Big crowd turns out for Bayfest
Festivalgoers swarm on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria Oct. 21 for the 22nd annual Bayfest. The event featured an all-day street festival with live music, local food vendors, arts and craft vendors, a classic car show and so much more. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the one-day event. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
The Anna Maria Island Privateers were on hand for mischief-making and community spirit during the 22nd annual Bayfest event in Anna Maria. Members were serving hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled pork and manned a booth with T-shirts and donation boxes. Bayfestgoers could also tour the AMI Privateer flagship, The Skullywag. The Privateers, established in 1971, formed to support kids and community on AMI.
The Memphis Rub band kicks off a day of live music Oct. 21 for the 22nd annual Bayfest. Other musical acts featured during the event included: Trevor Bystrom, The Karen and Jimmy Band and the Dr. Dave Band.
Dina Anastasakis of Lakewood Ranch and Jackie Lutz of Canada admire El Chromo, a 1969 El Camino SS owned by Jay Bernard of Bradenton and displayed at the Bayfest classic car show. The car show featured more than 20 meticulously maintained vintage vehicles along Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.
Ace Walker of the Dreaded Fisherman and Barbara’s Kitchen in Largo give out tastes of jam Oct. 21 to Gail Cooley and Mike Elky of Pennsylvania during Bayfest in Anna Maria. Cooley and Elky were vacationing on AMI.
Local artist Cory Wright of Holmes Beach petitions Oct. 21 for signatures with the League of Women Voters of Manatee County during the 22nd annual Bayfest in Anna Maria. League members were seeking voter signatures for amendments to the Florida constitution on the topics of clean water and women’s health.
Brett Lance of Anna Maria showcases jewelry he creates with wife Shanell at their booth at the 22nd annual Bayfest celebration in Anna Maria. The Lances create jewelry from shells and sand they source on Anna Maria Island beaches.
Steve Shannon, right, general manager of The Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach hands over a tray of chicken fingers to a customer at Bayfest. Shannon was joined by co-workers Chris Nichol, Mackenzie Para in serving up some Freckled Fin fare.
Krista Carpenter, a volunteer for Wildlife Inc. educates the public Oct. 21 about the nonprofit's mission during Bayfest in Anna Maria. Wildlife Inc. is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center run by Gail and Ed Straight from their home in Bradenton Beach.
Emcee of Bayfest, musician Mike Sales of Sarasota entertains the crowd. Sales sang and played guitar between staged musical acts while also informing the festivalgoers about festival highlights, upcoming musicians and event sponsors.