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Victoria and Doug Thayer dance.
Photo by Ian SwabyBonnie Seguin, April Shereda and Karen Mann
Photo by Ian SwabyBrett Foreman of The Brett Foreman Band leads the performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyLight-up devices are on offer at the start of the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyPeter Alexander, 10, Zach Maugh and Aiden Devera, 12 finish a game of Jenga.
Photo by Ian SwabyAmy Cyr, Grant Rhea and Domine Clemons perform with The Brett Foreman Band.
Photo by Ian SwabyNext-Mark president and event producer Joseph Grano welcomes attendees.
Photo by Ian SwabyRic Sutter and Donna Messenger watch the performance.
Photo by Ian SwabySusan and Wayne Washer and Manon and Eric Michaud
Photo by Ian SwabyMayor Kyle Battie addresses the crowd.
Photo by Ian SwabyDiane Morgan and David Scarbrough watch the performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyNicholas Barnhart of State Street Eating House + Cocktails prepares a drink.
Photo by Ian SwabyKristin Dunlop and Lea Myers enjoy a front-row view of the performers.
Photo by Ian SwabyKim and Corey Scandin dance to the music.
Photo by Ian SwabyKim Timerman, Bonnie Harris, Karen Astella and Jeff Ross
Photo by Ian SwabyDuring the three-month hiatus of Fresh Fridays, request after request was received to find out when the event would return, said event producer and Next-Mark president Joseph Grano.
The popular block party event finally returned on Oct. 6 for its third season with “Paint the Town Fresh.” Held at the intersection of South Pineapple Avenue and Main Street, the event drew what Grano said appeared to be a record number of attendees.
“We have seen an unprecedented enthusiasm and engagement from not only the people who live downtown, but people in the greater Sarasota community,” he said.
Featuring the Naples-based The Brett Foreman Band, the event hosted restaurants including Tzeva, State Street Eating House + Cocktails and Brick’s Smoked Meats, and offered entertainment in the form of Jenga and cornhole games.
It also saw an appearance from City of Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie and City Manager Marlon Brown, with Battie taking to the stage to address the crowd.
The event, which is now funded through June 2024, will take place at various locations showcasing different areas of the city while featuring different themes.
Attendees appeared to enjoy having Fresh Fridays on the scene.
“It’s great,” said Paul Alexander. “We’re in our little spot in Osprey and The Oaks, so it’s nice to get out on the town like this. We’re having a lot of fun.”
“We’ve been here since 2021, and we are always here every single time,” said Manon Michaud. “We really enjoy the event.”
“It's really a night that is totally free,” Grano said. “There's no VIP section or anything like that. You come, you're a part of the community, and it's really about having fun: see your friends, dance and eat in a safe, welcoming environment.”
