According to naplesnews.com, “A huge white tent shielded festival-goers from the blazing sun as thousands of food lovers descended upon Coconut Point mall in Estero to sample culinary treats from 20 participating eateries during the 2nd annual ‘Taste of Coconut Point’ on Sunday.”

“Diane Ivey, director of marketing for the mall, said blue skies were responsible for a substantial increase in attendance compared to last year’s inaugural event. ‘The weather last year was lousy — very windy and rainy,’ Ivey said as live music blasted through the parking lot and hungry families dug into paper plates piled high with chicken wings, pizza and buffalo short ribs. “We have a really amazing turnout this year, and as long as people are having a good time, I’m happy.’”

“Ivey said she expected about 3,000 people over the course of the five-hour festival that lasted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. She said about half that number attended last year. Samples cost between $1 and $5, and featured jambalaya fusili from California Pizza Kitchen; Thai ginger chicken wings from Hurricane Grill & Wings; margherita pizza from Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza; bacon-wrapped shrimp from T.G.I. Friday’s; strawberry poppy seed salad from Panera Bread; strawberry shortcake from Ted Montana’s Grill; New Zealand lamb chops from The Grape; and sweet potato casserole from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.”