‘Complete’ Fairgrounds grand opening set for Dec. 16
The “entrance” to the Mermaid Star Motel, inside Fairgrounds. Photo by Bill DeYoung.
It had an opening. Now comes the grand opening.
Even though the public has been touring it since September, Fairgrounds – the immersive art experience located inside The Factory St. Pete – has a grand opening event planned for 11 a.m. Dec. 16.
Mayor Rick Kriseman will do the ribbon-cutting honors, alongside Fairgrounds principals Liz Dimmitt and Mikhail Mansion.
“We’ve been open doing previews,” Dimmitt said. “This is Fairgrounds complete, as we envisioned it from the beginning.
“We were using a temporary entrance – because Building Five, where our ticketing booth is, wasn’t ready, and now it is. So you’re getting the entire Fairgrounds, Phase One experience like we imagined it. Finally.”
Also present at the event will be St. Petersburg artist Chad Mize, who has painted an expansive yellow mural inside the Fairgrounds entrance.
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New artist contributions to the exhibition itself will debut over Grand Opening Weekend, as well as Fairgrounds’ new permanent entrance.
