By Michaela Redmond – WWSB ABC7 News
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WWSB) – The Bradenton Blues Festival will be returning and making a new home at Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch.
The festival was a staple in Bradenton for twelve years, but its future was uncertain after the nonprofit Realize Bradenton pulled their sponsorship.
The nonprofit had paid the bill for the event for years. According to Paul Benjamin, a promoter of the event since it started, they started a corporation and after touring multiple places decided Waterside Park was a perfect fit.
“Lakewood Ranch, their people have been really on-board with us and giving us full support. That makes a big difference. You know, Bradenton did as well this just makes it a lot more convenient. Easier set up and tear down here,” said Benjamin.