11th Annual Geckofest: What to Know Before You Go

The 11th Annual Geckofest: "The Lizard of Oz" is expected to lure 30,000 people to the city on Saturday Sept. 3. The all day free event features food, art, live music, kids events, a parade and street dance. Here's what you need to know if you plan on coming to the event.

• Where: Downtown Gulfport on Beach Blvd.
• When: Saturday, September 3, 2011
• Time: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Price: Free

Roads Closed: A section of Beach Blvd. will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. the day of the event. Crews will block off 28th Ave S. to Shore Blvd. S. from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: Take a look at the parking map provided by the City of Gulfport. Feel free to print the map before you head out! This map shows:

• Free parking areas
• Free trolley route (Free trolley service 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. day of the event) Park anywhere in the trolley route and catch a free ride by waving down the trolley.
• Free off-site parking (Park and wave down the trolley for a free ride to Beach Blvd.)
  
  • Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave S.
  • Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave S.
  • Chase Park- Parking behind the Gulfport Historical Museum, 5301 28th Ave S.
  • Hoyt Field, 5690 - 23rd Ave S.
  • Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
  • Wood Ibis Park, 58th St. & 28th Ave S.

Schedule:

• 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.- Live entertainment on two stages.
  •  The Outpost Stage, Beach Blvd. & 30th Ave S. 
  •  The Casino Stage, Beach Blvd. & Shore Blvd. S.
• 6 p.m.- Walking Parade, meet outside The Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5:30 p.m.
• 8 p.m.- Street Dance

Live Bands Include:

• Joel & Dakota
• The Paul Anthony Band
• Cannon Quinn
• Gabe Whitney
• Ave. 43
• Gypsy Train
• Tropical Disturbance
• Urban Gypsies of FL

For Kids:

• The o-FISH-al GECKO Goddess and the Gecko Court will be walking around the event.
  
• Children's area by Spotlight Amusements
• Storytellers
• Street Performers
• Face Painting
• Parade

Costume Contest: Win prizes during the parade!

• Best Lizard of Oz
• Best Decorated Umbrella
• Best Hat

Pets: Pets are always welcome in Gulfport! Be sure to bring a plastic bag to pick up after your furry friend.

ATM Machines: They will be located at the following areas:

• Outside the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
• Beach Blvd. & 29th Ave S.
• Beach Blvd. & 30th Ave S.
• Beach Blvd. & 31st Ave S.

Public Restrooms: Permanent restrooms are connected to the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. and in the Art Village Courtyard. There will be portable restrooms on Beach Blvd. & 29th Ave S.

Want A Preview ?: Organizers put together a video preview, check it attached to this story or on YouTube.

Share Your Experience: Send us your photos and we'll publish them on Gulfport Patch. Attach them to this story or email them to the Editor at cherlene.willis@patch.com.

Say Hi to Patch: We'll have a booth just north of Beach Blvd. & 31st Ave S. Come say "Hi" to patch.com and several Local Editors, including:

Bryon Hepler with our sales team will be on hand to answer your questions about advertising.

*****

Geckofest is proudly hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Association (GMA), and is sponsored in part by; The City of Gulfport, The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, Bright House Networks, St. Petersburg Times, Cox Media, Geico, Tasty Kake, Results Weight Loss, Borden Milk, KEL Attorneys, Gulfport Patch, and more local supporters.

A portion of proceeds from Geckofest will benefit public art installation in Gulfport's Waterfront District.