PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release.

 

Sanibel area resorts offer special deals for Duck Stamp Contest and “Ding” Darling Days

Resorts and hotels on and around Sanibel Island are designing special accommodations deals for the 75th Federal Duck Stamp Contest on the island, which runs concurrently with the 18th annual “Ding” Darling Days eco-festival, Oct. 8-14, 2007, at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and other island venues.

The celebration of the 75th stamp judging will be brought to Sanibel to honor the refuge’s namesake, who designed the first Duck Stamp and helped implement the conservation program. The public is invited to view the more than 100 art entries and sit in on the judging process.

The week-long “Ding” Darling Days birding and eco-celebration includes birding and eco-tours, an expert ivory-billed woodpecker presentation, live animal presentations, and a free Family Fun Day, this year on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Discounts, listed below, have already been announced. Watch for more at www.dingdarlingdays.com. For information on the duck stamp contest, visit www.fws.gov/duckstamp75.

Island Inn, Sanibel’s historic beachfront resort, is offering “Ding” Darling Days packages from Oct. 8 through 14 at $175 for gulfview efficiencies, including two double beds, full kitchen, and full continental breakfast each day. Information: 800-851-5088, www.islandinnsanibel.com. [Media contact: Ellen Papay, (epapay@islandinnsanibel.com), 239-472-1561 ext. 3206.]

Periwinkle Cottages of Sanibel will deduct $10 per night off room rates for a four- to six- night stay between Oct. 1 and 21. Or stay seven nights for the price of six. Information: 239-472-1880, www.periwinklecottages.com. [Media contact: Kathy or Mark Lewis, 239-472-1880, periwinklecottageskl@earthlink.net.]

During the month of October, visitors can enjoy a three-night stay at Sandalfoot Condominiums for $450 to $625 for a one- or two-bedroom unit. Rates for a one-week stay range from $850 to $1,250. Guests will receive a free gift upon check-in. (All units are subject to a $40 administrative fee, plus 11 percent tax.) Information: 800-725-2250, www.sandalfootcondo.com. [Media contact: Nancy Black, nancyblack@sandalfootcondo.com, 800-725-2250 or 239-472-2275.]

Sanibel Arms West Condominiums offers a $99 per night rate for a five-night stay or longer during the month of October. Information: 800-950-1138, www.sanibelarmswest.com. [Media contact: Jeanette Rollins, (jeanette@sanibelarmswest.com), 239-472-1138.]