Thanks to all for making the 2008 Festival such a wonderful event!! We are currently planning a terrific Festival for 2009 - more vendors and other surprises to everyone to enjoy!!!
We will update this site when our plans come together early in 2009 - keep watch!!
The City of Punta Gorda and The Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Committee invite you to join us for the Fifth Annual Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival. This event will be held in lovely waterfront Gilchrist Park in downtown Punta Gorda, Florida - also known as “The City of Hibiscus" June 13, & 14, 2008 The bloom "Gilchrist Gold" was named for Albert W. Gilchrist, Governor of Florida from 1909 to 1913 and the charming park on Retta Esplanade in the Historical District of Punta Gorda. This latest cultivar follows in the tradition of naming a flower after an appropriate and memorable person or event in the history of Punta Gorda. After hurricane Charley it was “Eye of the Storm” the following year “The New Look” and last year the striking bloom “Celebration” was cultivated for us. This year the flower Gilchrist Gold is a brand new hybrid, a variety that will be unveiled at the Hibiscus Festival of 2008 by award winning grower Curt Sinclair. Curt will be sharing his Butterfly tent – come in and view these beauties Festival Highlights 2008 Friday, 13 June 5:00 to 11:00 pm The Al Fresco Music & Dinner Festival This will be the happening event - in Gilchrist Park. We will have our own local talented bands providing free continuous music and entertainment. Bring chairs, or a blanket, and share a great evening of music under the stars with your family and friends. Bands for Friday evening in the order of appearance are Cross Roads, Cheeky Monkey, Michael's Hibiscus Band, Grits and Gravy, Still Friends, and Low Rent. Al Fresco dinning will be available. Our Hibiscus Gazebo Bar will offer cold beer, wine and sodas and snacks. Try our Special Hibiscus cocktail, a fruity drink named "Gilchrist Gold". Saturday, 14 June 9:00 to 4:00 5th Annual National Hibiscus Festival The beautiful waterfront in Gilchrist Park will be the site for all activities unless otherwise indicated: Tropical Plant Sale - Hundreds of unusual flowers, plants, and Herbs. A wonderful selection to enhancing any Florida yard and garden – and great prices too! Farmers Market - Fresh locally grown produce. Many delicious fruits and vegetables will be available. Seafood Market - Enjoy Fresh cooked seafood from our own waters. We will also have Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ice Cream, Big John’s Famous BBQ and many other treats. Tour the Secret Gardens by Bicycle or Trolley or walking - tickets available at Gilchrist Park day of the event! Master gardeners will be at several locations to answer any questions you may have. A Free Trolley will tour downtown Punta Gorda - see the historic district, tour the City or just visit the Secret Gardens and the History Park. The Hibiscus Bicycle Tour. Ride on marked routes through Punta Gorda and Charlotte County. Rides of 12 miles, 31 miles and 62 miles all well marked with staffed rest stops provided. Bicycle Tour will begin before the Festival opens, beginning and ending at Gilchrist Park. Contact Earl Lang at the Acme Bicycle Shop to secure your spot 941.639.2263 http://acmebicycleshop.com Lil' Miss Hibiscus Pageant will start at 10:00 am at the Punta Gorda Woman's Club, 118 Sullivan Street. All of the contestants, in three age brackets, will compete in their casual summertime attire. Contact Teresa Evan for more info 941.206.1188 and an application. View dozens of restored Antique Cars provided by our local residents, members of The Veteran Motor Car Club of America – come early and enjoy! The Hibiscus Sailboat Regatta. Dennis Peck from the Punta Gorda Sailing Club is arranging very exciting Regatta plans for this year. Many divisions and additional awards for each division are planned for this event. For more information, call Dennis at 941.627.6650. The sailing Club web site is www.pgscweb.com Kid's Entertainment area - expanded even more this year to include additional fun games and a Bounce House! The City of Punta Gorda Firefighter's Safety House will be there to walk through and to encourage children to learn safety procedures The Visual Arts Center will have art demonstration in the park with local artists. Peoples Choice Award at 3:00 pm on the stage - theme of course is Punta Gorda and Hibiscus!!! The Harry Goulding Hibiscus Exhibit will be open for viewing of the fantastic flowers at the Punta Gorda Historical Society's History Park on Shreve Street. While in the History Park visit the Trabue Land Office, The Cigar Makers Cottage and the newly restored Price House adorned with beautiful Punta Gorda Hibiscus blooms. Remember that this is the Fifth Annual City of Punta Gorda Hibiscus National Festival - we expect a large attendance - one that keeps getting bigger and better each year. Your participation in the festival shows community support and the Hibiscus Festival provides another opportunity, if you are a sponsor, for excellent exposure in the local media. Come grow with us!!!! Enjoy the Friday night free concert & come and have a great Saturday of fun for everyone!!!! Try our 2008 Hibiscus drink at the Gazebo!!!! Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Festival Committee, Inc. Dawn MacGibbon, Dianne McCombs, Stan Munson & Teresa Evan For additional information, please contact Stan Munson - distan@comcast.net 941.457.3659
