Letter to the Editor: Romance is not dead in Boca Grande

To the Editor:

Is romance dead in Boca Grande? No! Not if you see what happens on Banyan Street.

Arguably the most interesting horticultural monument on the island, the street is the site of repeated weddings.

Police block off the section between Gilchrist and Park Avenue, and decorations flood the street. Special huge lights like balloons are fixed to the tree branches overhead and below, trellis decorations are arranged in front of up to 100 chairs. All this awaits the arrival of the religious affiliates of one of the nearby churches handy to the site.

Just a few steps away are the Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist churches. With great ceremony, followed by music and usually loud screams of celebration, the weddings take place. Then, trolleys whisk the celebrants to dinner banquets.

Competitions for the Banyan Street location have become so intense that reservations have had to be made with the Parks and Recreation Department officials, who have been quoted as saying that sometimes those arguing for this or that date become so heated, they almost break out in fights.

Thus, it is no wonder that a petition may be presented to Lee County to change the one-block section of Banyan Street between Gilchrist and Park to the “Tunnel of Love.” Enveloped by the remarkable and fascinating branch systems, the Tunnel of Love is the frequent site for fashion photographers with models, not to mention the stream of tourists who climb into the branches for special remembrance shots.

Maybe the Chamber of Commerce should support and point visitors to the Tunnel of Love.

Another special feature of the location is the proximity to Boca Bargains, where it wil be easy for the newlyweds to go on a shopping spree for glorious leftover furniture and decorations. Some are suggesting a bridal registry be set up, probably listing Saks Fifth Avenue and Boca Bargains Park Avenue.

Perhaps the Boca Grande Woman’s Club will support this by having a plaque for the Tunnel of Love erected at the junction of their store and the wedding site to boost business.

It gives one pause.

We live on Banyan Street and we approve this message.

William and Jane Moore
Boca Grande