Photo courtesy of Realize Bradenton

Businesses throughout Downtown Bradenton are adding large wall and window decals to their buildings to show how much they Love This City. This is just one of the opportunities that nonprofit Realize Bradenton is providing for community members to rediscover and reimagine Downtown Bradenton through the 'Love This City Bradenton' campaign. "By promoting these actions, we hope to increase awareness for local businesses and cultural assets, encourage entrepreneurs to start new businesses and promote economic growth in Downtown Bradenton."

Festivities will begin at a kick-off celebration at the Downtown Bradenton Public Market (Market) on Saturday, November 13 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street. The 50+ weekly Market vendors will be joined by a community art project, scavenger hunts, the Made Here Craft Show and the return of 'Chef at the Market' with one of the chefs from Mattison's Riverwalk Grille. 

Self-guided scavenger hunts will also be available online for a fun way to explore the Riverwalk, Village of the Arts and Downtown Bradenton. Each hunt has a unique Love This City prize and a grand prize is available for people who complete all three scavenger hunts. Meanwhile, the new Love This City Holiday Gift Guide showcases a list of Downtown Bradenton's local businesses to support and "shop small" this season—available online and in print. "When you shop local, you are not only showing your love to the person receiving the gift, but you are also supporting a local entrepreneur and the City of Bradenton."

"When people love where they live, they are more connected to each other and have a stronger sense of civic pride," says Johnette Isham, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton. "The Love This City Bradenton campaign is our way of remembering the many reasons to love Bradenton."

Love This City fun will continue through May 2022. Scavenger hunts, the Love This City Holiday Gift Guide, events and announcements are available at RealizeBradenton.com/LoveThisCity. And for all other Love This City updates, follow Realize Bradenton socials @realizebradenton.

Love This City is made possible thanks to the Knight Donor Advised Fund at the Manatee Community Foundation and support from the City of Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency. 

Photo courtesy of Realize Bradenton