By Paula MacDonald
Pigs will “fly” in SouthShore on Friday, May 16 from 4-11 p.m. as the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce presents the fifth annual Pigs in the Parking Lot, BBQ, Beer and Blues Festival. This free night of family fun will take place at Harbor Village (Winn Dixie) Plaza located at 137 Harbor Village Ln. in Apollo Beach, just off of U.S. Highway 41.
Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with area businesses as well as participate in many arts and crafts activities with local vendors. In addition, the festival will feature a special children’s area this year called “This Little Piggy Went to Market,” a child-friendly area sponsored by Kids ‘R’ Kids SouthShore, where kid entrepreneurs can sign up for their own booth to sell handmade products or conduct arts and crafts activities.
BBQ will abound with tasty treats available from Bethune’s BBQ, Fathead’s, C&J’s Specialties and many others. Guests can come hungry and purchase food and drink at the event, or simply come and enjoy a free evening of music and fun.
“We really wanted to create an event that the entire community could take part in,” said Melanie Morrison, Executive Director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce. “For families on a budget, some other area events that require admission can be challenging, but Pigs in the Park is entirely free for everyone to enjoy, including the parking.”
Music will fill the air well into the evening with local bands Ladyhawk Lite taking the stage from 4-7 p.m., and Bus Fulla Monkeys entertaining from 7:15-11 p.m. Kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy the arts and crafts and interactive games until 8 p.m.
Local businesses and kid entrepreneurs who are interested in reserving a booth have until Friday, May 9 to register. Booth prices start at $25 for non-profits, $75 for arts and crafts, $100 for chamber member businesses and $200 for non-chamber members. Kid’s booths for “This Little Piggy Went to Market” are $5.
For more information, call 645-1366 or visit SouthShoreChamberof Commerce.org.
