Main Street and U.S. 1 in Sebastian were bustling recently, with hundreds of people strolling from business to business during Sebastian’s annual Grill Out Night. The event, presented by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to create a boost to businesses during the notoriously slower months of summer.
Judging by the crowds and the smiles on everyone’s faces, that mission was accomplished, with one and all happy to spend the evening mingling with friends and learning about local businesses.
This year’s theme was Sweet and Citrus, so many participating businesses served up free special treats or refreshments with that in mind. Twenty-two businesses participated, most of them along the main corridor, but there were also a couple of businesses off the main drag.
The first stop for most people was the Pelican Porch Visitor’s Center at the Sebastian Chamber office, where they could pick up a list of the participating businesses and a map of their locations. Cheryl Thibault, president/CEO of the chamber, was busy grilling teriyaki chicken with pineapple rice to serve up to the masses.
“Just look at our picture-perfect weather tonight,” she exclaimed. “They call this a chamber of commerce day. Participating business have special sales, discounts and door prizes along with family fun activities, food and refreshments.”
The Sebastian Police Department set up their COPE (Community Orientation Police Endeavor) Trailer in the chamber parking lot where they dished out snow cones and popcorn.
“We’ve been doing this event for many years and it’s a great opportunity for us to bridge the gap between the police and the community,” Lt. Rob Vafiades explained. “We have lots of giveaways and we’re just out here having fun like everyone else.”
Tullulah’s Swimwear drew quite a crowd with its offer of pulled pork sliders and POG juice, and Computer Healthcare kept busy grilling chili dogs. Café Latte Da, in what is now called the District Sebastian (formerly the Village Square), invited singing guitarist Ricky T to entertain the walkers with classic favorites while they partook of sweet and sunny citrus smoothies.
Not to be outdone, the various downtown watering holes poured their own signature sweet and citrusy libations. Rack’ M Pub and Billiards served citrus punch, Mash Monkeys Brewing Co. had a variety of craft beer samples and Pareidolia Brewing Co. dished up mojo chicken skewers paired with their Citrus Surfer Hazy IPA.
Sandpiper Pest Control was the northernmost business, and most people opted to drive rather than walk the distance over the St. Sebastian River bridge, yet it was also one of the most crowded.
“We roast a pig every year and people have come to realize they need to get here early before we run out of food,” said co-owner Laurie Stout. “We used to be closer to town and we roasted a pig down there too, so people know it’s worth the trip.”
Their visitors didn’t just get a sample, but rather a tapas-size dinner complete with citrus cole slaw, plantains, key lime pie and a citrusy drink.
Sebastian resident Laura LaPorte summed up the night’s activities beautifully, when she simply stated that Sebastian Grill Out Night is a special night where everyone can come out and support local businesses and connect with friends and neighbors they might not otherwise see if it were not for this fun community event.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
