The DID Kicks Off Holiday Celebrations

November 16, 2022- Sarasota

The Downtown Improvement District has the distinct honor of kicking off the holiday celebrations in downtown Sarasota with the return of Shop. Stroll. Sing!

Taking place on State Street on Friday, December 2^nd from 7 to 10 p.m., the event will see the return of some fan-favorite features such as holiday karaoke and a forecast of “snow.” Headlining the entertainment and serving as the M.C. is Brandon Wardell, a singer, actor, producer, and all-around talent with Broadway credentials. “We needed someone that could wear many hats in terms of both entertainment and engagement,” says Joseph Grano of Next-Mark, the event organizer. “With Brandon, we found someone that can thrive whether he’s solo or sharing the spotlight with guests.”

As guests enter the event zone through a cloud of “snow,” they will come across another robust roster of hospitality partners serving up food and beverages for purchase. This month’s hospitality partners include 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen, Gator Club, Art Ovation Hotel, Brick’s Smoked Meats and State Street Eating House + Cocktails, with special guests Rise & Nye’s serving treats from a dessert station. “The support for these events from the downtown business community has really grown since we began,” says Grano, “and it’s a big part of what we’ve envisioned for this from the beginning.”

In addition to downtown restaurants, the event will see support and engagement from retail merchants within the DID in the form of a holiday prize. On the day of the event, any guest that shows up before 8 p.m. with a receipt of a purchase made at a retail merchant in the DID on Dec. 2nd will have a chance to win a gift basket full of holiday gifts from participating merchants. “We’re always trying to find new, creative ways to make the events as inclusive as possible,” says Grano.

Finally, guests who arrive early will have access to a variety of free giveaways for adults and children, including signature party favors and free holiday Polaroid portraits.

Shop. Stroll. Sing! takes place on State Street between Lemon Avenue and the State Street parking garage entrance, which will remain accessible from Orange Avenue to the east and Ringling Boulevard to the south. In addition, on-street parking is available in the surrounding area.