The festival aims to build on the success of last year, when it drew record crowds to Market. To accommodate the increased traffic, festival organizers have arranged for there to be free trolley service from the Palm Avenue parking garage to the Market and back.
Festival goers will be welcomed to a large tent erected on the west side of the State St. parking lot. The tent will hold a stage for local jazz artists; a designated area for kids' events; and the main attraction, an old-fashioned, family style shrimp and lobster bake. Outside the tent, food vendors throughout the Market will be offering burgers, ribs, hot dogs and a special morning treat - shrimp and lobster crepes. Other vendors will offer popsicles, sorbets, and lemonade. Last year's event drew more than 5,000 visitors to downtown Sarasota. Organizers and vendors alike are expecting even larger crowds this time around.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sarasota GAP School. The school will also have a booth at the event where they will hold a raffle.
