Bluffs Wine Walk Draws Record Crowd in Belleair Bluffs
Organizers report thousands attended the October 24 event, which featured 90 vendors and a new champagne bus service.
By Talia Bennett ·
The Bluffs Wine Walk in Belleair Bluffs likely set a new attendance record this year.
The Bluffs Business Association hosted the event on Oct. 24. Larry Bell, the association's president, stated that several thousand residents and visitors attended. He noted that the crowd size exceeded previous years.
Bell said the group increased ticket capacity to 1,800 to handle the rising interest. He mentioned that this figure does not include spouses, friends, or family members who accompanied the ticket holders. The event featured about 90 vendors, live music, and wine tastings for those who bought tickets. Bell described the atmosphere as lively, noting that people spent time together and the playground remained full throughout the day.
A pink champagne bus served as a major draw for attendees. The vehicle had pink velvet seats and air conditioning. Organizers estimate it provided about 200 rides during the day. This number is much higher than the roughly 15 rides the previous trolley service offered.
Musical acts included Alex Whalen, who appeared on NBC's The Voice, and the band Smart Monkeys. The community also enjoyed a traditional hog roast. The Silver Queen and Powered By Belltech donated the hogs for the meal.
Separately, the Philanthropy Education Opportunity chapter held a bingo fundraiser at the Belleair country club on Oct. 18. The group uses the money to provide educational scholarships for young women. The organization started in 1869 and now has 5,500 chapters worldwide.
