A pair of familiar events will make a comeback this fall to City Pier Park in Anna Maria.
City commissioners reached consensus Aug. 25 to bring back two city-sponsored weekly events — Movies in the Park and a farmers market — this fall and into next spring.
The events are held under the shade sails of City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., and attendance has increased over the years.
The city launched the market in 2017 as a way to draw people to Pine Avenue during the closure and reconstruction of the Anna Maria City Pier.
Movies in the Park began in 2018 following the success of the farmers market and features a family-friendly film screening with free beverages for attendees.
The pier reopened in 2020 but the events have remained. There have been few complaints from local businesses.
Former Commissioner Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, 503 Pine Ave., and the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop, said at the Aug. 25 meeting that he frequented the market during season to supply fresh produce for his businesses.
Mayor Dan Murphy called the market a “great benefit” to residents and visitors, and said he would like to bring it back for a 2022-23 season.
The market will run 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday from Oct. 11 to May 9, 2023.
People can learn more about the market or apply to be a vendor online at cityofannamaria.com or by calling the city at 941-708-6130, ext. 110.
Commissioners also agreed to add classic movies to the Movies in the Park lineup, which previously featured children’s and holiday movies.
Murphy said the city could rotate classic and children’s movies and add in holiday movies for that season.
The first film screening will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, and continue weekly until daylight saving time in March 2023.