No Lounge Lizards Allowed; Gulfport Geckofest Exudes Energy

GULFPORT, FL – Join the city of Gulfport in paying tribute to that ubiquitous little lizard that graciously allows humans to share the state of Florida.

Gulfport will host its 18th annual GeckoFest, a day of free family-friendly activities, on Saturday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The streets of the quaint waterfront village will be filled with live music on two stages, hundreds of food, art and craft vendors, kids’ activities, and up close and personal street performances by a bevy of acrobats, magicians, daredevils, dancers, aerialists, escape artists, fire eaters, balloon artists and costumed characters.

Geckofest also will include a quirky walking parade, colorful costume contests and the ever-popular end-of-the-day dueling street dances that wrap up this light-hearted send-off to summer.

The festival will take place along Beach and Shore boulevards in the heart of Gulfport.

The theme for this year’s festival is “GeckoCon,” celebrating superheroes, villians and other comic book characters. Isn’t there a Gecko Man character?

Last year’s theme was “GeckoStock,” prompting attendees to show up in their most outlandish hippie garb.

Started in 2001 by Gulfport resident Marlene Shaw, Geckofest has become one of Gulfport’s signature events.

It combines the enterprise of Gulfport Merchants Association members with the quirky creativity of Gulfport’s art community.

In addition to the festival, it includes a charity Art Gecko Show, a Gecko Pub Crawl and a Gecko Ball.

Parking and admission to Geckofest is complimentary and the event is pet and family-friendly.

Visitors are invited to park in an off-site location and take the Gulfport Trolley to the festival free of charge.

Gulfport GetGO’s five-passenger electric vehicle will also be available to festival attendees.

For more information, visit the Geckofest website, Geckofest Facebook page, or call 727-322- 5217.

Images via Geckofest

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