R.E. Olds Park was packed last Friday night as Oldsmar held the first event in honor of the city’s yearlong People’s Centennial celebration.
And with plenty of food and drink on hand, plus performances by opening act Mr. Pickles and headliners the Black Honkeys, the initial Fifth Friday did not disappoint.
After making sure everything was in order, and making an appearance as a member of the Beatles, Oldsmar100 chair and recently reelected City Council member Dan Saracki said he couldn’t be more pleased with how the event turned out.
“The turnout was amazing for Oldsmar’s first Centennial event,” Saracki told Oldsmar Connect via email. “People of all ages were having FUN in the chilly, clear evening at RE Olds Park…and both bands – Mr. Pickles and Black Honkeys – kept the crowd entertained.”
“I’m glad so many people joined us in celebrating the 100th birthday for the City of Oldsmar.”
Saracki went on to credit all those involved with putting the event together, and he was quick to point out the effect the show had on the area.
“The Oldsmar City staff, Centennial task force volunteers, Oldsmar Historical Society, Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Amici’s Catering and the food vendors all did a great job putting this all together to ensure a successful event,” he said.
“When the Fifth Friday festivities came to a close at 10 pm, area restaurants and bars became packed with people wanting to continue to celebrate. That’s exactly the kind of impact I was hoping to make on the community.”
Just before the Black Honkeys, a local supergroup that plays an eclectic mix of classics and contemporary hits, took the stage, Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis put on his DJ hat and addressed the crowd.
“Oldsmar, are we having fun tonight?!” Bevis, who in his spare time deejays for Tampa Bay country music station USA 103.5, asked.
When the mayor didn’t get quite the response he wanted, he asked the question again, and this time received a much more enthusiastic reply.
After introducing the band that Bevis praised for having a longstanding relationship with the City of Oldsmar, the Honkeys embarked on a spirited 90-minute set that had the audience dancing throughout the park.
Afterwards, the mayor also had nothing but good things to say about the city’s inaugural centennial event.
“I think it went great,” he said. “It was great to see people from not only our community, but from all parts of Pinellas County.”
“We didn’t know what to expect, because we never had a Fifth Friday before,” the mayor added. “But if people didn’t know why they were there at first, hopefully the did by the end of the night.”
“Plus, the Beatles were there! How can you beat that?!”
The City of Oldsmar’s next Fifth Friday is on April 29 and features country music by Cristi Vale Band at 5:00 p.m. and the Soul Circus Cowboys at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit Oldsmar100.com.
Here’s a look at some of the sights from Oldsmar’s initial Fifth Friday concert:
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