Largo Open Air Market Is Closing

Officials pulled the plug on the weekly Community Center event, citing low attendance and declining vendor participation.

City officials decided to close the Open Air Market, held every Saturday at the Largo Community Center, effective after the March 23 event, due to low attendance and poor vendor participation. Talk of the market’s potential demise had been rumored for weeks; speculation among vendors quickly became reality following the recent resignation of the center’s recreation program manager, Warren Ankerberg.  New acting program manager Craig Dolan told Patch by phone that the decision was based on poor turnout.  “Due to declining customers and low vendor participation, we have decided to close the market for the season,” he said.  When asked if that meant the market could open again at a later date, Dolan was noncommittal.  “I can’t say what the …

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How Would You Improve Largo's Open Air Market?

Some Largo Patch readers think more advertising could boost the low attendance plaguing Largo's weekly Open Air Market. It meets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot at the Largo Community Center.

Low attendance could close Largo's weekly Open Air Market that meets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot at the Largo Community Center. However, no decision has been made yet, according to Largo Community Center Recreation Program Manager Warren Ankerberg in a recent Patch story. While the market might have fresh produce and other items available, some Largo Patch readers said the city should advertise the market better and were not sure where it meets: Jeanette Curdt: "Advertise more and state where you are, these are two big problems..(what street & side streets) I personally was unable to find you since I had never been to that park.....GOOD LUCK.." Katherine McManus Hawkins: "I agree with Jeanette. Advertising and …

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Largo's Open Air Market May Close

Largo's Open Air Market could close due to low attendance, said Largo Community Center Recreation Program Manager Warren Ankerberg.

Largo's Open Air Market may close due to low attendance by patrons, although no decision has been made yet, according to Largo Community Center Recreation Program Manager Warren Ankerberg. "If people want the market, they need to come down to it," Ankerberg said. Largo has a "very, good market in that we have a lot to offer ... People need to come out in the hundreds and buy stuff. The produce is outstanding," Ankerberg said. Ankerberg confirmed a relocation to Ulmer Park had been discussed, but that decision isn't on the table, he said. The market is open Saturdays in the Largo Community Center parking lot from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Do you shop at the market? Why or why not? Post a comment below and join the conversation. Sign up for the …

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All Natural Treats for Dogs in Largo

Get to know the vendors at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market.

Peanut butter, bacon, honey ... what is your pooch's passion? Jayne Ward-Hachey, of Seminole, makes all natural dog treats, which are gluten free and dairy free. She specializes in soft dog treats for elderly dogs and puppies. And special orders don't upset her! Special diet biscuits can be made by request. Find Jayne's Dog Treat Pantry at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center through May 25. 

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Brats Sensation Brings Specialty Sausages to Largo

Get to know the vendors at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market.

For years Dirk Woebking, of Westchase, cooked up his specialty bratwurst for charity fundraisers. Now Woebking runs his own sausage business, Brats Sensation, at various outdoor markets in the Tampa Bay area, including in Largo. The retiree says he enjoys all the interactions with people. Items sold include bratwurst, cheese brats, farmer's sausages and more. Customers can top their sausage with four different kinds of mustard. Find Brat Sensations at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center through May 25.

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5 Things This Week: National Night Out, Family Cookout, Breakfast in the Park

Our community is well-known for its great arts, recreation and sports programs. Here are our picks for fun things to do this week around the Largo area. Have an idea of your own? Share it in the comments!

1. National Night Out. Community members are invited to join the Largo Police in celebrating the 29th Annual National Night Out. The free event includes fingerprinting, bike registration, kid's safety stations and free document shredding by PROSHRED, Largo Police said. You can also check out a SWAT display, the mobile command vehicle and a Largo Fire Rescue Extrication Demo.  This year's event takes place from 6-8 p.m on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at two locations: 2. Breakfast in the Park. Come to the Largo Community Center for a delicious home cooked breakfast Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. It's all you can eat eggs, sausage, biscuits, bacon, pastries and more for $7. 3. Family Storystop. Head to the Largo Public Library Wednesday from 6 …

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Kids Inspire Mom to Start Soap Business

Get to know the vendors at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market.

Sophia Allen, of Clearwater, started her soap business, Kiss & Glow, after her children gave her a present. "My kids bought me a make-your-own-soap kit, and I was hooked," Allen said. That simple gift has led to a full line of soaps, lip balms, bath salts and sugar scrubs. The products are all gluten-free and vegan, Allen said.   Allen's children are still part of the process, including her daughter, Larissa Merritt, who helps with the sales and marketing. Try the scrumptious scents such as lime sugar, candy apple, lavender smoothie, orange rose and mango coconut.  Find Kiss & Glow at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center. Here's their complete fall schedule, with more events in …

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Things To Do In Largo & Around Pinellas

Weekend Things to Do: March 30- April 1

Movie in the Park, Beatles Tribute Band, Day of Sales, Charity Walks, Pinellas County Fair

1. Movie in the Park. Bring your blanket Friday night to Largo Central Park. This week's movie Hop (starts at dusk) tells the tale of the Easter Bunny's teenage son's adventures in Los Angeles on his quest to become a drummer in a rock-n-roll band. The free movies are shown on a big screen. 2. Beatles Tribute Band. Yesterday and Today returns to the Largo Cultural Center Friday at 8 p.m. The Beatles Tribute Band played at a special rooftop concert in Largo Central Park earlier this month. The band's set is based on audience requests. Cost is $27. 3. Day of Sales. Largo's first annual "Day of Sales" event is Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Largo Community Center, 400 Alternate Keene Road. There will be live music by the Clearwater …

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Five Things to Know Today: Wednesday, March 28

Afternoon Movie, LEGOs, Open-Air Market, Pet Hotline

1. What to wear? Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 83. Tonight will be partly, cloudy with a low around 65. There's a 20 percent chance of showers after 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. 2. Afternoon Movie. Today's movie at the Largo Public Library is Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom (2011). Catch the film in the Children's Program Room at 2:30 p.m. 3. Library LEGOs. Love LEGOs? The Largo Public Library has a LEGO program tonight at 6 p.m. in the Children's Program Room. There will be stories, pictures and a building challenge. All materials are provided. Ages 5-12 are welcome. 4. Open Air Market Coming Soon. Largo's new Open-Air Market debuts on April 14 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center…

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