- September 26, 2024
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There was still event planning behind the scenes, even as many parts of The Bay were closed to the public for its "Summer Tune-Up at The Bay" projects.
“It was kind of good to get a break, but we really didn't get a break,” said Director of Park Guest Experience Diana Shaheen.
With the final project set for completion by Oct. 1, which marks the month of the park's opening, The Bay has plans to once again recognize its anniversary with a variety of events.
From Oct. 1 to 31, it will be hosting its Two Terrific Years at The Bay Second Anniversary Community Celebration.
“Unlike previous years, we're actually doing a month-long celebration of all different types of activities and events to allow everybody in the community the opportunity to come and try at least one event in the park during the month, and it's celebrating the best of The Bay,” Shaheen said.
This year's lineup includes offerings such as Average White Band on their final concert tour and a spooky new path for kids to explore at Boo! at The Bay, and — with the exception of food and drink offerings — it's all free to the public.
Since the park opened in 2022, Shaheen said, some 570,000 people have attended.
However, with The Oval stage and the Sarasota Garden Club facility out of service amid the renovations, there had been a lack of free concerts and Cinema at The Bay screenings throughout the summer.
As of June 17, The Bay has been working on the tune-up projects, which total about $1 million and have included several enhancements to the park facilities.
“It's almost like people just can't wait to get in the park, and I know people miss the movies and the concerts, because park guests have said that,” Shaheen said.
The garden club building, a 1960 mid-century modern structure, received new windows thanks to a grant by PGT Innovations, as well as a new floor, new paint and an HVAC system.
The tune-up also included numerous other renovations to the park facilities such as installation of premium artificial turf in the Ibis Playground and The Oval and replacement of wood in park structures.
The only outstanding project is the installation of steps in The Oval, an amphitheater-like area, to allow visitors to move more easily between the artificial turf at the bottom and the park amenities at the top.
This year's lineup brings back a variety of the events that were a hit last year, Shaheen said.
Among the ones she calls a fan-favorite is Boo! at The Bay, held Oct. 25.
“We just keep making it better every year,” Shaheen said, noting expanded offerings including partnerships with nonprofits.
This year, Gulf Coast Community Foundation will staff trick-or-treat stations on a decorated mangrove bayou trail, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation will lead kids in decorating pumpkins and Art Center Sarasota will offer a photo opportunity.
A sensory-friendly option returns from last year, but this time through a partnership with Face Autism that Shaheen said will make the garden club facility “come alive.”
Another favorite is the outdoor food festival Taste of The Bay Presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals on Oct. 20.
The event will feature 20 popular local restaurants, an increase over last year’s 17, with many returning from last year. Shaheen said a better-organized ticketing process will also be used.
However, there are still other major events as well.
Kickstarting the celebration's signature events on Oct. 6 is Park-toberfest, which features The Deleon Family Band returning and involves activities including a stein hoisting contest (with the chance for the winner to claim a mug.)
The event coincides with German-American Day on Oct. 6, although Shaheen said the timing wasn’t planned.
Park-toberfest is followed on Oct. 12 by Barktoberfest, part of the new Bow Wow! at The Bay series hosted by Top Dog Training.
The event will bring together local pet-oriented businesses and will host a costume contest for dogs and their owners.
Yet one event that can't be overlooked is the Two Terrific Years at The Bay Anniversary Community Celebration Party held at The Nest at The Bay Park on Oct. 16.
“We're celebrating everything two,” Shaheen said. “So twins and two- year-olds and couples, and I've got some sweet treats from the breakfast company again this year, double chocolate brownies.”
You may recognize some of the names in this year's concert lineup.
Shaheen describes as the event on Oct. 18 as “one concert with two great groups.”
Headlining the concert is Scottish funk and R&B band Average White Band, who are making their farewell tour.
The band is known for its soul and disco hits in the 1970s and '80s, most notably the single that topped U.S. charts in 1975, “Pick up the Pieces.”
Opening their act is Sistas in the Name of Soul of West Coast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota.
The following night, Oct. 19, the park hosts The Breakers, considered the country's premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band.
Although Shaheen says it’s convenient, not intentional, Petty’s 74th birthday would have been the day immediately following the concert, Oct. 20.
With the park’s facilities open again, The Bay is also debuting some new events that will extend past the month of October.
Starting Oct. 11, it will be partnering with Art Center Sarasota for a plein air painting (painting outdoors in natural light) series held the second Friday of the month.
Shaheen said all tickets for the first two months of sessions were claimed the first day they became available.
Architecture Sarasota will begin offering tours of the park area and its multiple historic buildings that include the Sarasota Garden Club, the Blue Pagoda, the Chidsey Building and the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
On Oct. 19. Marty Hylton, president and CEO of Architecture Sarasota, will personally host the first Moderns that Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour.
“It will actually give people a sense of all these buildings that are on the site, and then also tap into the new significant architecture on the site,” Shaheen said.
There's still more to come next year in the park, with work on Phase 2 underway.
Construction is taking place north of 10th Street currently, and work will begin on the Cultural District in the new year, Shaheen said.
However, in the meantime, the public can enjoy the anniversary celebrations, with the park fully open once again.
“It's exciting, and we're excited that people in the community love the park, and they love it for all different reasons. It's one park for all and it's meant to be used, whatever way they want to enjoy it.”
