What else says summer like crawfish and beer? This Saturday, August 6, the ‘Claws’ Crawfish and Beer Festival is taking over the parking lot at Tropicana Field from 12-5 pm. Hosted by Saturday Morning Shoppe, the food and drink extravaganza takes place alongside the sprawling monthly market packed full of local vendors.

Featuring local restaurants and food trucks, the edible portion of the event will be dishing out hot piles of crawfish, crab and much more from some the Bay’s best pots and purveyors. Plus, bar trucks and drink tents will be filling cups up with cold beer to help beat the heat. The entire event is family and pet-friendly, with free attendance for all.

As for the market portion of the day, Saturday Morning Shoppe’s shopping and strolling experience showcases local artists, makers, boutiques and more. The festival takes place in Lot 4 of the Tropicana Field parking area, and attendance is free. Parking in open spots in the parking lot is also free, subject to availability. Interested vendors can visit satmorningshoppe.com to register – limited spots remain.

The food festival and market will also feature live music performances, 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.

2,000 backpacks full of school supplies being given away

In addition to the food festival and market, Saturday Morning Shoppe has teamed up with Live Love St. Pete to provide free backpacks and school supplies for area children in need. Happening at the same time and place, the duo will give away 2,000 backpacks full of school supplies on Saturday, August 6, from 12-5 pm at Tropicana Field.

The giveaway is completely free, with no registration required. The only stipulation is that backpacks are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so they are only available as long as supplies last.

Saturday Morning Shoppe and its founder Renee Edwards hosted a similar giveaway last year, during which they gave away 1,000 backpacks in under three hours. Melody Proud, the founder of Live Love St. Pete, heard the news and pledged to donate an additional 1,000 backpacks this year with funds from the community-focused Live Love St. Pete shop.

The Tampa Bay Rays have also jumped in to support area families and children in need, donating funds for another 300 supply-stuffed backpacks.