Island Music Festival

The Island Music Festival, sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and the Anna Maria Island Sun was held on Friday, February 19 from 3 to 10 PM.  There was live music, plenty of good food and drink along with some unique items for sale.

The Island Rockers, all students of Anna Maria Elementary School who are mastering the ways of rock and roll, kicked off the live music from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Local favorite FireDoor played from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m., Koko Ray and the Soul Providers got down from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Bootleg, which starts its first tour after this gig, finished off from 7:15 to 10 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Downtown Holmes Beach – Holiday Open House

Santa

Where: Downtown Holmes Beach – Marina and Gulf Drives

When: December 4           5:00-8:00 PM

What: Holiday walkabout with participating merchants in the area of Marina and Gulf dirves, including tree lighting at 5pm at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Prize giveaways & refreshments. Join the Anna Maria Island Privateers, visit the Scallywag ship and Santa Sleigh at the Islander. Santa visits and treats for children. Sponsored and organized by The Islander newspaper.

Anna Maria Island Art League Winterfest

Where: Holmes Beach City Hall Fieldon Marina Drive

When: December 12 & 13

Living Statue - 2008 Winterfest

What: Festival of  Fine Arts and Fine Crafts featuring more than 100 juried artist and fine craftsmen.

Musical entertainment by Gumbo Boogie Band and Howie Banfield & the Anna Maria String Band.  ”Young at Art” Children’s Exhibit.

Food Court featuring area restaurants.  Prize drawings for over 50 pieces of original artwork.

Free admission and parking.  Sponsored by Anna Maria Island Art League, The Bradenton Herald and Edward E & Lillian H. Bishop Foundation.  For more information call 941-778-2099.

Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade

Where: Bayfront Park to Coquina Beach

When: December 12 at 10 AM

Other Notable Events

• Dec. 12, Holiday Boat Parade on Manatee River.

• Dec. 13, Pancake breakfast at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

• Dec. 19, Holiday open house and lighted boat parade, Bradenton Beach.

• Dec. 19, “Where’s Woody Candish” sidewalk art sale in the Island Shopping Center.

• Dec. 20, Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and Orchestra holiday concert.