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Get Away

Hot Ticket: Beach lovers, get sand in your shoes

By Times Staff Writer
Published April 28, 2005

	[Times photo: Kathleen Flynn 2003]

There's music and fun on a beach all along the Pinellas coast this weekend. The choices include:

* Beach Fest at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, an expanded version of the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration. The festival, which runs 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, includes a sand sculpting competition Saturday, fireworks Friday and Saturday, music both nights, arts and crafts, rides and games and street performers. Above, Dallas Saupe eats an apple and juggles flaming torches at the 2003 fest. For information, call 727 449-1036 or check www.sunsetsatpier60.com Free admission.

* Beach Goes Pops on Pass-a-Grille Beach at Ninth Avenue, St. Pete Beach, featuring two nights of music. The pop concert from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday includes the Venturas, Rob Tyre and the Rockets of Love. The Beach Goes Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Romanski, performs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free both days. Gates and food booths open at 4 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Bring blankets or beach chairs. On Saturday, free shuttle service is available from 4 to 10 p.m. from the county park across from Dolphin Village Shopping Center, 4600 Gulf Blvd. Free. (727) 367-8590.

* Island Fest at Honeymoon Island State Park at the end of Curlew Road, the west end of the Dunedin Causeway, with music by groups including the Vodkanauts, Jahfari, Gumbo Boogie and Calypso Sound, cars, boats, crafts, kids' activities and more. The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Osprey Village environmental area features guided walks, talks and nature-themed activities. $5 per car, plus $2 per person; kids free. (727) 733-3197.

* Festival of the Sun, on the municipal beach at Treasure Island, is a family festival geared to teens. The music includes national acts such as reggae artists Mikey Dread and Culture, plus local bands including the Billy Norris Project and Fall On Purpose. Other events include sandcastle building, a volleyball tourney and a skimboard contest. The festival is from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 advance, $13 at gate. (727) 544-7705.

[Last modified April 27, 2005, 10:13:08]