St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park saw a flurry of activity this past weekend as the 15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival, a beacon for local shoppers, took place, introducing expanded food halls and a local beer garden that benefitted Jump for Kids; the event drew crowds keen on supporting local businesses and exploring the myriad of attractions offered. As reported by FOX 13 News, the festival featured over 350 local shops, artists, nonprofits, and food vendors, as well as live music, interactive art installations, and family activities including a Kidpreneur Zone showcasing youth-run businesses. According to Pat Largo, a fixture at the festival as its emcee for 15 years, and as he told FOX 13 News, “Shopapalooza is the largest small shopping event in the country, and it’s just a real team spirit kind of thing when you see people come together.”
Aside from the shopping, the event was a celebration of local talent with live stages hosting indie, rock, and reggae bands, alleviating the shopping frenzy with grooves and beats; compounding the entertainment were roving carolers and vocal performers adding to the festive atmosphere, as stated in a piece by St.Pete Rising. Unique gifts were at the ready, coming from the likes of Pieces of a Dream, Dark Cycle Clothing, and Ashe Couture Boutique, while foodies could indulge at one of the four food areas, with local culinary delights from Slider Guys, Dr. BBQ, and a cluster of food trucks as detailed by the same publication.
Shopapalooza wasn’t solely an opportunity to snag holiday gifts—families had their share of fun with oversized yard games, a St. Pete Bookmobile presence, and even an adoptable pet fashion show, skunks included, a colorful Sunday addition that completed the festival’s diverse offerings, as mentioned by St.Pete Rising. Furthermore, I Love the ‘Burg highlighted that visitors could unwind in the 10,000-square-foot Glam Outdoor Lounge, soaking in the sea breeze after their shopping escapades…