BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street will be limited to foot traffic only during the Sundown Get Down Endless Summer Afterglow Party taking place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Bridge Street will be closed at 11 a.m. that day and will reopen to vehicular traffic after the crowds clear and the cleanup is finished.
The upcoming street party is part of the AMI South End promotional initiative and event series. Event organizers say the tropical street party will shift from a daytime beach celebration to a glow-themed “Afterglow” scene as the sun sets, marking the unofficial close of summer. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright, neon or tropical clothing.
The entertainment for the family-friendly event includes a mermaid appearance from 2 to 5 p.m., a caricature artist from 3 to 7 p.m., a fire performer from 5 to 8 p.m., a beach party fun house and live music at the bars and restaurants along the street.
Maverick Johnson, a morning host for radio stations 92.1 and 103.1 WCTQ, will give away tickets to a Zac Brown Band concert taking place in Tampa later this month.
More than a dozen Bridge Street businesses will participate in the block party. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier will have a beverage tent, a merchandise tent, glow sticks and bubbles for children, with the AMOB mascot, Penny the Dolphin, greeting guests.
The Daiquiri Deck will offer daiquiris, $4 pulled pork sliders, free hushpuppy samples, glow-in-the-dark souvenirs and live music. Bridge Tender Inn and Blue Marlin will have live music. The BridgeWalk Resort will offer a free spin-art activity alongside retail offerings from Coastal Life.
Offering food, shopping, activities and/or entertainment, the participating businesses will include AMI Vibes, The Back Alley, Beach Blossom, Cove, Drift-In AMI, Everything’s Just Beachy, Island Time, Laughing Flamingo Café, Mermaid Haven, Monetti Apparel, Sea-Renity Beach Spa and Bou-Tiki, and YOLO Parasail.
The proceeds from Sea-Renity Beach Spa’s chair massages will benefit F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies).
The Sundown Get Down series is part of Bradenton Beach Merchants Association’s AMI South End initiative that uses the theme “Less Traffic. More Magic.” The initiative aims to promote local businesses, foster community connections and preserve the character of Bridge Street and the south end of Anna Maria Island.
More information is available at the AMISouthEnd website.
