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By MARY JANE PARK
Published April 18, 2007

From art and theater along the St. Petersburg waterfront to creative vibes in Gulfport, spring activities in south Pinellas reach a crescendo this weekend.

The weather should be glorious. Forecasts call for highs near 80 degrees and lows in the 60s.

"There's something for everybody in downtown St. Pete this weekend, no matter what your interests," said Don Shea, who is president of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership.

All are free, except for Little Shop of Horrors, the American Stage production now at St. Petersburg's Demens Landing. Just don't forget to take a jacket or wrap; nighttime breezes along the bayfront can be chilly.

You'll need sunscreen, dark glasses, a hat and comfortable shoes at the yearly Mainsail Arts Festival in St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park Saturday and Sunday, which offers everything from jewelry and paintings to photography and finely made crafts.

The festival also includes children's activities, food vendors and live entertainment.

You can create art at MarineQuest 2007, at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's open house on Saturday. That's at 100 Eighth Ave. SE along the St. Petersburg waterfront.

A century or so ago, Japanese fishermen didn't just boast about their big catches. They recorded them for posterity using a technique called gyotaku, in which paper is pressed onto fish covered in paint or ink.

The institute also is offering laboratory tours, touch tanks and other activities. Plus, there will be on-site food vendors.

Plenty of choices at the market and on a walk

On Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, the Saturday Morning Market gets going at 9. With entertainment and a festival atmosphere, it's a weekly meeting spot for friends and a smorgasbord for shoppers.

Some vendors rotate from week to week, but general offerings include breads, fresh produce, jewelry, crafts and Florida-friendly plants.

There's usually music, and a few places to sit and watch the performers.

Lots of artists make their homes in Gulfport, whose Saturday Art Walk offers free trolley service and pedestrian-friendly offerings along Beach Boulevard.

Many shops stay open during the evening, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from if you want to stay for dinner.

Even if organized events don't appeal, there's plenty to do outdoors, and pollen counts are down from earlier this year.

Give yourself time, if you're headed to one of the busy beaches, and be courteous to fellow travelers along bike paths and the Pinellas Trail.

If you go

Saturday Morning Market

Where: Central Avenue, between First and Second streets N, St. Petersburg.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Details: 455-4921; saturdaymorningmarket.com

MarineQuest

Where: Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Details: 896-8626; research.myfwc.com/marinequest .

Mainsail Arts Festival

Where: Vinoy Park, Bayshore Drive and Fifth Avenue NE, St. Petersburg.

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Details: 892-5885; mainsailartsfestival.org.

American Stage in the Park's 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Where: Demens Landing, 100 First Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.

When: 8 p.m. today through Sunday.

Details: 823-7529; americanstage.org.

Gulfport Art Walk

Where: Beach Boulevard and other locations, Gulfport.

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Details: 302-9299; gulfportchamberof commerce.com.

[Last modified April 18, 2007, 14:26:33]