ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - More than 150 local businesses are hoping for a better year, thanks to the annual Localtopia event.

Despite the pandemic, organizers pulled off the event which showcases local vendors.

For many of them, it’s a huge part of their annual business.

“This is the most important event of the year for me, for my business,” said Abby Lee, who makes handmade hoola hoops for her business, Hoola Monsters.

When the pandemic hit, events like Localtopia came to a stop. It meant no place for vendors like Lee to make a sale.

“I started sending out my resume. I’ve been in business for 13 years now. So that was pretty heartbreaking,” Lee said.

That’s why the 8th annual Localtopia in at Williams Park in St. Petersburg may be its most important one yet.

Organizer Olga Bof, founder of Keep St. Petersburg Local, overcame a lot of hurdles to pull it off for the vendors who need it most.

“The pandemic hit about 3 weeks after Localtopia last year. That became their survival money. And many of the ones who survived are here because of last year,” Bof said. “This needed to happen.”

The event was down from 300 vendors in 2020, to 160 this year. But the community came out to support them, even though crowds were limited for social distancing. Folks were only able to come in at select locations where temperatures were checked. Masks were required as well.

Darren Crew, owner of Gulf Planks, says he’s relieved Localtopia took place.

“It’s been tough. Localtopia is our first event in one year. It’s been pretty difficult for us. We’re very happy to have this opportunity to be here,” Crew said.

Organizers hope that by next year, they can get Localtopia back to normal, and are hoping for the biggest year yet.