A little rain came late in the afternoon, but a shower didn’t dampen the spirits of festivalgoers as the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s 16th annual Bayfest filled Pine Avenue with music, food and fun.
Visitors from across the Bradenton area and beyond strolled Anna Maria’s pedestrian-only venue Oct. 15, sipping beverages from the wine garden, perusing arts and crafts, and lining up for food selections from local restaurants and caterers.
The aroma of sizzling ribs mingled with the sounds of rock ’n’ roll as bands took the stage, emceed by Mike Sales.
Kathleen Combs from Maryland was enjoying barbecue and being back in Anna Maria. Her husband has been back on the island since August, when he brought their son down to begin a 10-week Mote Marine Laboratory internship.
“We usually stay from November to June,” Combs said. “But I was ready to get back, too.”
Arts and crafts vendors saw brisk business. Bradenton residents Rosie Pacia and Kenneth Carlson were jewelry shopping in Janie Murray’s tent, admiring her handmade necklaces and earrings.
Antique car aficionados had all the chrome and whitewall they could dream about at the large collection of vintage autos, with more than 100 vehicles on exhibit. Trophies were awarded for best of show.
Meanwhile, parents coaxed their sweaty kids from bounce houses and into the shade with bottled waters. Four-legged attendees searched for a shady patch of land, as well.
Maria Kruse and her husband drove over from Lakewood Ranch and found a shady spot under the food tent, relaxing with a beer and a grouper taco.
“It’s been a good day,” Kruse said, then rolled her eyes as her husband said he was considering returning to the food lines for seconds.
Deb Wing, chamber president, was kept busy with organizational duties, volunteers and festivalgoer questions.
“I believe we are having a record-breaking Bayfest this year,” Wing said just before 3 p.m. “It’s been amazing. It’s been a sea of people up and down the street all day.”
