Every July for the past five years, residents of Tarpon Springs have enjoyed a free party right in the heart of town. This shouldn't deter outsiders, because everyone is invited to the city's Sixth Annual Gavel & Grapes auction and wine tasting, presented by the Tarpon Springs Business Alliance. The mini-festival takes place along Tarpon Avenue between U.S. 19 and Ring Avenue, and begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 17, with a silent auction hosted by area artist Christopher Still, who also serves as the event's honorary chairman. (Still's murals depicting Florida's colorful history are displayed in the Florida State Capitol building.) A live auction hosted by Blake Kennedy Auctions begins at 8 p.m. Both auctions are absolute (meaning the highest bidder wins) and both feature a diverse collection of antique jewelry, gifts and autographed sports memorabilia, as well as gift certificates from local businesses.
Like any street festival, attendees are invited to peruse the various arts and antique stores along Tarpon Avenue and enjoy food from local restaurants. Participants in the event include Pit Boss BBQ, Manila Grill, Greek Pizza Kitchen (yes, the food is as good as you can imagine) and Big Dogs of Florida. Dunedin Brewery provides the beer and Fusion Flavors serves free food samples that are seasoned with spices it offers for purchase, if you so desire.
At each end of Tarpon Avenue, you can shake your tush to some live entertainment. The Onlies play old school, rockin' covers to get the crowd going on one end, and for those who enjoy a more relaxing good time, a DJ spins jazz favorites at the other.
Admission, entertainment and auctions are free and the party winds down at 10 p.m. (If you actually want to sample the wine, tickets are available from downtown antique merchants, the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, Tarpon Liquors and The Dunedin Brewery for $15, or you can pay $17.50 at the event.) If you don't drink, don't be discouraged — there are plenty of diversions to keep you occupied.
Proceeds from Gavel & Grapes benefit Helen Ellis Hospital, Tarpon Springs Historical Society and Tarpon Springs Business Alliance, Inc. programs.
For more information, please call 727-934-9255.
This article appears in Jul 15-21, 2004.