HOLMES BEACH – Two events are scheduled to take place at Holmes Beach city field but there are going to be some changes from events past.
Commissioners heard pleas from representatives of the Anna Maria Island Art League and TNT Events, Inc. to allow them to host events in February and March at the city field park. TNT Events, Inc. is hosting an arts and crafts fair on Feb. 13 and 14 benefitting the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. The Art League plans to hold Springfest on March 13 and 14 on the field.
After some discussion, commissioners agreed that both events can go forward and be held at city field with some stipulations.
The first is that all booths have to be spaced at least 10 feet apart. All participants and vendors are required to wear a mask while on the city’s property and the event sponsors are required to hire an off-duty police officer to enforce mask-wearing during both days of each event. The number of people allowed in each booth at one time will be limited to two patrons and each booth must have hand sanitizer available. Hand sanitizing stations also will be located throughout the festival grounds.
Commissioners voted 4-1 in each instance to allow the events to take place. Commissioner Jim Kihm voted against allowing the events, stating that with the threat of COVID-19 still looming over the Island’s residents, he feels it’s too early to allow large gatherings to take place, even with safety precautions in place. Commissioner Kim Rash said he was in favor of allowing the two events to take place with safety precautions to bring back a sense of normalcy to the community.
These will be the first events to take place at Holmes Beach city field since the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that while she wanted commissioners to weigh in on these two events, she had already rejected an application to hold an event at the city field space proposed for January.
Related coverage
Skate park opens to cheers from local skaters
