The Grand Central District, located just west of Downtown St. Petersburg, is hosting the Sunshine City Festival Saturday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Chili Cook-off will run from noon to 3 p.m.
ST. PETERSBURG - The Grand Central District, located just west of Downtown St. Petersburg, is hosting the Sunshine City Festival Saturday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will take place on the 2400-2500 blocks of Central Avenue in the heart of the Grand Central District and will celebrate the unique characteristics of Saint Petersburg with a nod to "Old Florida."
The Sunshine City Festival will include live music, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and the Grand Central District's eighth annual Chili Cook-off.
Entertainment will be provided by Tampa Bay's own American Idol contestant Melissa McGhee, as well as local artists Steve Arvey & the Band of Steves, and Scotty Lee & the Treblehooks.
The Chili Cook-off will run from noon to 3 p.m., and winners will be announced in multiple categories: Best Restaurant Chili, Best Business Chili, Best Individual Chili, Best Neighborhood Chili and People's Choice Chili. The entries will be tasted and scored by celebrity judges, including Q105 WRBQ's Scott Walker, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer players.
Admission is free to enjoy the entertainment and street vendors. The chili tasting tickets are limited, and are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event, based on availability. Chili tasting tickets can be purchased at www.grandcentraldistrict.org and include tastings of all the chili entries, and one vote in the People's Choice category.
Sponsorship, vendor and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, please contact the Grand Central District Association office at 727-828=7006 or email chilicookoff@grandcentraldistrict.org.
Founded in 2000, the Grand Central District is designated nationally and by the state of Florida as a Main Street Community. It is home to many beloved local restaurants and bars, antique retailers, art galleries, unique shops, professional and personal services, health and wellness providers, and the Imagine School of St. Petersburg. The Grand Central District is pedestrian friendly and can be easily reached via the Central Avenue Trolley, which makes several stops within the District.
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