Dive into Fun at Sundown Get Down’s ‘Under the Sea: Back to School’ on Historic Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach, FL (September 12, 2024) – The Sundown Get Down event series, a family-friendly street party happening every third Thursday of the month on Historic Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, is celebrating the new school year with a splash.

Starting at 5pm, Thursday, September 19, 2024, Historic Bridge Street opens to pedestrians to enjoy a fun and engaging experience for all attendees. The family-friendly event is free to the public; locals and visitors alike are welcome to attend.

Under the Sea: Back to School Bash Event Highlights:
• Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County will have their ELC Explorer Bus, providing a complimentary book to each child.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium educators and volunteers will provide biofacts and science simulations with Radical Reefs and Totally Turtles, sponsored by Bridge Street Bazaar.
• Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, a nonprofit organization coordinating conservation efforts since 1983 along the Manatee County shoreline, will have a booth to educate attendees on ways to conserve the ecosystem of Anna Maria Island and its’ surrounding waters for people, sea turtles, and shorebirds in partnership with the island community.
• Bradenton Marauders’ Mascot, Marty, will be on the street to greet and high-five children and visitors. Photo opportunities will be available.
• DeSoto National Memorial will provide educational kids’ games and crafts.
• Under the Sea characters will be on the street for entertainment and photo opportunities.
• Discounts and specials by retail, restaurant, and entertainment merchants
• Interactive Scavenger Hunt with prizes
• Kids Zone featuring fun, hands-on activities for all ages
• Live entertainment in numerous establishments

“Sundown Get Down is all about bringing the community together,” said Derek Williams, president of the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association. “These events are designed to celebrate the unique charm of Bridge Street, support our local businesses, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. We invite everyone to come enjoy these fantastic evenings every third Thursday.”

Getting There and Parking:
Bridge Street will close to car traffic starting at noon on event day, however, there are numerous convenient ways of accessing Bridge Street. Visitors can reach the event by Island Trolley, car, golf cart, bicycle, walking, or take the Monkey Bus Shuttle from Coquina Beach parking lot. Additionally, guests can take the Gulf Islands Ferry, which stops at Bridge Street Pier, steps away from the event.

Parking options are plentiful:
• Free - Parking lot on corner of Gulf Drive South and 1st Street North.
• Free - Parking lot behind Bridge Walk Resort
• Free - Parking lots are also located in the 400 block of Highland Avenue (Police Department) and south of the Public Works facility (under the Cell Tower).
• Additional free parking is available at both County Beaches (Coquina Park and Cortez Beach) where the Island’s free trolleys turn around every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week transporting visitors to locations anywhere on Anna Maria Island, including Historic Bridge Street.
• The Monkey Bus will also be providing complimentary shuttles services from Coquina Beach parking to Bridge Street.
• 50% off the paid parking lot on the corner Gulf Drive South and 3rd Street South

Event Mission and Vision
Sundown Get Down aims to increase participation and involvement among residents, businesses, and visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. The event will collaborate with local vendors and businesses to showcase their products and services, stimulating economic activity in the Bridge Street area. The event is supported by Bradenton Beach Merchants Association and Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sundown Get Down 2024 Event Schedule:
• September 19: Under the Sea Back to School Bash
• October 17: Pumpkins & Palms in Paradise
• November 21: Coastal Harvest Hoedown
• December 19: Sandy Clause Beach Celebration

For more information on Sundown Get Down:
• sundowngetdown.com
• facebook.com/sundowngetdownbradentonbeach
• instagram.com/sundown_get_down
• or contact Event Marketing Manager, Jill McGarry, at 941.448.7808 or jill@mcgarrymarketing.com.

About Sundown Get Down:
Sundown Get Down is a vibrant event series aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting local commerce, and expanding the diversity and reach of activities on Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach’s historic Bridge Street. Held every third Thursday of the month, the event will begin at 5pm on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

About the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association:
The Bradenton Beach Merchants Association is committed to promoting the economic vitality and unique character of Bradenton Beach’s Bridge Street area. Through events like Sundown Get Down, we aim to create a vibrant community space that supports local businesses and brings people together.