Bite-sized and Beautiful
<p>Lori Meyer spent 25 years as a contractor, but everyone believed she was destined for something sweeter. Friends urged her to turn her baking talent into a career. It all began when she was a teenager babysitting kids, whipping up pumpkin treats to keep everyone entertained.</p>
<p>Eight years ago, Lori launched Ann Mae Events in Colorado, bringing delightful treats to local festivals like the Big Horn Sheep Festival. After moving to Florida, she and her daughter Laney adjusted their business to focus on community markets and corporate events in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice.</p>
<p>What sets Ann Mae apart is the creativity in their monthly pop-ups. Each event features a themed menu, decorated with seasonal flair. For St. Patrick's Day, they served Corned Beef pasties and Irish Apple Coffee Cake, all beautifully presented. Easter treats included fun cookies with bunny tails and colorful coconut bars.</p>
<p>While their treats are eye-catching, the scones steal the spotlight. Flavors like Bartlett Pear and lemon blueberry, often paired with homemade lemon curd, create a memorable experience. Savory options like tomato-bacon puff pastries and luscious quiches are also available, all priced under $6. Lori aims to keep her prices low, saying, “I’d rather bake more than raise prices.”</p>
<p>Ann Mae also takes custom orders, including dessert bars for weddings of up to 200 guests. You can find them at the Waypoint Artisan Market in Palmetto each second Saturday, where their treats come wrapped in elegant bows. The name Ann Mae combines Lori’s middle name and Laney’s, honored after their great-grandmother.</p>
<p><em>For more on Ann Mae Events, check out their website at <a href="https://annmae.events/" target="_blank">annmae.events</a>.</em></p>
<p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:11px;margin-top:-10px">Pictured: Ann Mae's vibrant spring menu: almost too pretty to eat. Photo credit: Ann Mae Events.</p>Booker Middle School Arts Scavenger Hunt
Mark your calendar for April 9 at 4:30 PM! Booker Middle School is hosting its annual Arts Scavenger Hunt. It’s a festive evening filled with art activities, interactive tables run by teachers, live DJ music, and delicious food trucks. Every participant gets a free Kona Ice and can win prizes during the hunt. Plus, there will be a silent auction starting online until April 8 and continuing live on the 9th until 7 PM. This event is a fantastic way to celebrate the arts and connect with the community.
Ringling Underground Featuring Collegiate Art Showcase April 2
On April 2, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art invites the public to the Collegiate Student Art Showcase at Ringling Underground. This collaboration highlights the creativity of student artists from six local colleges. Attendees can enjoy live music while experiencing fresh and innovative art, setting a lively atmosphere that celebrates emerging talent. Admission is free for members and students with IDs.
Opera at The Bay 2026
Get ready for a musical treat under the stars! The Sarasota Opera and The Bay park are presenting free screenings of opera films in April and May. Kicking off with Puccini’s *La bohème*, the event showcases stunning performances with a live orchestra. This isn’t just entertainment; it connects the community through the timeless power of music.
For a complete list of events and to learn more about the Sarasota Opera, visit their website: Sarasota Opera.
