Doc Ford’s sponsors Scarecrow Trail, dessert party at Lakes Park for annual Scarecrows in the Park

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach is this year’s trail sponsor for Lakes Park’s annual Scarecrows in the Park. The restaurant is also donating lunch to the first-place winner of the coveted People’s Choice Award for best scarecrow and hosting a kick-off dessert party during opening night, Oct. 10.

“Our team frequently volunteers at Lakes Park and will be building a scarecrow for a third year,” said Ryan Cook, the Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille general manager. “Sponsoring the trail and providing unique events like the dessert party allows us to give back to the community that has supported our location for over 15 years.”

The annual event, viewed by 50,000 park visitors and part of the park’s Fall Festival, features a scarecrow trail in the Children’s Garden with displays created by businesses, youth and community groups, schools and individuals. This year’s theme is “The Wild, Wacky, Weird World of Scarecrows in the Park.” Displays are open for viewing Oct. 10-31.

Entries vie for awards selected by a secret panel of VIP judges the first night, while the top three vote-getters during the People’s Choice from Oct. 10-26 receive ribbons and prizes, including lunch at Doc Ford’s for first place.

Scarecrows in the Park is Monday through Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit lakespark.org.

Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach restaurant supports Lakes Park in a variety of ways. Last year, team members volunteered their time decorating the venue for Halloween and the Fall Festival. Employees also created and installed a miniature Doc Ford’s building for display along the mile-long Gulf Railroad train ride. They’ve also helped decorate the park for the holidays.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is owned and operated by HM Restaurant Group, which has a long history of philanthropy and community outreach, assisting local charitable groups committed to conservation, community, education and the environment. With locations on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Jungle Terrace and the St. Petersburg Pier, the restaurants have raised over $133,000 for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers and John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg through $1 donations from the sale of select cocktails.

Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The award-winning restaurant offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatán shrimp served daily, Doc Ford’s is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. The restaurant is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier location was named the No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.