Newroot news
Usually when you see someone holding a cardboard sign in St. Petersburg, they are asking for money, food or work. But this past Saturday (Jan. 21), a slew of signs around downtown read “FREE HUGS.” As part of the annual National Hugging Day, Keep Saint Petersburg Local organized the Free Hugs Fest, which had locals embracing all along Central Avenue, Beach Drive and at the Saturday Morning Market.
Even St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster was on deck with arms outstretched.
“Today is national hugging day and we are out supporting local businesses,” Foster said. “As mayor, this is just fun.”
Foster later added that he even showered and put on some “good smelly stuff.”
Free Hugs Fest was the brainchild of Sheri Kendrick, owner of Enchanted Forest Photography and a Keep Saint Petersburg Local board member.
“I saw some YouTube videos of other National Hugging Day events,” Kendrick said. “I was so moved with the whole thing.”
Tags: 20120125
