Chillounge Night aims to bring artsy fun to Straub Park

ST. PETERSBURG — On a slow, hot summer 2007 day at his art gallery in Sarasota, Rainer Scheer was tired of waiting for things to get busier.

Scheer, 46, wanted to do something big. People needed a place to hang out. Why not give them something new, he thought. So he got an idea: He would create the biggest outdoor lounge event in America.

The investment was costly, but with the support of his girlfriend, Samantha, and a few sponsors he pulled it off in February. Now, he's taking the Chillounge Night to St. Petersburg's Straub Park this Saturday.

For Scheer, who arrived in this country from Germany six years ago, the event is a risk. After all, he has spent the past five months working on one event in the hopes that it doesn't rain. "If it does, it will be a huge loss," he said. He makes sure to check the almanac.

Scheer hopes between 3,000 and 4,000 people will come out to enjoy features like a Brazilian Samba parade, chic outdoor furniture plus opera and tango performances.

"It's going to be a big event," said Stevie Osterland, supervisor of special events for the city's recreation department.

Osterland said events like this take extensive planning and coordination with multiple city departments to ensure success. This one will take even more planning, she said, because it is being staged for the first time.

Part of the event's proceeds will help support the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum and the Creative Clay cultural arts center. "I think we do so many events every year in the city, but this one is just a little different than any of the others," said St. Petersburg City Council member Leslie Curran.

She saw a promotional video from the event that was held in Sarasota and thought St. Petersburg would be a great fit for the event.

Curran helped set the city up as a co-sponsor for the event in name only. "It's going to create a really cool ambience for the city," she said.

Also taking place this weekend will be CraftArt 2008, which is being put on by Florida Craftsman. The event will shut down Fifth Street between First Avenue N and First Avenue S from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will feature artwork from across the country for display and sale.

Austin Bogues can be reached at (727) 893-8872 or abogues@sptimes.com.