Bigger, Better Green After Dark This Saturday

When the Green After Dark event began last June in Odessa, about 200 people showed up.

Now the number of attendees is closer to 800, said organizer John Ciani, who owns the Odessa Organic Farmer's Market where the Green After Dark is held.

Coined the "Tampa's First Night Time Green Event" by fellow organizer Michele Northrup and owner of Intensity Academy, Green After Dark features green vendors, food trucks and live music.

The next Green After Dark is this Saturday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 10 p.m.

This marks the eighth GAD. Organizers attribute the growth to the public's thirst for it.

"I think there's an interest in what we do with the local flavor, the music, the laid back nature of the market," Ciani said. "There's no other market that takes place at night."

Lisa Custer, of Going Green Tampa, who also organizes the event, agrees with Ciani's sentiments.

"Green After Dark appeals to the public because we offer a family friendly, outdoor event that is educational and offers products that people can use in their everyday lives," she said. "People are welcome to bring their own chairs, relax, listen to great music and meet their neighbors and other like-minded people. It's all about supporting local artisans, local farmers and local music."

On Saturday GAD goers will be treated to some of the area's most popular food trucks including Graffeattis, Rolling Zoinks and Whatever Pops. Westchase's Pizza Fusion will also be on hand with more than a dozen green vendors.

Here's a lineup of the musical performances:

Anna Gavin - 5-6:15 p.m.

Travis Bourguignon and Justin Thomas Brown of The Groves - 6:15-7:30 p.m.

John, Sean and David of Folly Dean - 7:45-9 p.m.

For more information go to Odessa Organic Farmer's Market Facebook Page.