Anna Maria City Pier Celebrates 100th Birthday!

In 1911 during the beginning stages of commercial development on Anna Maria Island, one of the first steps was to build a city pier on the bay side of Anna Maria Island.   The idea was to attract excursion steamers from Tampa to unload passengers on Anna Maria Island so they could enjoy everything that the Island has to offer.

Today The City Pier is still a popular spot for tourists, day trippers, and local fishermen.  This weekend May 13^th & 14^th we will celebrate The Anna Maria City Pier’s 100^th Birthday.  Start your weekend with a parade, 6p.m. Friday evening May 13^th at Cross Pointe Fellowship Church, and ending at The City Pier where the Privateers, The Islander, & The City Pier Restaurant will host a reception for the parade participants and officials.

Saturday May 14^th will launch the beginning of Food & Wine on Pine Event, an all-day centennial celebration from the SandBar Restaurant on the beach down Pine Avenue to The City Pier on the Bay.  Taste food from area’s best restaurants, and local wine curators that will give you something to talk about.

The Food and Wine on Pine Event will end at 4pm, but stick around the Festival will continue until at least 10p.m. with live music, artist demonstrations, chalk art for the kids, an art show, and character actors dressed in full costume telling tales of Anna Maria Island back in the day.  Make sure and stick around for the Grand Finale an estimated $10,000 fireworks show, that will be launched over the Bay Saturday evening.

 

Explore More of Pine Avenue

There's so much more to discover along this charming stretch of Anna Maria Island! From locally owned boutiques and delicious restaurants to sweet treats and historic landmarks, Pine Avenue is a destination worth exploring. Check out our complete guide to Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island to plan even more stops during your island getaway.