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Letter to the editor

Set your inner gecko free

By SANDEE DAVIES, Times Satff Writer
Published September 1, 2007

GULFPORT - Want to strut your colors at an end-of-summer bash that elevates silliness to a new level? Try Gulfport's seventh Gecko Fest, today.

At this Mardi Gras of sorts, everyone is encouraged to come decked out in outrageous costumes and wacky hats.

Bring drums, rattles, noisemakers, kazoos, musical instruments, balloons and decorated umbrellas to parade through the streets of the eclectic waterfront community.

The celebration brings together strolling street performers, main stage performers and vendors, who will have weird and wonderful wares up and down Beach Boulevard.

The event kicks off at noon, but the highlight of this audience participation event, the walking parade, starts at 6 p.m. with a new wrinkle this year: the Gecko Goddess Court.

At 6:30 p.m., judging starts for the best hat, costume and dog costume.

Other highlights are storytellers, giveaways, a children's area with activities and games, face painting and a coloring contest.

Come by land or by sea. Boaters are welcome to dock behind the casino.

The event is free.

The playbill

Gecko Fest

What: Gecko Fest end-of-summer celebration.

When: noon to 10 p.m. today

Where: along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport

Details: For more information and directions, go towww.geckofest.com or call 322-5217.

North stage

2-5 p.m.: Blinky n' Fritz

5-8 p.m.: Urban Gypsies

8-10 p.m.: Fallopian Tubes

Center stage

7-10 p.m.: Sterling Magee and the Harlem Blues Bank

Performance artists

South stage

Noon-2 p.m.: Kevin Thompson

2:30-4:30 p.m.: Jason Longoria

5-7 p.m.: J.D. Burrel & Tammy

8-10 p.m.: Alicia Fox & Friends

Performers

Kim Magic, Barnaby the Clown, Troupe Zahara Belly Dancers, Drum Circle, the Living Statue, Dallas the Fire Guy, Youngest Escape Artist, Blueberry Patch, the Holland Days, Tampa Bay Ghost Tours, Arrr Ink Pirates, Village Villains, West Coast Mutineers and Fire Show, Izabelle & Co., gypsies, pirate ship on Boca Ciega Bay.

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 22:23:17]