Anna Maria Island's Bayfest 2010

 Anna Maria Island is celebrating Bayfest’s 10^th Anniversary this year.  This fantastic family festival is set to take place on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria this weekend, October 15^th & 16^th, 2010.  It is a wonderful celebration with fun for all ages.   This FREE event features, live music, arts, crafts & retail vendors, a “Taste of the Island” food court, and even a children’s play area. 

The festivities start on Friday evening with a Kickoff Party on the corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria City.  Mike Sales will emcee the evening which will include live music starting at 5pm with The Dr. Dave Band, and Bootleg will take the stage at 8pm.  There are always a wide array of tasty treats and dinner tidbits at hand, and drinks for sale ranging from Water to Rum Runners.  Last year my whole crew-kids, parents, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends-all headed North on the Island to enjoy dinner, and music on the lawn.  There are chairs, and tables set up so you can sit and enjoy your meal (kids ate pizza and chicken, grown-ups dined on fish tacos, bar-b-q, gyros, yummy chips, fries, crab cakes, sliders…the list goes on…) and your dessert (including funnel cakes, pies and cakes or all kinds).  There is also an open area for dancing, and laying blankets to picnic. 

Saturday starts at 10am, and goes ‘til 10pm.  Whether you are on the East or West side of Pine Avenue, there is something to do.  The Anna Maria Island Community Center is hosting a Kid’s Fishing Tournament on the Anna Maria City Pier starting at 9am.  On the West End of Pine Avenue you can start your day by enjoying the Island’s Largest Classic Car Show, which will run until 3pm.  There are great Oldies playing as you stroll around these beautiful cars.  There are awards handed out for several categories, starting at around 2:30pm.    The wide variety of cars to enjoy include something for everyone from antique, to classic, to custom, to muscle, to high performance vehicles.  With 100 pre-registered cars, this show is already at capacity, and sure to be great fun for onlookers of all ages!  My Dad appreciates the intricacies of all the vehicles, while my kids appreciate how cool they are to look at and listen to! You’re bound to find one that catches your fancy!

Moving down Pine Avenue, you can grab a beverage, and walk through the outstanding display booths.   Every year we are able to pick out holiday gifts of all sorts.  Jewelry, home decorations, cool crafts and artistic wonders abound.  The kids LOVE the marshmallow blasters they got last year, while I am still wearing the anklet I got!  There are clothes, and gadgets, decor, and displays- definitely something for everyone!   I even nabbed a new pair of sunglasses, to help extend the day’s enjoyment!  Toward the Eastern end of Pine Ave you will find the EVER popular Children’s Play Area, with festival classics like bounce houses, and prize games.   There are always fun demonstrations and activities for the kids to participate in, as well as games to play and crafts to make.  We are hoping to see the bubble cup craft again this year…always a big hit with my crowd!

Before grabbing more tasty treats my kiddos HAVE to pay a visit to the Privateers at the far end of Pine Avenue, near the City Pier.  Their ship always has a stronghold on the corner, and the kids love to see the crew dressed to the nines in full pirate regalia!  The privateers are always eager to share pirate spirit and usually a little pirate bounty!

Once we take in the full breadth of displays and activites, we like to take our own stronghold back on the grass near the food court, and enjoy the live music.  DJ Chris Grumley will be hosting Saturday’s stage, where the line up includes 8 fantastic bands playing throughout the day.  The Garbage Men will open the show at 10:15am.  The Island Rockers will take the stage at 11:30am followed by Fogt’s Jr All Star Band at 1pm.  Firedoor will keep things going at 2:30, and Hammers & Adams will follow at 4pm.  The Human Condition will have the evening crowd rocking at 5:30, and Koko Ray & the Soul Providers will rock the sunset from 7-8pm.  The Billy Rice Band will close out the show from 8:30-10pm. 

So, you can be sure you will enjoy a fantastic day on beautiful Anna Maria Island when you come out for Bayfest 2010!  And, as always, Island Real Estate is happy to help you find that perfect Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental.  With all the Vacation Rentals we have on Anna Maria Island, you are sure to find what you are looking for.   Contact one of our Vacation Rental Specialists, to help you book your Island Vacation.  Or call us at 877-778-6066 and let us make your Anna Maria Island experience a celebration!