The skinny: Event will take place during Springfest with an Art & craft Show Feb 28 & March 1 and a special plein air painting competition Feb 27 & 28 on island with auction March 1 under pavilion during Taste of the Island.
Limited to 1st THIRTY eateries signed up. For year one, it is FREE to sign up. If you participate year one, you are locked in for 2027. All ticket sales will go through main gate via $1 food tickets. Books of $50 and $100 will be able to be purchased online in advance for tasters. Each eatery will retain 80% of their ticket sales, with 20% kept to offset event costs. If you no show for 2026, you will NOT be invited for 2027. Sign up is 1st come, 1st served. No space will be held withput an application.
Final Tickets will be turned in gate by 4:30pm. Tickets will be counted and award presented at 5pm.
Choose one dish to represent your eatery. It may be from your menu or created especially for Taste of Anna Maria. Price must be $4-$10. You may choose appetizer, soup, sample of an entree or dessert.
Island restaraunts will have 1st dibs until Jan 1. At that point, any remaining unclaimed spots will be open up to Cortez, Longboat & Lido Key.
Prize $$$ is $500 for people's choice. This is the eatery with the most tickets. You will also be awarded a plaque to hang in your business for one year and a trophy to display for one year.
You will be provided a 10' by 10' space on 59th Street, Holmes Beach. You must provide everything you need including tent, tables and any food preparation & storing containers or hot plates.
Springfest Timeline: Art Show Feb 28 & March 1 from 10 am to 5pm at City Field
Plein Air competion - various location on island Feb 27 & 28, auction March 1 from Noon until 5pm.
Tatse of the Island - March 1 Noon till 5pm with awards at 5:30pm