St. Pete To Host 32nd Annual Green Thumb Festival

ST. PETERSBURG -- Kermit the Frog and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman can agree one thing. There's nothing wrong with "being green."

For the 32nd year, St. Petersburg will host its Green Thumb Festival as part of its Arbor Day celebration April 28 and 29 at Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free event features more than 120 vendors; horticultural and environmental exhibits; programs and seminars highlighting ways to landscape effectively, conserve natural resources, recycle and improve the environment; a wagon-decorating contest and parade; a plant fair for children; and more.

Kriseman will accept the Tree City USA award and present the Green Thumb annual awards on Saturday, April 28, at 1 p.m.

Highlights also include 1,200 trees for sale for $5, a plant auction, plant diagnostic clinic and tool sharpening.

The children's area will offer crafts and hands-on activities.

The Garden Club of St. Petersburg and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District VIII will present its flower show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center.

Register to participate with an opportunity to win a prize at one of the events during the Green Thumb Festival:

* The Garden Wagon Parade on Saturday, April 28, at noon. Anyone can enter and deck out their wagon. Registration is $5. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded: first place receives $100; second place receives $75; third place receives $50 and honorable mention receives $25. For rules and regulations and to register for the parade, visit the festival website.

* The Children's Plant Fair is a non-competitive program designed to promote environmental stewardship in children. The fair offers children an opportunity to grow and show their own plant at the festival. Participants will receive a free shirt and goody bag. For more information about the Children's Plant Fair and to register, complete this form,

* Adults, teenagers and families are needed to help out as volunteers during the event. Volunteers assist with selling small trees, distributing plants at the plant auction, staffing booths and assisting with the children's arts and crafts area. All volunteers receive a T-shirt and student volunteers are eligible to receive volunteer hours. Click here for volunteer applications. Completed applications may be returned to St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, c/o Green Thumb Festival Volunteers, 1400 19th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33713 or emailed to Linda Seufert, Green Thumb Festival coordinator, at Linda.Seufert@stpete.org.

For event details, vendor information and volunteer opportunities, visit the website or call or contact (727)-893-7317.

Image via St. Petersburg Government