The Market on Longboat Key is back for the season

The Market on the Key’s first day was Dec. 11 at the Town Center Green. 

Longboaters and residents from surrounding areas arrived on the dot to put their shopping skills to the test.

The market had a wide variety of food, gifts and goods. Nancy Ambrose from Markets by Nancy said that there were a few cancellations in the morning but that didn’t affect the amount of goods people could buy.

There were food trucks and stands serving rice bowls, lobster rolls, burgers, guacamole and more. Visitors' sweet toothes were covered with a variety of cupcakes, cookies, banana bread and fruits. 

Most customers were catching up on their Christmas shopping from the wide range of apparel, flowers, art, crafts, jewelry, health and beauty products on sale.

“We have been waiting for the market to come back since there wasn't one last year,” said Barbara Mishkin, a Longboat resident. “We live at Seaplace, so it's nice to have it so close and there are so many options of what to buy. We also love the markets that Nancy does. We used to go to the Coquina Beach one so it's so nice to have it right on the island."

At different ends of the market, people had two options of music to set the perfect market atmosphere. The Market String Band strolled the Town Center throughout the day, putting their unique spin on classic Christmas carols. 

The Manatee School for the Arts Jazz Choir also performed in the Karon Family Pavilion from 10 a.m. to noon. The group, directed by William Coleman, used this event to raise money to attend the Puerto Rico Choir Festival in the spring of 2024.

The Market on Longboat Key will be back next year for the rest of the season on Mondays. The dates are Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 11 and April 15.