More than 350 local makers and small businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr NE) on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. The 2-day extravaganza celebrates local businesses, local arts, local tastes, local music, and the local vibe that makes Tampa Bay such a special place.
Celebrating 15 years, the free community festival takes place on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 from 10 am to 5 pm. With more than 350 local makers and small businesses participating, Shopapalooza is expected to be the biggest Small Business Saturday (and Sunday!) celebration in the nation, Shopapalooza is a fun and easy way for families to do kick off their holiday dreams while shopping, drinking, dining and supporting local makers and small businesses.
A complete list of the 350 + participating businesses will be available by Nov 1at shopapaloozafestival.com<http://shopapaloozafestival.co...>. Admission to Shopapalooza is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but those who do sign up are entered into a free drawing for two $500 Palooza gift cards from LocalShops1, two $250 shopping sprees from St. Pete Shopping Co, and other prizes. The event, co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, is family-friendly and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcomed.
Free trolley rides to and from Shopapalooza will be available 9:30am-6 pm November 29and November 30 from South Core Garage, Second St S between Central Avenue & First Ave. and Vinoy Park (at 7th Ave NE & Bayshore Drive).
“We are so excited to be celebrating 15 years, this year will be our biggest and best yet! It’s a great opportunity to come out and support our local makers and small businesses. Shopapalooza Festival kicks off the holiday shopping season by celebrating the great independent businesses that make Tampa Bay such an amazing place,” says Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza founder. “The local business in our community continue to go above and beyond, and if we want them to stick around, it’s time for us all to give back and support them as much as we can. Check out over 11.3 acres filled with pure local awesomeness,” Most vendor spaces are filled.
HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Free Admission!
• 350+ Local Shops, Artists, Makers and local Nonprofits, featuring gourmet food products, home decor, handcrafted jewelry, clothing and accessories, health and beauty products, fair trade goods, vintage finds, pet treats and toys, books, candles and more. Many booths will offer BOGOs, holiday specials, and new merchandise not yet available elsewhere. The vendor lineup will be available at shopapaloozafestival.com<http://shopapaloozafestival.co...> starting Nov 1. This year's nonprofit partners are St. Pete Youth Farm and Jump for Kids.
• Four food halls each featuring snacks, drinks, entrees and desserts for everyone. Selections from more than 40 restaurants, bakeries and food trucks include options for vegans and carnivores, and whether looking to stay healthy or indulge!
• Local Beer Garden with all proceeds going directly to nonprofit Jump for Kids.
• $500 Shopping Spree for a lucky shopper each day! It is FREE to enter this raffle. Registration is required and the winner must be present to receive a prize. Visit <a href="http://www.shopapaloozafestival.com/win-500.htmlxtagstartz