What Would Dolly Do?
- The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dolly Day at The Bazaar: Music, Butterflies & a Whole Lot of Love
If Dolly Parton has taught us anything, it’s that a little sparkle, a lot of kindness, and having fun can make the world a better place.
And last Saturday, Sept 5th, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime was absolutely overflowing with all three. Our Dolly celebration brought out TONS of people, and we can’t thank everyone enough for coming out, dressing up, singing along, donating books, signing the petition to make 9/25 an official day, and making everything so incredibly special.
Sarasota Showed Up Dolly-Style
We knew some of you would dress for the occasion. We didn’t know just how seriously you would take the assignment! We saw big hair, rhinestones, pink, fringe, cowboy boots, and plenty of Dolly-inspired fabulousness throughout The Bazaar.
Our photo booth at the front of The Bazaar was a HUGE hit, and we have the pictures to prove it.
Suncoast View Crew Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Ellie from ABC7 Sarasota Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Showing off Pop Star Moves Gloria and Louie in front of the Dolly Sign Family Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Looking like a beautiful Dolly Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Posing in front of What Would Dolly Do Sign Bazaar Family Group Photo Ellie doing her Dolly impression Sandy Looking Fabulous in Butterfly Top
Want to see them all? Check out our Dolly Day Facebook album here:
From “9 to 5” to “Jolene”
Suzanne Lucas provided the soundtrack for the day, and she was incredible. She played all the Dolly favorites we were hoping to hear, including “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” and had the courtyard filled with music all afternoon. There’s just something about hearing those songs surrounded by a crowd of people celebrating Dolly that makes it even more fun.
We even had a special unexpected dance to 9-to-5.
Hundreds of Butterflies Took Over The Bazaar
The Butterfly House was absolutely magical. Hundreds of live butterflies filled the space, giving kids and adults the chance to get up close with these beautiful little visitors.
And sometimes, they got REALLY close.
One young visitor had a butterfly land right on his nose, while another little girl somehow became the butterfly whisperer of the day with FOUR butterflies on her at once!
These are the kinds of moments we love creating at The Bazaar, and we have a feeling those two kids will be talking about their butterfly encounters for a very long time.
Don't worry about any of the butterflies who escaped. They all found their way across the street to the Limelight Community Garden where they have plenty of butterfly plants.
Huge thank you to Susan with Kaleidoscope Butterflies & Gardens for bringing the Butterfly House to The Bazaar. You truly elevated our day and we are so grateful.
You Filled Our Book Drive!
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was our book drive. We asked you to bring books, and WOW, did you ever deliver. We collected so many books that we literally had to bring out another container to hold all the donations!
Thank you to every single person who brought a book. Seeing that container fill up, and then overflow, was a wonderful reminder that this community knows how to show up for a good cause.
Dolly Day Made the News!
Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who thought something special was happening on Apricot & Lime.
The Observer came out to cover the event, and ABC7 featured us in its evening news. We love seeing our little corner of Sarasota, and all of you who make it what it is, getting some attention.
Thank You, Sarasota 💕
Events like Dolly Day only work because people show up. And you REALLY showed up.
Thank you again to everyone who came to The Bazaar, dressed up, posed for pictures, sang along with Suzanne, visited the butterflies, donated books, shared a memory, signed the petition, shopped with our local creators, grabbed something delicious from Hamlet’s Eatery, and simply enjoyed being together.
"We wanted the day to capture what makes Dolly so beloved," said Kim Livengood, "joy, generosity, individuality, and above all else kindness."
Judging by what we saw Saturday, Sarasota understood the assignment. Thank you for making Dolly Day at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime one we won’t soon forget.
This Dolly day was celebrated on Sept. 5, 2026. Plans are already In the works for next year on 9/25. Sept 25th happens to be turning into an official day for Dolly, and it also happens to fall on a Saturday next year. We look forward to another amazing celebration.
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