Tag: Bayfest

Crowds welcome back Bayfest

Written by Joe Hendricks on October 21, 2025. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – Beautiful weather, classic cars, live music, a wide array of vendors and great attendance made for a successful Bayfest celebration after last year’s festival was canceled due to the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The 24th Annual Bayfest celebration on Saturday was hosted and organized by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, with assistance provided by the city of Anna Maria, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the event sponsors and participants.

“Bayfest was a great success for Anna Maria Island,” Chamber President Terri Kinder said. “Part of the proceeds go toward our scholarship program. Our community was ready to embrace Bayfest after last year’s hurricanes. A big thank you to everyone who participated, came out to enjoy themselves and helped us make it an outstanding festival; and thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to help us make it one of the best Bayfests ever.”

Earlier in the day, Chamber board member Eric Cairns said, “It’s noon and the street is already packed.”

He attributed the high volume of early attendees to the picture-perfect weather.

The Chamber’s fundraising activities included beer sales and the first beer vending shift was covered by Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, City Clerk Amber LaRowe, Executive Assistant Barbara Jeffries, Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker, Anna Maria Island Historical Society member Barbara Murphy and Bayfest volunteer Ingrid McClellan.

Short said this year’s Bayfest was another positive step in the city and the Island’s continued “return to normal” from the 2024 hurricanes.

Vendors and classic vehicles lined Pine Avenue from North Shore Drive to South Bay Boulevard, joined by many Pine Avenue businesses and restaurants, Roser Memorial Community Church, the Roser Food Pantry, Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

The Bill Mergens Memorial Car Show along Pine Avenue included the classic Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” television show and dozens of additional classic cars, trucks and vans.

The food court in the Roser Church parking lot included local favorites Pizzano’s Pizza, The Freckled Fin, Poppo’s Taqueria, Topsail Steamer and Mixon Fruit Farms, joined by visiting food vendors that included Red Zeppelin Rockin’ Lobster Rolls.

At the Wildlife Inc. tent, volunteer Krista Carpenter held a kestrel (a member of the falcon species) and Jeanne Potter displayed a leopard tortoise, with Athena, the great horned owl, and E.T., the barred owl, perched behind them.

Throughout the day and evening, the live music stage at the Pine Avenue/Bay Boulevard intersection was graced by The Tropicats, Memphis Rub, Jack’d Up and The Dr. Dave Band.

Turtle Watch volunteer Lisa Picciano wore a turtle costume. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Athena and E.T. had an owl’s-eye view of the Bayfest festivities. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The food court in the Roser Church parking lot featured local restaurants and visiting vendors. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These were a few of the many vintage vehicles featured in the classic car show. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This beach-themed Volkswagen van fit right in with Bayfest’s tropical surroundings. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Vintage vehicles are a highlight of the annual Bayfest celebration. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Roser Food Pantry volunteers Wanda Crummey and Doug Copeland participated in Bayfest. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bayfest rocks Pine Avenue

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 25, 2023. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – The 22nd Annual Bayfest celebration on Oct. 21 offered something for the entire family.

A large portion of Pine Avenue was closed for most of the day to make room for vendors offering a little bit of everything. This family-friendly event has been a perennial favorite for both locals and visitors for two decades and the 2023 celebration delivered on the promise of fun.

It was all smiles and dancing in the street as Memphis Rub, The Trevor Bystrom Band, The Karen and Jimmy Band and the Dr. Dave Band brought unique sounds that had something for everyone. There was also plenty of unique Island art, jewelry and specialty items that would be difficult to find in the same place outside of an event like Bayfest.

“What a party! This is great, and something we didn’t expect when we planned our trip,” said Amy Alford, of Canton, Ohio. “We kept hearing October is the best month to come to the Island, but that’s because of the weather and hurricane season winding down. We had no idea they were throwing a party like this. We’ve spent way too much money on local art and food, but we’ll call it money well spent. When we get home, we’ll have memories we can see every day and that’s priceless.”

In addition to the “party on Pine,” as many call it, there was a classic car show and a unique smell that many couldn’t resist.

“The smell of the food is insane, you can’t eat it all, but you want to,” said Jim Ellis, who was visiting from Shelby Township, Michigan. “We want to move here; the people are just awesome and don’t seem to be bothered by tourists like they are in other places we’ve traveled. It’s just laid back and that will make you live longer being in that environment, at least in my opinion.”

Bayfest is hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen Island businesses sponsored this year’s event.

Letter to the Editor: Thank you, Bayfest supporters

Written by SUN contributor on October 25, 2022. Posted in Letter to the Editor, Opinion.

On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, we would like to take this opportunity to extend a big “thank you” to the many amazing individuals and organizations who helped us organize and produce the 21st Bayfest, many of whom are the same individuals who continue to help us year after year! Those include, but certainly are not limited to:

CrossPointe Fellowship – thank you for your continued support every year. Your team works tirelessly day and night to make this event organized and successful. We cannot do this event without you!

Surfrider Foundation – thank you for making this event green! Working with CrossPointe Fellowship and Waste Management, beverages were sold mostly in aluminum cans and bottles, which were disposed of in recycle receptacles at the event, then put into a recycle dumpster. Also, many event sponsors donated koozies to keep these beverages cold!

To our volunteers – thank you for always being there for us, for your continued service with a welcoming smile that our festival vendors and attendees look forward to seeing! You are the force of this free family event!

To our sponsors – thank you for your continued generosity. Through your donations, we have been able to accomplish another Bayfest and to continue providing scholarships for college and technical institute tuitions. We are extremely grateful for the difference you make towards fostering community spirit.

To our vendors – thank you for your dedication to providing exceptional and amazing arts, crafts, products, services and delicious food! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

To our bands – thank you for bringing an unprecedented energy to this event that brings people from all over to hear your music!

And to the attendees – thank you for coming to this event from near and far, and your continued patronage for more than 20 years.

Terri Kinder, President

AMI Chamber of Commerce

Bayfest delivers the party by the pier

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 18, 2022. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – In its second year since returning after a hiatus due to COVID-19, the 21st Bayfest celebration last Saturday offered something for the entire family.

A substantial portion of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria was closed for most of the day to make room for vendors offering a little bit of everything. This family-friendly event has been a perennial favorite for both locals and visitors for two decades, and 2022 delivered on the promise of fun.

“I love the Dr. Dave band, and was so happy to hear they’d be headlining again this year,” said Marty Haskins, a Bradenton resident who says he never misses Bayfest. “The food is fantastic and I love the fact they relax the rules and let you enjoy a few beers while you rock out to your favorite band with the backdrop of some of the most beautiful water on the planet.”

Haskins wasn’t alone in taking advantage of the ability to shop, eat and drink on Pine Avenue during the festivities. It was all smiles and dancing in the street as the Trevor Bystrom Band, Lisa and the Island Hoppers, the Karen and Jimmy Band and the Dr. Dave Band brought unique sounds that had something for everyone. There was also plenty of distinctive Island art, jewelry and specialty items that would be difficult to find in the same place outside of an event like Bayfest.

Many people said that this year’s crowd seemed to be a bit less than in previous years, despite the Island being busier than normal for October due to Hurricane Ian rerouting many vacationers who had planned to stay farther south. There are also many people affected by Ian who have come to the Island while cleanup efforts continue at their homes. Many speculated that the road closure on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach may have had something to do with lower attendance. Vendors reported slower sales than last year, and there was ample room to roam without being enveloped by a crowd.

“We’ve been raising money for our Campaign for Ukraine and selling Cuban sandwiches from our booth here, but we haven’t had to call the restaurant to send more food since brunch,” said Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. “There’s definitely not the crowd we expected, but everybody’s having fun, and that’s what’s important.”

Party by the pier; Bayfest delivers — A rainbow arcs over the stage at Bayfest in Anna Maria. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Despite a smaller crowd than in years past, festivalgoers were having fun and spending time with friends and family on a beautiful day. There were a couple of rain sprinkles, but they were kind enough to cast a rainbow directly over the stage and the City Pier late in the afternoon, a photo op that many took advantage of.

“We’re down here visiting from Oklahoma City. We have great friends that live here and we just love spending time with them,” said Jake Hodges, who was visiting with his wife and two young children. “We love how relaxed and laid back this Island is, and this event is really nice. It’s our first Bayfest.”

Hodges’ daughter, Hattie, said she loves the beach, a sentiment echoed by her brother, Everett. Police reported no incidents, just a day of fun at Bayfest, hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Return of Bayfest a big hit in Anna Maria

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 17, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – Perfect weather set the backdrop, and from blocks away you could smell the food and hear the band laying down beats that had people literally dancing in the streets as Anna Maria saw the return of the annual Bayfest celebration on Pine Avenue Saturday.

The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19, but this year’s 20th Bayfest was a hit for both locals and tourists.

“We had no idea this was going on, we just got here today and are staying a couple of blocks away,” said Rachel Schmela, who is visiting from Denver with her family. “It’s starting to get cold in Denver and things like this are shutting down. It was about 50 degrees when we left.”

Cold wasn’t a problem at this year’s Bayfest; in fact, it was around 89 degrees with very low humidity, allowing visitors to spend their time shopping, eating, drinking and dancing instead of wandering in constant search of a shady spot.

“This is perfect! I am so happy to be enjoying an activity where people have come together to have some fun. After last year, I feel like I have to pinch myself,” said Tim Kozlowski of Sarasota, who drove up just to attend Bayfest with his wife and three children. “Couldn’t ask for better weather, either.”

Attendees enjoyed great live music from emcee Mike Sales, Fuse Band, Memphis Rub, Jack’d Up and the Dr. Dave Band. There was something for everyone on the stage and in the streets.

Festival-goers could feast on anything from healthy vegan food to barbecue, crab, burgers and much more. Wine and beer added to the festivities, and vendors from around the area offered every kind of craft, clothing, art, souvenir and everything in between to remember the day.

Bayfest is back

Written by Jason Schaffer on October 3, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – One of the most anticipated events on the Island is back for 2021. Bayfest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Pine Avenue. There will be a kick-off event at the City Pier on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring food, beer, wine and live music from the Karen & Jimmy Band.

2021 will mark the 20th Bayfest and after a year with nearly no live entertainment, residents and tourists alike are excited to get out and enjoy this event, which is an Island favorite.

“We are so happy Bayfest is back. There have been live events since they eased up on COVID restrictions, but this is the big one,” said Stephanie Spangler of Boone, North Carolina, who is on vacation with her husband until November. The Spanglers come to the Island every year and have attended Bayfest at least four times in the past.

The free, family-friendly event is presented by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and includes delicious food, arts and crafts, vendors, a classic car show, beer, wine, rum, soft drinks and live music all day long.

Artists performing this year include:

Mike Sales (emcee) 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fuse band 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Memphis Rub 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Jack’d Up 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Dave Band 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Bayfest scheduled to return Oct. 15-16

Written by Joe Hendricks on August 15, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Bayfest 2021 is scheduled to take place Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16.

Barring any COVID-19 or weather-related complications, Bayfest will be staged on and along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.

On Thursday, Aug. 12, the Anna Maria City Commission unanimously approved the Chamber’s special event permit and permit fee waiver request with the caveat that the special event permit could later be rescinded if necessary due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

Chamber President Terri Kinder presented the special permit request, accompanied by Chamber Board of Directors Chairperson Bev Kilpatrick and Member Services Coordinator Laurie Micciche.

Bayfest scheduled to return on Oct. 15-16 — Chamber representatives Bev Kilpatrick, Terri Kinder and Laurie Micciche presented the Chamber’s special event permit request. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Kinder told the commission there’s a great deal of enthusiasm regarding this year’s Bayfest celebration. Kinder said Bayfest 2021 already has a record number of sponsors and between 50 and 60 arts and crafts vendors have already signed up and paid their entry fees.

“We’ve been having a huge response to Bayfest for this year. Vendors are excited,” she said.

Kinder noted Bayfest 2020 was canceled due to the COVID pandemic and Bayfest 2019 was held at The Center in a limited manner due to a tropical storm.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, this year’s Bayfest will include a special kickoff event on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Pier Park. The kickoff will feature live music and food and beer vendors. The regular Bayfest activities will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and will include the traditional car show, live music, food and alcohol vendors, arts and crafts vendors and more.

Commissioner Jon Crane noted COVID-19 “is coming back with a vengeance” and he asked Kinder if the chamber was taking any specific COVID-related safety measures. After noting the two-day event will take place outside and there is no state or city mandate requiring masks, Kinder said, “What we intend to do is post signs to let attendees know masks are strongly recommended for the event. We reached out to Manatee County Department of Health and we now have 4,000 masks on hand that we can distribute.”

“Good. Thank you,” Crane said.

Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The one point we need to make clear – and we went through this the last time – is that if the COVID changes, the commission may revisit this permit. They may come back at some point in time and say we need to revisit this. I want to make sure we all understand that we’re not locked in. If things don’t make sense going forward, we’re going to have to do something about it. We can’t allow having a super spreader.”

“The Chamber agrees. We want to do what’s best,” Kinder said.

“I look forward to the event. We’re pleased to have you here and you always do an excellent job. It’s so organized. It’s a great event. It’s one that we hope we can keep here in our city and that you don’t take it anywhere else,” Murphy said.

“This is its home,” Kinder responded.

Commission Chair Carol Carter asked if some past issues regarding business entrances being impacted by Bayfest had been resolved.

“The last real Bayfest on the street was 2018. There were absolutely no problems at all. The businesses were very happy,” Kinder said, noting the festival layout was changed to negate the impact on business entrances.

Bayfest 2.0 carries on despite Nestor

Written by Tom Vaught on October 22, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – As the wind whipped across the Island Friday, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce President Terry Kinder knew that Bayfest, the Chamber’s signature fundraiser, was in jeopardy of missing a year for the first time in its 19-year run.

After a meeting with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and representatives from arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and others, the decision was made to hold the event at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Due to space constraints, there were no craft vendors, auto show or kid’s zone, but the adults came out to listen to local musicians and enjoy the food, drinks and company of their fellow islanders indoors, away from the storm.

The majority of musical acts planned for the main stage at Bayfest embraced the new venue, including the popular Dr. Dave Band. Three local restaurants, The Fest, Tortilla Bay and The Ugly Grouper, all stepped up to provide food and drinks for the festivities along with other vendors providing sodas and beer.

The start time of noon allowed some of the water flooding the streets from the passage of Tropical Storm Nestor to drain away and locals and visitors alike came out to The Center to celebrate Bayfest and dance the night away, at least until 9 p.m. Though it wasn’t the Bayfest that locals have come to know and love, it proved that the Island community will come together to support each other against all odds, and that a little rain can’t stop the party on Anna Maria Island.

“Looks like a good crowd, considering all we went through,” said Corinn Tippett, a server at The Feast booth.

Nestor did little damage on the Island and Bayfest went on despite the odds against it. For their part, the members of the Chamber hope to not have to deal with temperamental weather during next year’s festivities and return the fundraiser to its traditional Pine Avenue venue.

“We knew we weren’t going to recover (financially) from this, but we had a one-day liquor license and we had to use it Saturday,” said Kinder. “Perhaps we won’t have to deal with this ever again. At least I hope not.”

Storm moves Bayfest inside to The Center

Written by Cindy Lane on October 18, 2019. Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA – Tropical Storm Nestor is pushing Saturday’s Bayfest indoors from its traditional Pine Avenue location to The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave.

The free festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19, will begin at noon instead of 10 a.m., and remain open until 9 p.m.

The classic car show and arts and crafts vendors are canceled, according to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

But “Bayfest 2.0 – Reimagined!” will still offer live music with the Trevor Bystrom Band, Memphis Rub, soulRcoaster, the Dr. Dave Band and the Karen & Jimmy Band, with Mike Sales as emcee.

A limited number of food vendors and a beer truck will be at The Center. No coolers or outside alcohol are allowed.

Parking and shuttles to and from The Center will be available at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and Roser Memorial Church, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The decision to relocate the festival was made because the storm could produce torrential downpours and local flooding, according to chamber officials.

Tropical storm Nestor, currently over the central Gulf of Mexico, is moving northeast at 22 mph and is expected to reach the Florida Panhandle early Saturday morning. Primary concerns along Florida’s west coast are heavy rainfall and minor to moderate coastal flooding, especially from Tampa Bay north, according to the National Weather Service’s p.m. report.

Crowds come out for Bayfest

Written by Tom Vaught on October 23, 2018. Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – Despite a serious problem with red tide this summer, the Island’s first festival of the season was a success as residents and visitors braved the warm weather to enjoy themselves at Bayfest on Pine Avenue sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

If there was any red tide in the air, it didn’t seem to be a bother.

“It was very well attended,” said Chamber President Terri Kinder, who said thousands of people showed up. “It was great to see all the people who came out.”

She said the crowd was great during the morning, lightened in the heat of the day and increased as shade emerged and everything cooled off.

When the threat of red tide abated last week, Kinder said the vendors were anxious to participate.

“Not one vendor pulled out,” she said. “We didn’t have any cancellations.”

More than 100 classic cars and their owners greeted visitors as they entered Pine Avenue from Gulf Drive. The Bill Mergens Memorial Auto Show, named after the show’s late organizer, attracted the attention of the visitors, some of whom may have owned or wanted to own one of the colorful vehicles in their youth.

Vendors filled the sides of the street, offering arts and crafts, while non-profits gave opportunities to help a cause.

There was a bounce house, slides and games in the Kid’s Zone and across the street, Roser Memorial Community Church had arts, coloring and face painting for youngsters.

Further down the street, the food court added a variety of aromas to the air. A large tent shaded diners as they sat at rows of tables.

Music boomed from the stage at the end of Pine Avenue and later, after the sun went down, the dancers took to the blocked off street.

Kinder did not have any monetary results at press time. Some of the proceeds will go to Island workers who suffered as the Island economy was hit by the lack of business from the red tide.

Kinder said it was a great Bayfest and praised the people who worked it.

“The volunteers did a wonderful job,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Funny signs for any occasion. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Bayfest brings out the community to Pine Avenue. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Thousands ignore the heat and red tide threat to attend Bayfest. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Former Anna Maria City Commissioner Gene Aubrey displays his 1923 Chevrolet at the auto show. - Tom Vaught | Sun

A car plane was one of the most unusual vehicles at the Bayfest classic car show on Saturday on Pine Avenue. - Cindy Lane | Sun

CBD samples also were available at Bayfest - cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring constituent of cannabis, one of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in hemp plants. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Bayfest on track

Written by Tom Vaught on October 2, 2018. Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Festivals.

HOLMES BEACH – Vendors are still calling the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce about the upcoming 18th Annual Bayfest celebration, in spite of the serious red tide outbreak that is cutting into the tourist business, according to Chamber President Teri Kinder.

In fact, all of the food vendor spots have been taken.

“We sold out early,” Kinder said. “I have to tell them that they’ll have to try next year.”

Kinder said nobody seems concerned that the red tide might intensify, despite the lack of an “all clear” from the agencies that monitor conditions in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.

Bayfest, known as the Island’s first festival of the season, will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Admission is free, those attending will be greeted with a wide choice of local food, live music, a Kid’s Zone for the youngsters and a classic and antique auto show. The Anna Maria Island Privateers also will bring their ship, the Skullywag.

Kinder said the classic auto show will be as big as ever.

“Car owners are calling daily to enter,” Kinder said. “We expect to have 100 vehicles at the show.”

The Chamber has not forgotten the damage the red tide has done to businesses and their employees.

Some of this year’s Bayfest festival proceeds will go directly to local tourism industry workers for disaster relief assistance.

Local workers affected by the red tide economic crises must sign up before Oct. 19 with the Chamber. A short application form has been posted on its website, info@amichamber.org. The form can also be picked up at the AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. as well as at the Roser Food Pantry during its regular hours. Call 941-778-0414 for Roser Food Pantry hours. Applicants may also call the Chamber to have a form emailed to them.

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, along with employment verification in the form of a recent pay stub or letter from one’s employer.

All funds will be distributed to eligible registered applicants on Friday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Recipients must present a valid ID to receive their check.

To raise additional funds for this cause the AMI Chamber will be selling raffle tickets for an Island Experience, a basket full of local fun with gift certificates to stay, eat and play on the Island and the surrounding waters. Tickets are $5 each and will be sold at the Chamber prior to and at the festival all day during Bayfest. The raffle drawing will take place at 9 p.m. on the main stage at Bayfest. Winners need not be present to win. Gift certificates and items to be included in the raffle prize basket, as well as monetary donations for the relief fund itself, are being accepted at the Chamber. All of the raffle proceeds and monetary donations will go directly to eligible affected tourism industry workers.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or at info@amichamber.org.

Bayfest draws crowds, cars

Written by Tom Vaught on October 24, 2017. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

Kids enjoyed bounce houses and this giant, inflatable basketball game. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Thousands crowd the street during Bayfest. - Tom Vaught | Sun

This pedal car was not entered in the car show. It was for sale. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The Privateers set up shop near the kid's area across the street from Roser Church. - Tom Vaught | Sun

One of the car show entries was a classic because it was a Rolls Royce. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Soul R Coaster entertained at Bayfest. - Tom Vaught | Sun

ANNA MARIA – The festival season got off to a good start on Saturday, Oct. 21 with huge crowds, flashy hot rods and performance cars, the aroma of Island foods and music, music, music.

While the temperature was in the 80s, a cool breeze helped keep it livable for participants and attendees. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors Bayfest and Chamber President Deb Wing was delighted.

“It went really well and we got a lot of positive feedback from the vendors and people attending it,” she said. “The store owners on Pine Avenue were happy because people were visiting their shops as well as the tents on the street. This a big event for those businesses.”

There was a sad note to this year’s event. Bill Mergens, who has organized all of the Bayfest car shows passed away at home recently. The disc jockey who played oldies for the event, Lance Hubeshmitt, will organize future shows.

“We’re changing the name to the Bill Mergens Memorial Bayfest Car Show in his honor,” Wing said. “We’re going to miss him.”

There was a kid’s play area with bounce houses and games in the parking lot across from Roser Memorial Community Church. Music emanated from the huge stage at the end of Pine Avenue in front of Anna Maris City Pier.

Wing said she was grateful to the city of Anna Maria for its support.

“Thanks to Mayor Dan Murphy,” she said. “He and his wife were at Bayfest and they helped out.”

Wing estimate at lest 8,000 people attended over the course of the day.

Taste the flavors of the Island at Bayfest

Written by Tom Vaught on October 17, 2017. Posted in Entertainment, Family fun, Festivals.

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.

It’s Bayfest time again

Written by Tom Vaught on October 10, 2017. Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

ANNA MARIA – It’s an indication that hurricane season is waning and tourist season is just around the corner. The 17th Annual Bayfest celebration is coming to the Island once again.

Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the Island’s largest festival will occupy the length of Pine Avenue in Anna Maria on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The annual free celebration has a little something for everyone, offering music, food, arts and crafts and classic automobiles to entertain the grown-ups.

For the youngsters, there also will be a Kids Zone, sponsored by AMI Health & Fitness, featuring games, bounce houses, the Privateer’s ship, Skullywag, and more.

For many, Bayfest annually sets the mood for fall and has become a destination date for thousands of visitors to the Island. It was the first AMI festival to have a car show and routinely displays more than 100 classic and antique vehicles. These range from souped-up hot rods to vintage customized cars and trucks, many restored to museum quality.

The car show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a Best in Show competition.

A celebration of music

Bayfest offers the best in live local music from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The lineup includes:

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.

In addition, the food court will highlight some of the best regional specialties provided by local vendors and restaurants. Come out and sample a variety of delicious dishes. Wash the food down with beer, wine, rumrunners, margaritas and soft drinks. More about the food next week.

Bayfest has a strict no cooler and no BYOB policy, as the offerings from the vendors are varied and tasty. A large portion of festival proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. These scholarships assist graduating Manatee County high school seniors with their college tuition.

Park and ride

Residents are urged to take the free trolleys, as parking will be limited. Additional parking is available as you enter the city of Anna Maria at the CrossPointe Fellowship Church. Catch the trolley to the festival 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. There is no admission charge for this family friendly event.

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Tag: Bayfest

Musical lineup

For the kids

Big boys’ toys

Where to park

A celebration of music

Park and ride