The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the country’s leading walk to support inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  Join the local chapter of Best Buddies here in Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 30th for their annual walk and day of festivities at the WINK Playland area of Miromar Outlets.

Complimentary snacks are provided for breakfast and lunch, with numerous attractions to add to the morning of fun: local stilt-walker and balloon artist Way Too Tall Torrie, Mussel Man from the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels baseball team, therapy dogs, model submarines, even some mini ponies! Check out a Lee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT car, visit with Lee County Sheriff’s Pets on Patrol, and learn about the Reunite Missing Persons Program. There will be various games, face painting, water balloons, a photo booth, DJ, area cheerleaders and dance teams, superheroes and Disney princesses. For the parents, relax with massages from Imagine Wellness Spa. Special guest Corey Lazar from WINK News will serve as emcee, with Estero Mayor Katy Errington as Grand Marshall and Morgan “Moose” Wright from American Ninja Warrior on hand to wow audiences young and old. 

Register online to walk or just join in on the food, friendship and FUN from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact Melanie Musick at the email above. 

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Date: Saturday, April 30

Time: Registration opens: 7:30 a.m. 

Opening Ceremonies 8:30 a.m.

Walk begins: 9:00 a.m 

Place: WINK Playland at Miromar Outlets

10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928

Admission: FREE

MelanieMusick@bestbuddies.org | bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/southwestflorida/