The City of Punta Gorda and The Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Committee invites you to join us for the Sixth 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 19 & 20, 2009
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.
This year is Punta Gorda Passion. This lush bloom can grow to a size of 7 inches!
After hurricane Charley it was “Eye of the Storm” the following year “The New Look” and the next year the striking bloom “Celebration” was cultivated for us. Last year we had the huge beauty, "Gilchrist Gold".
This year the big beautiful pink semi-double flower is a brand new hybrid, a variety that will be unveiled at the Hibiscus Festival of 2009 by award winning grower Curt Sinclair. Curt will also be sharing his Butterfly tent – come in and view these beauties. You will be seeing Punta Gorda through Rose Colored Glasses!
Thursday Evening will be the Hibiscus themed Gallery Walk in downtown Punta Gorda - enjoy what the downtown merchants have to offer. Plan to have a nice dinner at one of Punta Gorda's restaurants and spend the early evening enjoying the shops downtown. A great kickoff for the Festival!
MUSIC IN THE PARK
A regular Thursday event in Punta Gorda that you just can't miss!
As the sun begins to set head over to Gilchrist Park. This event, fondly known as the Gilchrist Park Guitar Army started as a small impromptu gathering of friends and is now nationally known drawing musicians from all over the world. Bring a lawn chair and plan to stay a while!
Festival Highlights 2009
Friday, 19 June 6:00 to 11:00 pm
Friday Night Music Fest
The Al Fresco Dinner & Music Festival This will be the happening event - in Gilchrist Park - lots of great food! 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 where you can listen to all genres of music, including historic folk music born right here in Punta Gorda.. Beautiful spot to watch the sunset! It's free!
Bands for Friday include Michael's Hibiscus Band, Mac Martin & Grove Daddies, and many more! Check back for additional bands and when they will be playing.
Visit Dianne & Stan in our Hibiscus Gazebo Bar "King Harry's Pub" we will offer you cold beer, wine and sodas also snacks. Try our Special Punta Gorda Passion Hibiscus cocktail.
Saturday, 20 June 9:00 to 4:00
Sixth Annual Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Festival
The beautiful waterfront in Gilchrist Park will provide music and entertainment for the entire day and 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.
Great Eating - 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. The Hibiscus Bicycle Tour. Ride on marked routes through Punta Gorda and Charlotte County. Rides of 62 and 30, 15, and the City Managers Ride around town. All adult riders receive lunch catered by Sky View Cafe, water bottle, schwag bag and bicycling socks. Rides start and end in Gilchrist Park. Entry forms and more details call: (941)637- 8326 or visit...http://www.CharlotteCHD.com, or www.teampuntagorda.org.
View dozens of restored Antique Cars provided by our local residents, members of The Veteran Motor Car Club of America – come early and enjoy! Don Royston and his gang always put on a first class show!
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 - new hands on entertainment. 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 in the park with local artists. People's Choice Award will be presented 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.
Lil' Ms Hibiscus - new location in Gilchrist Park - contact Darlene Gunderson for information and an application. 941.505.5525
We welcome you to attend the Sixth Annual City of Punta Gorda Hibiscus National Festival. Your participation in the festival shows community support and the Hibiscus Festival provides another opportunity to come together with your friends and neighbors.
Enjoy the Friday night free concert - it is the major music event of the Summer!!
Also come and enjoy the events planned for a great Saturday of fun for everyone!!!!
Try our 2009 Hibiscus drink at the Gazebo!!!!
Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Festival Committee
Dawn MacGibbon, Dianne & Stan Munson, Kim Nickelson, and Michael Haymans
For additional information, please contact Stan Munson - distan@comcast.net or Dawn 941.639.8634
