On September 25th, Clearwater’s 4th Friday event returned from its summer hiatus, and the “party in the street” was a great success, drawing large late afternoon crowds to the Cleveland Street District for food, music and fun.
This month’s theme was the 30th Clearwater Jazz Holiday Kick Off, reflected in performances from jazz acts Level 10 and Jose Valentino. The event also brought out Gasparilla’s Ye Mystic Krewe of Santa Margarita and their pirate ship float, to the delight of young and old alike. There were ballroom dance demonstrations on the street and food from local downtown restaurants, vendors and Mug’s on Missouri’s mobile kitchen. In keeping with the theme, Ruth Eckerd Hall and Smooth Jazz 98.7 raffled off tickets to the Flavor of Jazz, Bonnie Raitt and the Steve Miller Band.
Each month, proceeds from beer and wine sales at 4th Friday benefit a charity, and this month’s beneficiary was, fittingly, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
The 4th Friday events started in March with a “March Madness” themed 4th Friday, taking a three month break due to the area’s frequent summer rainstorms. With the storms and heat come and gone, the event will again be occurring regularly. Here is a brief look at upcoming events:
October 23rd’s 4th Friday theme will be “Disco Fright Night,” featuring pumpkin carving and a 
haunted house in addition to live music, vendors and appearances by Ye Mystic Krewe of Santa Margarita and Krewe of Shamrock.
On November 27th, the party returns with “Shake Your Money Maker,” entertaining the crowds with a Blues Brothers Tribute Band. The Clearwater Veterans Alliance will be the benefiting charity.
In December, the event will be held on Friday the 4th, instead of the fourth Friday. “Miracle on Cleveland Street,” last year’s pilot for the 4th Friday series which brought the “miracle” of snow to Florida, will return for a second year.
4th Friday is organized by the Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP), a group of business and property owners, concerned citizens and civic groups in Downtown Clearwater who have come together “to name, fund and implement projects that will assist the public and private sectors in creating a downtown district that becomes a regional destination.” For more information visit www.clwdp.com
For more information on 4th Fridays, visit http://www.4thFridayClearwater.com
