Ever wonder why people buy those cheesy paintings of Florida sunsets? They probably visited one of the state's great beaches and came away with a peaceful, grounded feeling, as well as some shells to put in their bathroom, and then later decided they needed a watercolor seascape to go above the toilet. (Apologies for the digression.) Anyone looking to similarly sweep their troubles underneath a beach blanket and come away with the heartwarming desire to own bad art should check out Sunsets' Beach Fest, hosted by Sunsets at Pier 60. The three-day event (April 19-21) features artisans, street performers, some of Clearwater's best food, and a live music stage setup on the beach with the Gulf for a backdrop.
The festival takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 19; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 20; and 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21. The crafts and food court area is open from 6 p.m. until close all three days.
The food, by the way, is not to be missed. Frenchy's serves up their famous grouper sandwiches and conch fritters. The Gourmet Crab offers Maryland crab cakes and spicy crab soup. The Columbia Restaurant has Cuban sandwiches and grilled, skewered shrimp. Hammerhead Seafood slings steamed Louisiana crawfish, fried seafood baskets (calamari, clams, oysters, crab fritters, alligator) and blackened mahi-mahi. And Los Papagallos Cuban Cuisine adds some tropical flavor with their masitas (fried pork chunks) and plantains.
The event's music lineup includes reggae artist Creig Camacho, Gainesville modern rock band Big Sky, decade-old rock act Firehouse, '60s-style band The Barracudas and The Cast of Beatlemania (a Vegas act, not to be confused with the Broadway troupe).
Admission and entertainment are free. Food and spirits are on you. For more info or a complete schedule, visit www.sunsetsatpier60.com. Pier 60, 10 Pier Drive, Clearwater. 727-449-1036.
—Cooper Cruz
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2002.