This week in SWFL

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Gina Birch is in the WINK studio to tell us what’s happening this weekend.

The 42 Annual City of Palms Basketball Tournament tipped off yesterday and goes through the weekend at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. You’ll see some of the best talent in the state compete, along with special contests.

For a unique holiday musical event, it’s Tuba Christmas. There was a concert in Naples earlier this week and there will be in Punta Gorda tomorrow. These Christmas concerts, featuring tubas of all shapes and sizes, have been taking place all over the state and the nation since the mid 70’s. You never know how many musicians will be there but it’s always entertaining.

There are two holiday boating events Saturday. The one is Cape Coral’s Annual Holiday Boat-A-Long. Organizers expect about 100 lighted boats to travel along the canals of south Cape Coral, starting at 4 p.m. at Four Freedoms Park. You can see the line up at Bimini Basin. Enjoy live music, food, crafts, fireworks and an outdoor showing of the movie “The Polar Express” at 7 p.m. There are some bleachers but bring your own blankets and chairs to be safe.

There is also a boat parade in the canals of Punta Gorda as well. Organizers brag this is one of the biggest in the area, in 7.5 miles of the Punta Gorda Isles canal system. Lots of parking and lots of crowd participation as people are known to bring cow bells, and other noise makers to create a festive atmosphere.

The Saturday Art Fair will be a good one in the downtown Fort Myers streets, perfect for last minute Christmas shopping.