St. Petersburg, FL – LocalShops1's Shopapalooza is full steam ahead, with about 100 local businesses taking part in the annual Local Alternative to Black Friday.
The festival, now in its third year, will feature retail stores, restaurants and service providers; more than 2,000 people are expected to attend. The event is organized like a street fair, offering vendor booth space to local businesses and allowing shoppers easy access to a rich variety of local shopping options. The day will include music, raffles, prizes, Black Friday-type sales, a children’s play area and more.
"We are so excited about this year’s event – we already have the park halfway filled, and we’re starting to feel the buzz around the community,” says Ester Venouziou, founder of LocalShops1. "The new location at South Straub Park will allow us more space to showcase the businesses, while making it easier for shoppers to navigate all Shopapalooza has to offer. We’re putting a lot into the planning and execution of this event, because it serves as an important reminder to our community that buying local really makes a difference.”
The event is presented by LocalShops1, with support from the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include American Stage Theatre Co., Illuminated Publishing, Grand Kitchen And Bath, Sunset Appliance Services, Bell Contracting and Yelp.
Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, says: "St. Petersburg has such a unique mix of businesses – we think this event offers an excellent opportunity to highlight our local gems. We’re always looking for ways to promote our members, it only made sense to
combine our strengths to make this year’s Shopapalooza the biggest and best one ever.”
Shopapalooza takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10am to 4pm at South Straub Park in St. Petersburg. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Vendor applications are now being accepted. For information, contact LocalShops1 at events@localshops1.com or 727.637.5586. Special discounts are available for members of LocalShops1, the St. Petersburg Chamber and the Downtown Business Association.
About LocalShops1
LocalShops1 is a coalition of hundreds of independently owned businesses and tens of thousands of energetic shoppers with the mission of advocating, promoting and offering support services to companies throughout Tampa Bay. Founded in August 2008, LocalShops1 is the region's most active voice for small businesses. www.localshops1.com
