “I want them on the team. I have musicians, a group of artists, and now veterans.” She’s also looking for benefactors and supporters to help cover the costs for the sculptures that decorate Dearborn Street, a unique project they brought to Englewood.

Sydney adds, “We’re expanding our concert series: Kids’ Korner, artists during the day, aiming for true family festivals. There aren’t a lot of family events around here, and we want to change that.”

Admission is food or cash donations for causes listed in promotions and at the gates. This season, they’re still raising funds for sousaphones. They need another $25,000 to replace the three pvc and brass instruments the marching band started with. St. David’s Jubilee and Lotus Shadows, a veteran organization, also receive part of these donations.

The Colony’s partnership with the YMCA is growing. Their new ‘Artist Palette’ studio offers art and craft classes during the day, evening, and weekends, beginner and advanced students, for adults and kids, open to YMCA members and non-members.

Follow them on Facebook for updates. If you want to participate, volunteer, donate cash or instruments, or just ask questions, contact Sydney at i2garden@yahoo.com or 773-983-6190.

Events lineup:

Outdoor Gallery—1st and 3rd Wednesdays, October through April at Pioneer Plaza (325 W Dearborn)

The Artist Palette Studio—Classes at the YMCA

Six Family Festivals & Benefit Concerts—October, November, December, February, March, April

If you want to help with these family festivals, the Colony offers IRS letters for donors, patrons, and benefactors.

Be sure to check out their new art classes now available at the YMCA.

For information www.OldEnglewoodVillage.com or their Facebook page for details.

The post From Woodstock to Oktoberfest: Englewood’s The Artist Colony Celebrates 5 Years of Music and Meaning appeared first on Englewood Review.

Step into Manasota Mystique: Derby After Dark and experience a night at the races like no other. This event gathers 200 of Englewood’s most familiar faces for an evening filled with great food, good bourbon, lively music, and all the excitement you’d expect from Derby night, just with our own Englewood twist.

Dinner comes courtesy of Smoke & Thyme, and the drinks flow from Sportsman’s Pub. There’s even a private bourbon tasting hosted by Mark Knauf, CPA, for those looking to sip something special.

Crossfire Creek keeps the energy up all night—if you know, you know. They’re the “MOST WANTED” Rock n’ Country Band around. Passion Folkloria will make a special appearance, and Teddy the Cow will be ready for your photo ops.

So, dust off your best Derby attire, try your luck at the betting table, raise a glass, and celebrate the people and spirit that make Englewood one of a kind.

There’s more to this night than incredible fun. Manasota Mystique helps shape our community’s future. The event funds scholarships for Lemon Bay High School students and supports the Englewood Chamber’s lineup of free community events. We’re talking classics like Pioneer Days, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, and so many programs that bring people together throughout the year.

Whether you’re joining us as a guest, sponsor, or volunteer, your support fuels the heart of Englewood and ensures its best traditions carry on.

Manasota Mystique: Derby After Dark
Saturday, November 7, 2026
5:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.

Click here for more information.

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Lemon Bay Playhouse is calling all local actors for auditions for Bell, Book and Candle, John Van Druten’s charming fifties classic. Auditions run July 26 and 27, 7 p.m. at 96 Dearborn Street. The story follows Gillian Holroyd, a witty witch living in Greenwich Village, who finds herself in trouble when she casts a love spell on her neighbor, publisher Shepherd Henderson. She’s hoping to keep him away from a rival, but there’s a catch: witches can’t really fall in love without risking their magic.

Caught between life as a witch and the messy, mundane reality of genuine romance, Gillian faces a choice: does she stick with her magical, bohemian freedom or risk everything for real human connection?

The play premiered on Broadway in 1950 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with John Van Druten directing, with Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer headlining. Later, James Stewart and Kim Novak brought the story to life in the 1958 film adaptation. Bell, Book and Candle even inspired the iconic TV show Bewitched. 

Susana Falcon, Lemon Bay Playhouse’s Executive-Artistic Director, will direct this production. If you love a little magic and drama, don’t let this audition pass you by.

Click here for more information about Lemon Bay Playhouse.

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The scent of fresh flowers mingles with locally baked treats. Musicians fill the air with easygoing melodies while neighbors linger over conversations that often last longer than their shopping lists. Artisans proudly display handcrafted goods beside farmers who harvested their produce just miles away. It feels less like a marketplace and more like a gathering of old friends.

That’s exactly what Angie Reznick hoped it would become.

Nestled at 353 W. Dearborn St. Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique has quietly grown into the heart of the Wildflowers Thursday Farmers Market, a place where shopping is simply the beginning. For Reznick, the market represents something much deeper: a community that continues to bloom, one relationship at a time.

“I fell in love with the village,” she says. “Villages have a charm.”

That affection began long before Wildflowers opened its doors. After moving to Englewood, Reznick immersed herself in the community, getting to know neighboring shop owners, volunteering with local churches, and building friendships throughout Dearborn Street. She wasn’t simply opening a business; she was planting roots.

“If the good Lord gives me a location down here,” she says, “I want to be very interactive with the community and make a difference.”

Today, people can see that promise throughout every corner of Wildflowers.

The Thursday market has become a colorful celebration of local makers, growers, and artists, but Reznick believes its greatest purpose reaches beyond commerce. Behind the scenes, she’s already envisioning the next chapter, one built around service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others.

Her property, she says, is available for whatever the community needs.

She hopes to host fundraisers for local causes, partner with nonprofits, and invite youth organizations to become part of the market’s story. During the summer months, student groups with fundraising projects are welcome to set up booths alongside established vendors, giving young entrepreneurs a chance to share their talents while supporting meaningful causes.

Recently, students from Lemon Bay High School did just that, raising money for their music department’s trip to a state competition.

Reznick still smiles when she remembers them.

The students arrived with handmade crafts, flowers tucked into their hair, and a display inspired by the whimsical style of Wildflowers itself.

“They were adorable,” she recalls. “I told them, ‘You come back every week.’”

It’s those moments, she says, that remind her why the market matters.

“These are our new generation, our new locals.”

Supporting local families has become part of Wildflower’s identity. Regular customers know they’re more than shoppers; they’re neighbors. Reznick makes a point of celebrating the people who call Englewood home, offering special touches that make locals feel appreciated.

“I definitely have a heart for the locals,” she says. “I want them to know they’re the most important.”

That same philosophy extends inside the boutique.

Rather than limiting the farmers market to Thursdays, Reznick has invited several vendors to establish permanent homes within Wildflowers. Throughout the week, visitors can discover familiar faces and handcrafted treasures by browsing locally made goods, long after the outdoor tents are packed away.

Another room is being transformed into what she’ll call “The General Store,” expanding opportunities for artisans to showcase their work year-round.

Just beyond the shop, another dream is taking shape. A tucked-away garden space will eventually feature fruit trees and edible landscaping, a place where neighbors can gather and, one day, literally enjoy the fruits of the community. The garden will also become home to vendors specializing in organic products, homemade tinctures, and naturally crafted goods.

Even the market’s soundtrack reflects its ever-changing spirit. Local musicians rotate throughout the season, ensuring each Thursday brings its own personality and rhythm.

For Reznick, variety keeps the experience fresh. Every detail circles back to the name she chose years ago.

Wildflowers isn’t simply the name of her boutique. It’s her philosophy.

“Each individual is a beautiful flower,” she says. “They’re all artists. They’re all organic, or their food is grown here. Each one represents a different kind of flower, but we’re all in that market together. When you look at it, it’s one big beautiful wildflower garden.”

It’s a fitting metaphor for a place where every vendor contributes something unique and every visitor becomes part of the landscape.

Like the wildflowers that bloom naturally across Florida’s coast, no two are exactly alike. Together, however, they create something unforgettable.

As Wildflowers continues to grow, Reznick isn’t focused on how big the market can become. She’s focused on how deeply it can take root.

“I’m excited,” she says. “It’s exhausting—but it’s wonderfully exhausting.”

On Dearborn Street, where small-town charm still flourishes and neighbors greet one another by name, that kind of joyful work has a way of spreading, much like wildflowers themselves.

So, if you’ve been missing the old Englewood Farmers Market on Thursdays, here’s your fix: stop by the Wildflowers Boho Chic Boutique on Dearborn Street. You’ll find it at 353 W Dearborn Street, right in the heart of Englewood. This cozy market serves up farm-fresh produce, artsy goods from local makers, and live treats, all the things you love. They’re open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Don’t let the summer heat keep you away. The market vibe is alive and well on Dearborn Street..

Click here to visit the Wildflowers Facebook page. Or call Angie Reznick at 843-957-4093, email wildflowersbcb@hmail.com.

The post Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Dearborn Street Market Rooted in Community appeared first on Englewood Review.

Bring the whole family to 6961 San Casa Dr, Englewood, for a jam-packed morning of games, a scavenger hunt, face painting, bounce houses, and a food truck loaded with treats. Kids and adults alike will love the hands-on activities and the lively atmosphere that the REC2U Mobile Programming Unit brings to the park. 

Be sure to catch the special presentation on local wildlife, fun, interactive, and full of surprises. It’s all free for everyone, so come out, explore, and make some memories with Charlotte County Parks and Recreation.

Click here for more information.

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This lively event helps support the Englewood Sailing Association, with a share going back to the Englewood Rotary. There’ll be raffles, prizes, and, because it’s Preakness weekend, a special prize for the most fascinating hat. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Parking’s free, snacks are on them, a cash bar is available, and they’ll hand you dobbers and bingo cards, so you’re set to play.

The Englewood Rotary

They’re a group of dedicated professionals from all walks of life, united by a common goal: service. Here in Englewood and far beyond, they roll up their sleeves for all kinds of projects, giving kids a solid start with education and ethical guidance, fighting hunger, and promoting better health. Every week, they carve out time to meet, catch up, laugh, and learn together. Rotarians bring their families along, not just for the camaraderie, but for the chance to serve side by side.

As part of Rotary International, they’re in good company, over 1.2 million people strong, all pushing for Service Above Self. The Four-Way Test guides how they show up in the world. That’s who they are, the Englewood Rotary.

Service to the Community

So, what do they actually do? Locally, they back education and literacy. They invest in scholarships to change lives. 

Their membership is diverse: engineers, doctors, attorneys, realtors, CPAs, psychotherapists, financial advisors, and more. 

Rotarians serve, they connect, they have fun. Across 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries, Rotarians stand for humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and building peace across the globe. Their doors are open to every culture, background, and belief with one simple goal: Service Above Self, in the community, at work, everywhere.

For more information about Englewood Rotary, click here.

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Last weekend’s art show really stood out with the Art on Dearborn Art & Craft Show. The plaza buzzed with excitement. Handmade art, unique crafts, talented locals showing their stuff, and live music gave the entire weekend a special vibe. We spent some time talking with the artists and hearing about their creative process; it was a real treat. 

On April 12, Dearborn Street turned into a hub of fun, with local artists and performers filling Pioneer Plaza. The Woodstock Tribute brought even more energy, with Badger tearing it up on the sax during the live jam session.

That’s just how we do things here in Englewood. 

We’re proud of our thriving arts scene, our music, the farmers market, and the tight-knit community that brings it all to life. Englewood isn’t just a place; it’s an experience.

The post Discover Englewood’s Vibrant Spirit: Festivals, Concerts, and Art at Pioneer Plaza appeared first on Englewood Review.

You’ll find the place buzzing early, as sunlight shimmers off the runway as the first planes roll in. The air will hum with the sound of propellers and engines, with some in the sky and others rumbling on the ground.

Picture rows of vintage tail draggers parked next to the latest light-sport aircraft, all shining under the Gulf Coast sun. Down the taxiway, the Florida West Coast Car Club lines up a jaw-dropping parade of classic cars. Their chrome fenders flash as families wander past, kids tugging their parents toward the snow cone stand, everyone snapping photos.

Helicopters will lift off all day, giving folks a bird’s-eye view of the coastline. Meanwhile, “Tommy’s Tunes” sets the soundtrack while the smell of food trucks drifts through the crowd. Pilots will chat with curious visitors, as children stare wide-eyed at aerobatic planes, and neighbors catch up over burgers from Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Here’s what you need to know:

– Where: Buchan Airport Community Park, 1390 Old Englewood Road, Englewood, FL 34223

– When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

– Admission: Free

– Parking: Suggested $5 donation

– Car Show Entry: $10 donation for show cars

Schedule:

– Main event: 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

– Car Show: 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. (Trophies awarded around 12:30 p.m.)

What’s Happening:

– Dozens of planes and helicopters on display

– Classic car show, courtesy of the Florida West Coast Car Club

– Food, music, and a chance to meet the pilots

– Helicopter rides over the coast

– Vendors—including Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill and more

Logistics:

– Show cars: Enter at 914 Bayshore Dr (off Old Englewood Rd)

– General parking: Use Osceola Drive

This is the first time the car show joins the Fly-In, so the energy’s going to be high. There will be plenty of sunshine and eager folks ready to enjoy a day of aviation, classic cars, and real Englewood community spirit. See you on the tarmac.

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The season opens Sunday, February 1, with the 2nd Spring Art Show relocated to Pioneer Plaza, followed by a Beatles Tribute benefit concert. Food donations for St. David’s Jubilee Center and cash donations for the Music Instruments for Students program will be collected at the gates. Charlie Foxtrot Brewing will provide beer and wine service during the event.

Family-focused programming continues Sunday, March 1, with the Mad Hatter Family Festival. The event will feature young performers, children’s activities, photo opportunities and opportunities for crafters to participate. Guests are encouraged to dress in themed attire.

On Sunday, March 8, the Artist Colony will host its second Salute to Woodstock benefit concert, again supporting St. David’s Jubilee Center. Nonperishable food donations will be collected, and Charlie Foxtrot Brewing will serve beverages.

The season resumes Sunday, April 12, with the Trop Roc benefit concert. Proceeds will help offset copyright fees for Lemon Bay High School Drama Department musicals. Organizers are planning an additional Spring Art Show earlier in the day at Pioneer Plaza leading into the concert.

In the fall, the Artist Colony and Charlie Foxtrot Brewing will collaborate on an Oktoberfest celebration on Sunday, October 18. The partnership continues Sunday, November 22, with the Wizard of Oz Family Festival, themed “There’s no place like Home.” The event will welcome families of servicemembers and veterans. Activities, entertainment and costumes will be encouraged, with Charlie Foxtrot Brewing providing service. A veterans organization will be selected to receive the event’s donations.

In addition to special events, the Outdoor Pioneer Plaza Galleries will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays in February, March and April.

Artists, performers and community members interested in participating may contact Sydney at i2garden@yahoo.com.

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