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Tag: Blue Ribbon Events

Springfest featured art, crafts and food

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Art, Entertainment, Festivals, Food.

HOLMES BEACH — The Springfest arts and crafts show returned to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.

Springfest featured a wide range of artists and makers, painters, photographers, woodworkers and jewelers who offered their original works for sale. Springfest also featured the inaugural “Taste of the Island” food tasting event on Sunday only.

The Art-N-Around booth was operated by Troy and Susi Parriott. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Art-N-Around booth operated by artists Troy and Susi Parriott of Jensen Beach displayed brightly colored plaster and cement sculptures of animals and coastal figures that included parrots, alligators, coastal birds and octopuses – one of their most requested designs. Troy, and the couple’s son, Jeremy, designed the plaster and concrete figures and Susi hand-painted each piece.

The Michael Ahlrichs Fine Art Photography booth featured nature photography. – Lance Roy | Sun

Michael Ahlrichs Fine Art Photography of Westfield, Indiana, presented nature-focused photography that captured animals, insects, floral subjects and landscapes, along with beach and water scenes. Ahlrichs, from the Indianapolis area, said his photography began as part of a personal transformation more than 13 years ago while recovering from alcoholism.

“Photography became a way to honor that awakening,” he said.

The Hudson River Inlay booth featured these inlay art creations. – Lance Roy | Sun

Wood artist Clive Wright of New Windsor, New York, showcased his Hudson River Inlay artwork. Each piece begins with a hand sketch that becomes a detailed blueprint. Wright then combines multiple types of wood with materials such as turquoise, shells, malachite and mother-of-pearl to create smooth, inlaid designs.

Yvette Alleman created her Tide and Time Designs. – Lance Roy | Sun

Yvette Alleman, creator of Tide and Time Designs, displayed her resin artwork that included trays, coasters, clocks and custom statement pieces. After years of co-owning a resin business, Alleman recently launched her own venture focused on her personal artistic style.

“No two pours are ever the same, and that’s exactly how I like it,” she said.

Owners Darren and Michelle Gillitt operated the Pens with a Purpose booth. – Lance Roy | Sun

Created by Darren and Michelle Gillitt of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, the Pens with a Purpose booth featured hand-crafted fountain pens and wood-turned items. The couple began making walking sticks for their son’s Boy Scout troop and later created custom pens for Eagle Scouts. Each item sold helps provide at least 25 meals to food banks in northeast Georgia and western North Carolina.

TASTE OF THE ISLAND

On Sunday, 59th Street was lined with the Island restaurants that participated in “Taste of the Island.”

The participating restaurants included Poppo’s Taqueria; and staff members Hannan, Jack and Maddy served tacos that featured ancho chicken, honey lime cabbage, pico de gallo, feta cheese and salsa verde served on corn or flour tortillas.

Hannan, Jack and Maddy served Poppo’s Taqueria tacos. – Lance Roy | Sun

Topsail Steamer offered its Low Country Shrimp steam pots with peel-and-eat shrimp, andouille sausage, sweet corn and red potatoes.

Topsail Steamer showcased their Low Country Shrimp steam pots. – Lance Roy | Sun

Led by owner and chef Ben Sato, gRub Tropical BBQ served braised brisket tacos topped with apple slaw and cilantro lime cream, with team members Joe and Moussau preparing the tacos.

gRub Tropical BBQ featured their braised brisket tacos. – Lance Roy | Sun

Toasted Mango Café featured its blackened mahi wrap with grilled mahi-mahi, mango salsa, lettuce and tomato.

The crew from the Toasted Mango Cafe featured their blackened mahi wrap. – Lance Roy | Sun

Rock N Eggroll offered a variety of eggroll dishes filled with chicken, pork, cheesesteak and other creative combinations.

Rock N Eggroll offered various dishes served as eggrolls. – Lance Roy | Sun

Maverick and Lulu from 92.1 CTQ’s “Maverick and Lulu in the Morning” radio show broadcast live from Springfest on Sunday.

92.1 CTQ Country Radio personalities Maverick and Lulu broadcast live from the festival. – Lance Roy | Sun

Festival attendees were encouraged to bring canned goods and other nonperishable food donations to support the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria.

The next Blue Ribbon Events arts and crafts show will take place on April 4 and 5 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Arts and crafts show attracts regional artists and creators

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Art, Entertainment, Events.

HOLMES BEACH – The 7th Annual Anna Maria Winter Arts & Crafts Show held at City Field on Saturday, Jan. 17, showcased the work of more than 40 artists, crafters and creators, but the two-day event’s Sunday session was cancelled due to rain and high winds.

Presented by Blue Ribbon Events, the arts and crafts show featured a wide range of handmade items including paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork and more, giving attendees the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces created by the partipating artists, creators and makers.

“Within a 50-mile radius, 12 artists are represented here at the show. In the overall group, about 50% are Florida residents and 50 percent are from out of state,” Blue Ribbon Events CEO Danielle Lynch said on Saturday. 

Saturday’s attendees were treated to clear skies and comfortable temperatures as they viewed handcrafted works produced in multiple art mediums, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paints, along with clay, stone, metal, wood, plaster and more.

Jacqueline McMillan displays the floral arrangement she created. – Lance Roy | Sun

Jacqueline McMillan, of Mobile, Alabama, exhibited the balsa wood flower arrangements she created through her business, Love by JM. McMillan, a quadruple amputee,produces her work using strapped tools and paintbrushes, arranging and coloring the wood to create realistic floral designs displayed in small terra-cotta pots and decorative teacups. 

“This started as therapy then parlayed into a business,” McMillan said.

An artist named Sara (no last name given) operated her LoveSara booth, where she displayed painted mugs, portraits and colorful greeting cards. 

Sara, of LoveSara art, uses bright colors in her work. – Lance Roy | Sun

“Painting is a passion for me. I love to paint and it keeps me relaxed and focused. I paint animals and nature in bright, vivid colors. I like to sometimes add a little quirkiness and fun to my paintings,” Sara said

She said one of her goals is to raise awareness of the varied abilities of people on the autism spectrum, and to encourage acceptance of individual differences and strengths.

Painter Kristina Grillo returned to the show again this year with her contemporary abstract works that include serene boat scenes and expressive female figures. Grillo creates her pieces on red aromatic cedar, using a distinctive torn-edge technique. She developed her style through graduate studies and work abroad in Florence, Italy.

The arts and craft show reflected the depth and variety of creative talent found on Anna Maria Island and throughout the region.

“We are constantly looking at how we can positively impact the area with economic growth for both local businesses and the artists we feature,” Lynch said.

Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show returns this weekend

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Art, Entertainment, Events.

HOLMES BEACH – Blue Ribbon Events is bringing its 7th annual Anna Maria Winter Art & Craft Show to City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The free, two-day show will showcase the work of more than 40 artists and crafters and their paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, sculptures, yard art and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their original, one-of-a-kind pieces.

The show will also feature vendors selling sunglasses, beach hats, skincare products, bath and body products, furniture, handmade crepes and more. 

According to Blue Ribbon Events CEO Danielle Lynch, the event is designed to support local creativity while providing the community with access to unique artwork. 

“The event brings together talented makers and art enthusiasts in a welcoming Island setting,” she said in the event press release. 

THE ARTISTS

According to the press release:

Painter Kristina Grillo is returning with her soothing boat scenes and “captivating ladies.” 

Husband-and-wife duo Michelle Chang and Wayne Gao are bringing their innovative ceramic art and large-scale wall pieces. 

Mixed media artist Rachel Wu returns with her dipped glasses, clocks, charcuterie boards and large wall art. 

Photographer Jimmy Chadsey is bringing his nature-themed images. 

Woodworker Tim Gillespie is bringing his turned bowls, “crazy Christmas trees,” large plates and mushrooms.

The show will feature seven talented jewelry designers, four of whom are returning fan favorites. 

Heather, from Jewelry by Nature’s Stones, will offer unique natural gemstones. 

Dawn will have her bohemian wraps and beachy beaded bracelets. 

Maureen will have her handcrafted wire wrap creations. 

Abby May Miller is returning for the for the first time in a couple years and bringing her “bold runway statement pieces.”

In the press release, Lynch said, “Stop by and support these amazing artists and makers.”

City Field is located at 6001 Marina Drive, next to Holmes Beach City Hall.

 

Special event permitting process amended

Special event permitting process amended

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The city has again amended its special event permitting require­ments.

When doing so on Dec. 12, the mayor and city commission al­lowed two previously permitted events to proceed at a different location due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.

The latest amendment to the special event permitting process requires event orga­nizers to submit their proof of insurance and other required documents at least 30 days before the event is scheduled. If the event organizer fails to do so, the city has the right to cancel the event. The previous ordinance required those documents to be provided at least 48 hours in advance.

The newly-amended ordi­nance also makes permit fees non-refundable.

City Attorney Becky Vose said the new provisions will better protect the city and help ensure that event planners complete their permitting requirements in a timely manner.

In August, the commission amended the special event permitting process in a manner that now provides for significantly higher permit fees that range from $200 to $5,000. To be determined by the mayor, the permitting fee is to be based on the size of the event, the anticipated at­tendance and the city services needed before, during and after an event, including law enforcement, street closures and trash removal.

The commission agreed that the special event permit applications included in that day’s consent agenda would not be subject to the new require­ments adopted that day.

EVENTS RELOCATED

Earlier this year, the com­mission approved two special event permits sought by Blue Ribbon Events owner Danielle Lynch. The commission approved Lynch’s request to host a multi-vendor art and craft show at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 and her second an­nual “Feed the Peeps” art and craft show at City Pier Park on Feb. 7-8. Those events were approved with the $200 per event permit fee in place at that time.

During the Dec. 12 meeting, Deputy Clerk Fran Berrios told the commission Lynch had to relocate those previously approved events because the park is not currently available. The temporary post office is currently operating at the park.

Lynch will now host her previously-approved events on the grounds of the nearby Roser Memorial Commu­nity church. The commission agreed those two events could be relocated with no additional permit fees or requirements. Lynch said she pays the church a “nice fee” for the use of the property and both upcoming events will also serve as food drives for the Roser Food Pantry.

Special event permitting process amended
Blue Ribbon Events is hosting an art and craft fair at Roser Church this weekend. – Blue Ribbon Events | Submitted

Lynch also addressed the uncertainty created by the $200 to $5,000 permit fee schedule adopted earlier this year. She said the wide-ranging fee schedule now in effect creates uncertainty for event planners. She suggested, and the com­mission agreed, that the city should develop a more specific fee schedule that provides better clarity regarding special event permitting costs.

Craft fair prompts CBD sales discussion

Craft fair prompts CBD sales discussion

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Because she sells CBD products, Edibles N More owner Mel Wendel wasn’t allowed to partici­pate in the Feed the Island art and craft show at Roser Church on Feb. 9-10.

Danielle Lynch owns and operates Blue Ribbon Events, a company that organizes arts and craft fairs in Michigan and Florida. In Anna Maria, these events require a city commission-approved special event permit.

On the morning of Feb. 8, Lynch received a call from Deputy City Clerk Fran Berrios informing her that CBD and hemp sales are not allowed in Anna Maria.

CBD products don’t contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that produces the euphoric “high.”

Lynch and Wendel appeared before the city commission that afternoon. After Lynch requested Wendel and her husband be allowed to participate in that weekend’s event, Mayor Dan Murphy asked what they planned to sell.

Wendel said their Holmes Beach-based Edibles N More retail store and their affiliated Vape on the Go business sells CBD and hemp-based products including edibles, topicals and smokeables, and that’s what they’d be selling.

“It’s listed as an arts and crafts festival and you’re wanting to sell CBD products. It’s not an art or a craft. It’s something else,” Murphy noted.

City Attorney Becky Vose said, “If they’re going to do something other than arts and crafts, the permit needs to be looked at again.”

Wendel claimed the city already set legal precedent by allowing other busi­nesses in the city to sell CBD products. She said Beach Bum Apothecary is producing and selling CBD products, some of which she sells at Edibles N More, and Cool Beans AMI is selling products containing low levels of THC.

Wendel said the federal 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and it’s no longer considered marijuana. She noted the city of Holmes Beach amended its ordinance to exclude hemp from its definition of marijuana.

“Every item in our store is derived from hemp,” Wendel said, noting Publix and Live Naturally also legally sell CBD products in Holmes Beach.

Commissioner Gary McMullen said, “I think it’s unfair to single them out if we have other people in the city already doing the same thing.”

Murphy said he doesn’t recall CBD sales ever being permitted in Anna Maria.

“If somebody’s doing something illegal that we don’t know about that doesn’t set a precedent,” he said, noting the commission could address CBD sales with future ordinances.

Murphy suggested giving Vose time to review the matter and provide him with a legal opinion before the Friday morning event began. The following morning, Murphy sent Lynch an email containing his decision and Vose’s three-page memo that he based his decision on.

“It is my conclusion that the sale of hemp-based products is prohibited by our local ordinances,” Murphy stated in his email, noting the decision also pertains to the event Lynch is hosting at City Pier Park on March 9-10.

In her memo, Vose stated, “It is my legal opinion that the sale of CBD products within the city of Anna Maria is prohibited under Section 34-2 of the city’s code of ordinances, and that such ordinance can be enforced regardless of the change of status of CBD and hemp under general Florida law.”

Regarding the 2018 Farm Bill, Vose wrote, “It is clear that certain types of hemp are no longer illegal in Florida. However, that does not mean local governments cannot regulate matters related to hemp, even if otherwise legal.”

Roser hosts Feed the Island Art and Craft Show

Roser hosts Feed the Island Art and Craft Show

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

ANNA MARIA – The sun was shining on Feb. 9-10 along the canal at the rear of Roser Church for the Feed the Island Art and Craft Show, the latest in a series of art and craft shows presented by Michigan-based Blue Ribbon Events.

All Blue Ribbon’s shows this year not only feature juried exhibitors offering unique, hand-crafted arts and crafts for any budget, but also raise funds and supplies for Roser Church’s food bank to help those on the Island in need.

The Roser Food Pantry is the one place on Anna Maria Island where people experiencing food insecurity can come to receive free groceries. A dedicated corps of volunteers and staff members distribute over 100 bags of groceries each month. Blue Ribbon Events also donates money from each show to the food pantry and collects hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food from attendees. Raffle tickets and other on-site fundraising have been responsible for thousands of dollars going to the food bank this year alone.

The artists featured at this and all of Blue Ribbon’s events are chosen from both regional and out-of-area artists, but according to Blue Ribbon’s Danielle Lynch, who organizes the events, it’s what they have to offer and how it appeals to buyers on AMI that’s the key to being chosen to have a booth. Lynch said about 50% of the artists and vendors at this show are from the Gulf Coast area and the other half are from other states.

“We like to have a nice turnover where we don’t have the same artists at every show,” Lynch said. “That being said, we do have at least 30% that we deal with over and over again. We know what we’re getting; they’re very respectful to the other artists and just come here and treat this as a little mini gallery.”

Lynch also stressed that there are products for every taste and every budget. Prices range from under $25 to high-end art that sells for thousands. All are welcome, and everyone can leave with something they will cherish.

For information on upcoming art and craft shows on the Island presented by Blue Ribbon Events, or to download a vendor application, visit www.daniellsblueribbonevents.com.