An extravaganza of shopping, eating, music and more is coming to the Skyway Marina District this Saturday, January 14. Hosted by Saturday Morning Shoppe, the Inaugural Beer, BBQ and Crab Cookoff is filling up the parking lot at Grand Villa of St. Petersburg from 2-6 pm on Saturday.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Skyway Marina District, is free to attend, an afternoon of family-friendly fun and revelry. Grand Villa is located 3600 34th Street South.

Some of the Bay’s best crab pots will be in attendance dishing out hot plates of fresh goodness, alongside tons of St. Pete’s favorite BBQ food trucks, plus bartenders slinging great local beers. In addition to the food, there will be a sprawling market full of local artists, makers, boutiques and more. Attendance is free and parking in open spots in the parking lot is also free, subject to availability.

The cookoff and market will also feature live music, line dancing, a teen market, bounce houses, and even a kids area. There will be interactive arts and crafts stations, as well. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the free entertainment while they eat, drink and browse.

Saturday Morning Shoppe provides opportunity for emerging small businesses

Renee Edwards is the brains behind the Saturday Morning Shoppe operation. The goal of the event has always been to create economic development opportunities for emerging businesses through these fast growing monthly markets. Edwards has also founded the Saturday Morning Shoppe Academy to provide business coaching, business etiquette, resources, marketing, and licensure that would allow hobby vendors to grow their business and income.

Using her knowledge and platform, Edwards is able to assist nearly 150 businesses every month by connecting incredible makers and owners to the community they serve.

Upcoming Saturday Morning Shoppe events after this weekend’s include Pet’s Day Out on February 4, a food truck and market festival in the parking lot of Tropicana Field celebrating all things pets, and the inaugural BBQ and Blues Festival on March 26.