Organizers of the small-business shopping festival known as Localtopia said they are “definitely proceeding” with this year’s celebration in Williams Park in St. Petersburg. They have lined up a record number of vendors.
In addition to more than 300 local makers, food trucks, artists, crafts, clothing vendors, beauty suppliers and breweries on display, four city blocks will be closed to cars for more tables and a second stage for live music. It will take place Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“In many ways, this past year was harder for our local businesses than the first year of the pandemic,” said Olga Bof, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Keep Saint Petersburg Local business alliance. “They’ve struggled with labor shortages, supply chain issues, inflation, rent increases … not to mention fatigue from having experienced nearly two years of life under COVID.”
