Four of the island’s community organizations are making their fundraising efforts a real picnic— in every sense of the word. The Boys & Girls Club, Key West Art & Historical Society, Mote Marine Laboratory, and Womankind come together on January 23, 2016, starting at 5:00 pm. at Fort East Martello for a “Picnic Under the Stars,” a family-friendly event that welcomes all to bring a blanket and enjoy a traditional picnic-style celebration on the grass-covered citadel grounds of the historic Fort located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard.

Attendees of “Picnic Under The Stars” can choose to feast from pre-ordered picnic baskets, purchased online in advance at KWAHS.org, or from on-site food truck vendors. They can also enjoy libations, activities for kids (including a visit with Mo the Sloth from the Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm), and the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets featuring a cultural trip for two to Cuba, art bikes, and signed Guy Harvey prints. Admission tickets are only $10 and feature live music delivered by the Doerfels, a family band of five brothers and sister Nina, and Philadelphia-based “The Happy Dog” band, whose shows deliver an improvisational spirit that can swing from Bob Marley to the Beatles to more contemporary influences like Wilco and Radiohead.

The non-profit organizations—whose missions represent environmental, education, arts and culture, and health care sectors within our community—decided to come together to cook up a fundraiser with an “Old Island Days” feel to it—comparable to the tradition of picnic gatherings that historically occurred at the Fort. Iconic folk artist Mario Sanchez, who documented the island through his famous woodcarvings, was custodian of the Fort during the 1950’s, and enjoyed many fond memories of spending time there as a child. Among the many woodcarvings he created, over a hundred are titled “Old Island Days.” One in particular depicts children and families joyfully spending time on the Fort grounds, which has been stewarded by the Key West Art & Historical Society since 1949.

“Prior to the development of South Roosevelt Boulevard, the beach ran right up to the Fort, providing trees and shade for families who gathered there. It was a natural place for people to congregate,” says The Society’s Curator Cori Convertito. “Families could have the ocean on one side with the Fort as a backdrop on the other.”

“This event was created to evoke something that’s been happening there for a hundred years or more,” says Convertito. “It is also a wonderful way to honor Mario’s memories and his fond depictions of the old island days while raising some much-needed funds for these four important community organizations.”

“Picnic Under The Stars” is sponsored by Shipyard Brewing, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Papa’s Pilar, Bombora Vodka, Guy Harvey Ocean, Green Parrot Bar, and Florida Keys T.R.E.E. Institute. Picnic baskets have been donated to the fundraiser by local restaurants including Tavern & Town, Bistro 245, Hard Rock Café, Turtle Kraals, Latitudes, Michael’s, and Two Friends, and vary in price according to content. The fundraiser still seeks donations from local restaurants to help fill the gourmet picnic baskets.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at KWAHS.ORG— pre-order your picnic basket online as well. For more information, contact Key West Art & Historical Society Development Director Christine Nottage at 305.295.6616 x 111 or [email protected].