ANNA MARIA – It’s time for the 17th annual Bayfest, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 on Pine Avenue, sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.
The sound of music will be in the air as well as the aroma of Island food. The menu consists of poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds) and clam chowder from Hurricane Hanks; street tacos with the fixin’s from Poppo’s Taqueria; hot dogs, corn dogs, Italian sausage and peppers, nachos and French fries from Rocky Top Concessions; grub balls, fried shrimp baskets, lobster mac and cheese, crab cake bites from Subz n Grubz; award-winning ribs and Southern soul food from T & L BBQ; traditional German brats, currywurst, Vienna style pork schnitzel and homemade goulash soup from the Schnitzel Trailer; decadent creamery treats from Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream; The Feast serving its popular coconut shrimp and conch fritters; baked pizza from Village Idiot Pizzeria; Island famous grouper tacos and pork carnitas from The Waterfront restaurant; excellent Greek cuisine from the Paella Kitchen; gourmet sandwiches that feature delicious smoked brisket and meats from Rolling Smoke; frozen and shaved ice in an array of flavors from Kona Ice.
Wash it down with beer, wine, rumrunners, margaritas and soft drinks.
Remember, Bayfest has a strict no coolers and no BYOB policy, so enjoy the food and drink offered by the vendors.
There will be a large number of vendors the festival, along with the shops along Pine Avenue.
Musical lineup
Local favorite Mike Sales will emcee the music from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The entertainers are:
- Renegade – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- soulRcoaster – 1 to 3 p.m.
- Yesterdayze – 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- The Dr. Dave Band – 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- The Karen & Jimmy Band – 7:30 to 9 p.m.
For the kids
There will be a kids’ area across the street from Roser Church with fun activities and more activities on the lawn of the church, supervised by church members.
Big boys’ toys
The car show, sponsored by LaPensee Plumbing, is a chance to look at classic vehicles from antiques to high performance cars and hot rods. This show draws some of the best in the area and some of the car owners will take home trophies.
Where to park
If you can, you should take the free Island trolley because parking spaces will be a luxury. Additional parking is available as you enter the city of Anna Maria at the CrossPointe Fellowship. Ride the free trolley to Pine Avenue and Bayfest from CrossPointe Fellowship, the Manatee Public Beach or any of several trolley stops on the Island. The trolley runs until 10:30 p.m. For all those parking on the street in the city of Anna Maria, please note that all tires must be off the pavement and on the easement.
