A tasty new festival is making a big splash this Saturday, featuring some of the area’s best seafood and local chefs. The Blue Crab Cookoff is taking over the Skyway Marina District this Saturday, June 10, from 2-6 pm at the Grand Villas, a full afternoon of great eats, live music, dancing, and local makers.

The event, hosted in partnership with the the Skyway Marina District, is free to attend, an afternoon of family-friendly fun and revelry. Festival activities take place in the Grand Villas parking lot at 3600 34th Street South.

Some of the Bay’s best crab pots and seafood chefs will be in attendance dishing out hot plates of fresh goodness, alongside tons of St. Pete’s favorite food trucks, plus bartenders slinging great local beers. The hilarious comedian Cole Shelle will emcee the event, and the winner of the cookoff will receive a $500 prize. Through it all, some of the area’s best bands and performers will be taking the stage to entertain visitors.

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 festival will also feature 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.

Limited vendor spots remain for the weekend, and those interested in this event or future Saturday Shoppes can learn more here.

Saturday Shoppes provides opportunity for emerging small businesses

Renee Edwards is the brains behind the Saturday Shoppes 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 Shoppes events after this weekend’s include the Juneteenth Freedom Fest on June 17, the Coachman Park Grand Opening on June 29, and the second annual BBQ and Jazz Fest on July 1.