On Saturday, Feb. 12, Keep St. Petersburg Local (KSPL) will again convene Localtopia. The daylong “community celebration of all things local” is marking its ninth year. With an expanded footprint and extended lineup, this will be its biggest effort yet.
KSPL: Because Our Community Matters
Organized in January 2012, KSPL is a nonprofit organization working to build a thriving local economy and a unique community by “nurturing connections for and acting as the voice of locally-owned, independent businesses and by raising awareness of the importance of buying local.” This mission has been under constant challenge during a decade of rapid development led by national chains and out-of-town investors, and as Covid-19 persists. Local and independent businesses have “been to hell and back” over and over again during the past two years, KSPL executive director Olga Bof said. Many face the very real possibility that their dream endeavor may not make it through 2022. She hopes that this year’s Localtopia can help ease some of that fear.
Localtopia: Free, Family-Friendly, and Fun for All
For the uninitiated, Localtopia offers something for almost everyone. This year, more than 300 St. Pete-born and St. Pete-grown vendors will be on hand throughout an expanded zone in and around Williams Park. Makers and merchants will offer art and handcrafted goods; artisanal and plant-based food, beverages, and products; body and self-care materials; books; clothing and accessories; home d cor; jewelry; vintage; and vinyl. The festival also will feature “vendors on wheels,” a literary corner, DJs, and more. Within Williams Park, theme-based “villages” will provide family-friendly activities centered on things like art, wellness, and “all things plants.” In addition to draft beer trucks, “thirst stations” will sell local canned beers and wines, including bubbly from local favorite (and platinum sponsor) Mermosa Winery. Food trucks will line Fourth Street, and more food trucks and restaurants will be stationed along Second Avenue. But that’s not all!
With a stage added to this year’s festival, performers will provide live local music from Second Avenue as well as the Williams Park Bandshell throughout the day.
More Than a Hashtag. More than One Day.
No doubt, you’ve seen them: #KeepStPeteLocal, #KSPL, #LocalFirst, #GiveWhereYouLive, and #StayIndieStPete. Concise and clever, these catchy phrases stick in your memory and make excellent tags for your sun-loving, ‘Burg-centered social media posts. As Bof reminds us, however, a hashtag is “not just a hashtag.” They are important reminders to value and protect the things that make St. Pete special, not just at Localtopia but all year long. Visit Localtopia on Feb. 12 and show your love for all things local. Then think “local first” all year long.
For more information, visit keepstpetersburglocal.org and on Facebook.
