Fort Myers, FL, June 14, 2013 — The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is set to return to Southwest Florida Nov. 1-3 with more vendors and sponsors, increased activities and returning partners.

Among the new offerings: Festival signature nonprofit partner CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) will be hosting a Saturday afternoon micro-brew tent with a local brewery and live music on the Sanibel Causeway. The festival offers festival attendees and paddlers the opportunity to learn about CROW, local wildlife and the area’s natural beauty.

Relay races will be held for SUPs and kayaks on Sunday, Nov. 3, coordinated by the SWFL SUP Club. A new event -- a SUP Pup / Doggie Paddle Race – will allow festival participants to compete with their canines prior to the main relay races. Also returning will be the Coast to Coast Expedition Challenge, a race from the Sanibel Causeway to Miami. The race is among the many VIVA Florida 500 events planned for 2013 as Florida celebrates the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León's arrival here.