Tag: Lester Family Fun Day

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 9, 2025. Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day helped ring in the holiday season at The Center of Anna Maria Island while raising money for The Center.

The Dec. 6 event featured inflatable bounce houses, slides and play areas, pony rides, a petting zoo that featured goats, ducks and a small pig, a visit from Santa, the Manatee High School Drumline, The Grinch’s dance contest, children’s games and activities, ice cream from Small Town Creamery and hot dogs donated by the Anna Maria Oyster bar and cooked by Duffy’s Tavern, which also provided and cooked the burgers.

DJ Freeze played the music and served as the master of ceremonies, assisted by the SOZO Missions youth from Bradenton. The family fun concluded with a 50/50 raffle in which the winner was decided by golf balls dropped from a helicopter.

After participating as the snowman in the Grinch’s dance contest and getting out of his costume, Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said, “Lester Family Fun Day is incredible. I think this is our 24th year – minus the COVID year it would be our 25th. Next year we’re going to have our 25th Lester Family Fun Day. We do it for the kids and we do it for the Lesters. That was their dream – to have an incredible community event with old-school prices, old-school food, old-school tickets and old-school family fun. I think this is the busiest one we’ve had.”

After their 3-year-old son Maverick rode the pony, his mom, Mackenzie, said she and her husband, Andrew, both grew up on Anna Maria Island.

“We love it,” Mackenzie said. “We’ve been coming since we were kids and we try to bring our kids every year. This brings the community together.”

Vivienne Ornelas was the last in line to visit Santa before he called it a day. Vivienne and her parents recently relocated from Denver.

“It’s fun,” she said of her first Lester Family Fun Day.

Vivienne’s dad, Larry, said, “It’s a fun event and I had lunch.”

When asked about his stop at The Center, Santa said, “It was fantastic, with a lot of nice people. A lot of kids were happy and a couple of them cried.”

Santa said the most requested items this year are Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, iPads and cell phones and he’s still compiling his nice and naughty list for the youngsters, and the grownups, too.

Santa said his preparations are going well for his upcoming world-wide delivery day: “The reindeer are working out every day, Mrs. Claus has the elves working hard and we’ll be ready for the 24th.”

As he departed, Santa said, “Have a Merry Christmas.”

At approximately 2 p.m., a helicopter piloted by Sarasota Helicopter Services owner Stan Lee circled The Center a couple times with Tom Sanger Pool and Spa owner Tom Sanger and his daughters Violet and Daphne onboard.

Lee then briefly hovered the helicopter over the golf flag planted in the athletic field and Sanger emptied the bag of golf balls purchased by 50/50 raffle ticket holders in advance. The ball that landed closest to the pin won the raffle. After Culhane grabbed the winning golf ball, the kids raced in to collect the golf balls and place them in a cardboard box.

The winning ball belonged to Anna Maria resident Marina Rosaco, who won half of the more than $3,000 raised by the raffle ticket sales that offered a single ball for $50 or three balls for $100. The other half of the raffle ticket proceeds went to The Center. Rosaco said she chose ball #93 in honor of her grandmother, Marina, who passed away at the age of 93.

The Center volunteers wore commemorative Lester Family Fun Day T-shirts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bradenton resident and Golden State Warriors fan Camden Meador visited with Santa. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This young lady slid down the inflatable slide. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This youngster had her face painted inside The Center gym. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Olivia Warbington fished for a prize, assisted by Kiwanis volunteer Jerry Buck and a hidden helper. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The youngsters rushed in to help clean up the air-dropped golf balls. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Santa stopped to wish DJ Freeze and Shavonna Parker a Merry Christmas. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These youngsters visited with the petting zoo goats. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

After posing for photos all day, this likeness of Ralphie, from “A Christmas Story,” stood alone as the festivities wound down. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Enjoy Lester Family Fun Day on Saturday

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 2, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Family fun.

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual Lester Family Fun Day is happening on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Admission is free for the family-friendly event that starts at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. with the 50/50 raffle Helicopter Golf Ball Drop.

Lester Family Fun Day started more than 20 years ago and was sponsored by longtime seasonal Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joann “Joey” Lester. Joey Lester continued the sponsorship after her husband’s death.

“This beloved annual celebration offers old-fashioned fun at old-fashioned prices and activities for all ages – especially the young and the young at heart,” according to The Center press release.

The activities and entertainment include pony rides and inflatables, DJ Freeze spinning tunes, a live performance by the Manatee High School Drum Line, crafts and cookie decorating for kids and a noon visit from Santa, who will arrive bearing small gifts for each youngster who visits him.

The food available for purchase will include burgers from Duffy’s Tavern, hots dogs from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and ice cream from Small Town Creamery.

At 2 p.m., a helicopter will hover over The Center athletic fields and drop a multitude of numbered golf balls. The ball that lands closest to the flag wins a share of the 50/50 raffle proceeds. The cost is $50 per ball or three balls for $100. Golf balls can be purchased at The Center’s front desk, 407 Magnolia Ave., by calling 941-778-1908 or online at www.centerami.org/events.

The Lester Family Fun Day proceeds will benefit The Center’s community programs, supporting wellness, recreation and enrichment for all ages.

Lester Family Fun Day celebrated at The Center

Written by Joe Hendricks on December 9, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day included a visit from Santa, pony rides, goat-petting, inflatables, musical performances, a DJ, a dance contest, raffles, a snow machine, a 25-cent menu and a helicopter-assisted 50/50 drawing.

The outdoor holiday celebration took place on The of Anna Maria Island Center athletic fields from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a beautiful, sunny and slightly cool day last Saturday. The fun-filled event created a sense of normalcy on an Island still recovering from two hurricanes.

Lester Family Fun Day is annual tradition started more than 20 years ago and funded by seasonal Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joann “Joey” Lester. The Lesters wanted the community to enjoy an event that featured family fun at old-fashioned prices, with 25-cent tickets purchased to enjoy the activities and offerings. Chuck passed away earlier this year. Joey couldn’t attend this year because the Lester home in the Key Royale community was damaged by the hurricanes, but the Lester family still funded the event.

In one corner of the property, children lined up at the Addi’s Pony Parties area to enjoy a pony ride and pet the friendly goats. Two-year-old Holmes Beach resident Olivia Warvington was among those who rode the pony.

“We love it. We come every year,” her mom, Ali, said of the event.

One of the many inflatables set up around the perimeter resembled a climbing wall. Another offered trampoline-like bouncing around inflatable objects. The gingerbread house inflatable contained a maze inside and a football-themed inflatable served as a target to throw footballs into.

DJ Freeze served as the master of ceremonies, playing Christmas songs and interacting with attendees of all ages. Accompanied by their grandparents, Eric and Laura Shine, 8-year-old King Selph-Kelly and his 3-year-old sister, Leah, enjoyed dancing to DJ Freeze’s musical selections.

Mixon Farms brought “The Mixon Swirl” ice cream truck and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee truck served up caffeinated beverages. Inside The Center, Duffy’s Tavern burgers and Anna Maria Oyster Bar hot dogs sold for 25 cents.

At noon, DJ Freeze received a text message from Santa informing him that he’d be there soon. Santa was greeted by the Manatee High School Drumline and a long line of youngsters lined up to visit him and receive a gift from the gift bag manned by Santa’s elves, Ila Taylor and Savanna Coba.

DJ Freeze is associated with the Bradenton-based SOZO Missions organization that strives to transform the lives of urban youth, their families and the communities they live in. After Santa settled in, DJ Freeze and the ‘SOZO Kids’ led the other kids through a “shark dance” that escalated in speed as the song progressed. The ‘SOZO Kids’ then performed “Silent Night, a rap-version of “Deck the Halls” and a couple more songs.

Then came the Grinch Dance-Off that pitted The Grinch against a young female elf, Frosty the Snowman and Ginger the gingerbread girl. Ginger was declared the winner based on the volume of the applause each dancer received.

To conclude the festivities, a helicopter piloted by Sarasota Helicopter Services owner Stan Lee flew over The Center twice before hovering over a soccer flag used to replicate a golf hole. A bag full of golf balls purchased in advance for the 50/50 Golf Ball Drop drawing was emptied from the helicopter and the ball purchased by Abbie Libman landed closest to the flag, making her the raffle winner.

Anna Maria Island community remembers philanthropist

Written by Leslie Lake on April 22, 2024. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Charles “Chuck” Lester’s legacy of philanthropy and friendship is being remembered on Anna Maria Island following his passing on April 19 at the age of 92.

“I have nothing but great feelings for Chuck. I have such admiration and respect for a life well-lived,” Island businessman Ed Chiles said. “It’s a life and legacy that needs to be celebrated, not mourned.”

Lester passed away at HCA Florida Blake Hospital.

Holmes Beach resident Chuck and his wife, Joann “Joey” Lester, led philanthropic efforts, particularly for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

“He was half of the most wonderful couple in my history of being in business on Anna Maria Island,” Chiles said. “Joey was the love of his life; you never saw one without the other.”

Christopher Culhane, executive director of The Center, wrote in an email to The Sun:

“For almost 50 years, Chuck Lester touched the lives of many Anna Maria Island residents. The Center of Anna Maria Island will greatly miss Chuck Lester’s jovial and smiling face at this year’s upcoming 22nd Annual Lester Family Fun Day,” he wrote. “The Center and the Island community will be forever grateful for the lifetime support of Chuck and Joey Lester.”

Culhane wrote that the couple created an unparalleled legacy of giving both on Anna Maria Island and in Wisconsin.

“Their legacy will live on forever at The Center through the AMICC Endowment Fund, which was established through the generous support of Chuck and Joey Lester’s unrivaled philanthropy.”

Pierrette Kelly, executive director of The Center from 1989 through 2012, said Chuck started the Giving Challenge on the Island.

“He was a wise man. He said if you put a challenge out there, people will step up,” Kelly said. “They leveraged us to go outside our comfort zones to do more for the community.”

The Giving Challenge ended in November each year and the annual Lester Family Fun Day followed in December, bringing the community together to celebrate the holidays, philanthropy, kindness and generosity, Kelly said.

The free community event hosted by the Lesters at The Center included such activities as pony rides, games, food, crafts, a helicopter golf ball drop and a visit from Santa Claus.

Staff at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach took part in the Lester Family Fun Days.

“It was great to be a part of that. He gave so much back to the community and that’s what it’s all about,” Duffy’s owner Peggi Davenport said. “They were the sweetest couple. He will be greatly missed.”

Along with supporting charitable organizations he supported local businesses, Chiles said.

“He was a cheerleader for a lot of us, through good times and bad,” said Chiles, the owner of the Beach House, Mar Vista and Sandbar restaurants. “He was someone you could go to for advice.”

“They went north to their home in Wisconsin in the summers, but the Island always felt their presence,” Chiles said. “They didn’t just come here and take and drink from the bounty, they gave so much back.”

Chiles said Chuck Lester was known for his contagious laugh and easy-going manner.

“Everybody loved Chuck,” said John Horne, longtime friend of the Lesters. “He always had a smile on his face, you just wanted to be around him.”

“They touched so many lives. What a huge loss for our community,” Horne said. “My heart goes out to Joey right now.”

Horne, the owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, had served on the board of The Center of Anna Maria Island.

“For many years they were so instrumental in the community center,” Horne said. “They did more than just write a check, although they wrote many of those, but they put their lives behind their commitments.”

Horne said education and literacy was important to the Lesters and the couple started libraries in Wisconsin.

“He knew the ripple effect of supporting young children and literacy,” longtime friend of the Lesters, Darcie Duncan, said. “They started four libraries in Wisconsin. All of the things they did were done silently. They were passionate about what they supported.”

Duncan has known the couple for more than 40 years.

“Chuck always brought the room to life. Everyone wanted to be with Lesters,” she said.

Over the years, Lester gave Duncan advice for her real estate business.

“There are not many Chuck Lesters left,” Duncan said. “He was a gift.”

Lester Family Fun Day lives up to its name

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 6, 2022. Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Sunshine, warm weather, tasty food and plenty of attractions made the 20th Annual Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island the perfect event for families to get outside and enjoy themselves.

The event, sponsored by Holmes Beach residents Joey and Chuck Lester, took place Saturday, Dec. 3.

“This is so great, being out here in the sun with the kids, and it doesn’t cost a fortune,” said Anna Rotz, of Bradenton, who brought her daughter, Katie. “It’s December and it’s 80 degrees and the sun is shining; only in Florida!”

DJ Freeze did an excellent job of keeping the music upbeat with both kids and their parents dancing outside, as well as hosting a dance battle between Santa and the Grinch (spoiler alert, Santa won). There was a huge slide, bounce ball and other attractions that allowed the kids to burn off some energy while parents chatted and mingled.

The highlight of the event again this year was the helicopter golf ball drop. People could purchase a numbered golf ball which was loaded onto a helicopter. When the chopper hovered over a makeshift golf hole in the field behind the center, the balls were dropped. The ball that came closest to the hole won $1,000. The children loved the helicopter, and one lucky parent almost certainly loved their big win.

Inside, there were plenty of activities and crafts, a poinsettia sale and treats for all to enjoy.

Holiday fun the old fashioned way

Written by Jason Schaffer on December 6, 2021. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – It’s worked for nearly two decades, and the 19th Annual Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island did not disappoint.

Holmes Beach residents Joey and Chuck Lester sponsored the all-ages event on Saturday, Dec. 4 with plenty of activities for everyone.

Higher than a two story building, this slide was not for the faint of heart. Jason Schaffer | Sun

“I love how there’s things for any age. The drum line, the dance-off, things for the younger kids, cookies and then the raffles and stuff for the grown-ups,” said Lara Malone, who works for The Center.

Inside, there were activities such as cookie decorating, balloon tying, crafts and more. Outside, there were pony rides, a rock-climbing wall and an inflatable slide that was taller than The Center. Adults enjoyed the 50/50 golf ball raffle. A standard golf hole cut in the grass at The Center was the target for a helicopter that seemed to come out of nowhere, hover over the hole and drop the balls. The closest ball (which turned out to be lucky number 14) won the jackpot.

In keeping with the theme of “old fashioned fun at old fashioned prices,” admission was free and tickets for activities were only 25 cents each.

Burgers from Duffy’s and ice cream from Small Town Creamery were also on hand to keep appetites satisfied.

Holiday fun abounds at the Center’s Lester Day

Written by SUN contributor on December 4, 2018. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun, Holiday.

ANNA MARIA – Despite the Florida heat, The Center of Anna Maria Island was transformed Dec. 1 into a winter wonderland for the 17th Annual Lester Family Fun Day.

The annual event, sponsored by Chuck and Joey Lester, promises family fun at old-fashioned prices, and this year’s event definitely delivered. Families were treated to burgers from Duffy’s Tavern, hotdogs donated by Anna Maria Oyster Bar and ice cream sandwiches from Tyler’s Ice Cream.

lester day lesters — Joey and Chuck Lester enjoy a Duffy’s burger. – Kristin Swain | Sun

While the inside of the Center was a north pole fairyland with Christmas lights, holiday trees, giant teddy bears and colorfully wrapped gifts, the outside actually had snow from two snowmen who blew the white bubbly stuff over an area where children frolicked and played before moving on to the bounce house, petting zoo or participated in a pick-up football game on the field. The two favorite attractions were the pony ride and the bull ride which had a continuous line of eager riders until the field events closed at 1:30 p.m. to make way for the golf ball 50/50 raffle drop from a helicopter.

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane and his family took to the skies, flying on the donated chopper from Sarasota to the Center where they dropped buckets of purchased, numbered golf balls on the field to see which one would land closest to the hole. Center board treasurer Christine Hicks won the raffle with the first ever golf ball that landed in the hole. She donated her winnings back to the Center.

In addition to the 50/50 raffle, raffles also were held for 50 turkeys that were given away during the event and a Christmas tree, donated by Merry Christmas Trees of Bradenton.

Holiday tunes for the event were provided by DJ Freeze though one of the biggest attractions of the day was a performance by the Manatee High School drum line. Everyone was in high spirits when the drum line escorted in Santa and his elves, delivered to the event on his sleigh by the Pyrates of the Gulf Coast. Even Santa couldn’t help dancing to the beat of the drums as he gave a little impromptu performance before taking a seat and hearing the Christmas wishes of all the boys and girls in attendance.

Throughout the day, children were able to participate in activities from fishing for prizes to decorating cookies and ornaments along with face painting. Before the 50/50 raffle wrapped up the day’s festivities, board Chair David Zaccagnino took to the stage to thank the day’s sponsors, staff and volunteers and present a piece of original artwork to Chuck and Joey Lester created by 21-year-old artist Emma Terry, who previously attended the Center’s after-school program. The artwork also was used to create T-shirts for the event, which were available to volunteers and for purchase.

“This is an amazing event,” Zaccagnino said at the end of the day. “It just keeps getting better and better every year.”

Kristin Swain | Sun

Old-fashioned family fun for the holidays

Written by Tom Vaught on November 20, 2018. Posted in Entertainment, Family fun.

ANNA MARIA – A family tradition is returning to The Center of Anna Maria Island just in time for the holidays.

The 17th Annual Lester Family Fun Day, sponsored each year by Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joey Lester, kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave.

This year’s festivities will include pony rides, a bounce house, mechanical reindeer, crafts, games, cookie decorating and snow. Santa arrives at noon to take pictures with children and hear what’s on their wish lists. He’ll be escorted by the Manatee High School drumline.

The free event also features a 50/50 raffle golf ball drop on the field at 1:45 p.m. For $50 each or three for $100, participants can try their luck to see if their ball lands the closest to the hole. Whoever’s ball lands closest to or in the hole wins half of the raffle pot. Golf balls can be purchased at the Center.

Food at old-fashioned prices will be available for purchase including Duffy’s hamburgers and hot dogs along with ice cream sandwiches from Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Raffles will be held for a television and a turkey. Poinsettias will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the Center at 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

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