A Taste of Pinellas

It’s about the FOOD, the MUSIC, and most importantly the KIDS. Mortgage Investors Corporation: A Taste of Pinellas befitting All Children’s Hosptial will be held May 29-31 in downtown St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park, a large picturesque waterfront venue, where more than 40 participating restaurants serve ‘A Taste’ of their specialties. A Taste of Pinellas 2009 is the 23rd edition of the annual food and entertainment event. Admission to the park is FREE.

Tastes and games
Each participating restaurant prepares and sells tastes of their most popular dishes. Diners purchase sheets of tickets to spend at booths for tastes. Tickets are also used for kids activities and interactive games.

Entertainment headliners
Mortgage Investors Corporation A Taste of Pinellas offers FREE entertainment by national acts on the main concert stage. On Friday, May 29, the stage features 80s classic rock band Night Ranger, known for their popular hit ‘Sister Christian.’ Opening for them is Lita Ford, former member of Joan Jett’s 70s band The Runaways and known for top-ten hit, ‘Close My Eyes Forever,’ a duet with Ozzy Osbourne.

On Saturday, May 30, popular country artist Travis Tritt will perform some of his top hits such as ‘Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),’ ‘T-R-O-U-B-L-E,’ ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,’ and ‘Down The Road I Go.’ Opening for Tritt is 11-year old local country sensation Suite Caroline, performing original songs on her guitar. Immediately following Tritt's performance is a fireworks show sure to please crowds of all ages.

On Sunday, May 31, KC & the Sunshine Band perform some of their classics from the disco era, like ‘Get Down Tonight,’ ‘That’s The Way (I Like It),’ and ‘Shake Your Booty.’ The full entertainment schedule (including several local bands) is attached, with updates at www.TasteofPinellas.com.

Kids entertainment
While parents sample delicacies at the food booths throughout the weekend, youngsters will find plenty of activities in the Kids Zone presented by the Florida Watermelon Association, including inflatable water slides, bounce houses, a bungee trampoline, and more. Kids Zone entertainment includes popular DJ Rob Snyder with music and games. New this year to the Kids Zone is Disc-Connected K9’s, a group of performing Frisbee dogs.

Beer Garden
The Taste Beer Garden offers a variety for beer fans. This year’s Beer Garden features import and specialty beers including: Gordon Biersch, Landshark Lager, Beach Bum Blonde Ale, Widner Hefeweizen, Slim Chance Light Ale, and Shock Top Belgian White. More information at http://www.allkids.org/ATOP_body.cfm?id=866.

Parking and shuttle
There will be a FREE shuttle service available at the following pick-up/drop-off locations:
• Bayshore Drive & 5th Ave. South
• 4th Ave. South & 1st Street
• 2nd Ave. South & 1st Street
• 1st Ave. North & 1st Street
• 3rd Ave. North & 1st Street