ST. PETERSBURG —The African American Heritage Association in St. Petersburg is presenting a major event Oct. 10-12 to inaugurate the Trail’s first phase along the 22nd Street and Ninth Avenue South.
One Trail marker was unveiled in early August at a ceremony attended by Mayor Rick Kriseman, former Mayor Bill Foster, city councilmembers, other city officials and community residents.
The event in October will be a bigger celebration with activities throughout the weekend to call special attention to the Trail, which now consists of about 20 sturdy historic markers. Their installation was completed Aug. 17.
Among featured activities will be plaiting a Maypole, an event whose roots go back to the idea of freedom. A youth group will be developed to participate in the Maypole activity. For information, contact Renet Dennard (727) 686-9807.
Here are other ways to participate in the festival:
- Consider being a sponsor
- Purchase a ticket for the VIP Legacy Garden Reception
- Volunteer your facility as a venue for the Saturday Street Festival
- Be a vendor for the Saturday Street Festival. For information, contact Carla Bristol, carla.bristol@gmail.com
- Restaurants and caterers may consider donating finger foods for the reception
For more information please contact the Association at (727) 418-2881 or aahaspfl@gmail.com.
Here are sponsorship levels:
- The $2,000 Platinum Level (two available to sponsor either the VIP Legacy Garden Reception or the Street Festival. At this level, your company will be prominently featured at the events with signage and media presentation. It will include two premier tables (including signage with your company’s name) for eight guests per table and 10 tickets for free drinks at the VIP Legacy Garden Reception.
- In addition, the Platinum Level includes 10 annual memberships in the Friends of the Trail established for the purpose of maintaining the heritage markers and five annual memberships in St. Pete Preservation Inc. Your company will be promoted as sponsor of either the VIP Legacy Garden Reception or the Street Festival. Your company name will be included in all television and radio interviews, print media and in the on-site sponsor signage and all publications.
- The $1,500 Gold Level (two available to sponsor either of the Singin’ & Swingin’ Sunday events: Gospel Brunch or Jazz at the Manhattan with the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association.) Your organization will be promoted as sponsor of either of the Singin’ & Swingin’ events. The Gold Level includes one table (including signage with your organization’s name) for eight guests and eight tickets for free drinks at the VIP Legacy Garden Reception.
- In addition, the Gold Level includes eight annual memberships in the Friends of the Trail, and your organization’s name will be included in all television and radio interviews, print media and in the on-site sponsor signage and all publications.
- The $1,000 Silver Level includes one table for eight guests and five tickets for free drinks at the VIP Legacy Garden Reception. It also includes five annual memberships in the Friends of the Trail. Your company logo or name will be included in the on-site sponsor signage and all publications.
- The $500 Bronze Level includes five tickets to the VIP Legacy Garden Reception and two tickets for free drinks, two annual memberships in the Friends of the Trail, and public acknowledgement at the VIP Legacy Garden Reception.
