'Hooray For Geckowood!' Comes To Gulfport

Gulfport’s annual Gecko Ball returns on Saturday, August 25th. “Hooray for Geckowood!” is the celebratory theme of this year’s festivities. The Ball will be held at the historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. Doors will open an hour earlier this year at 6p.m. and the party lasts until 11 p.m. This is the 4th annual Gecko Ball, leading up to the 12th annual Gecko Fest, Gulfport’s largest and most beloved street festival to be held this year on Saturday, September 1st

“Hooray for Geckowood” will be a celebration befitting Gulfport’s fun and funky,  artistic nature by tweaking the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with a quirky Gecko twist. Party-goers will step into a Geckowood fantasy land complete with all the trappings of a red carpet entrance. Over the top movie-related décor throughout the Peninsula Inn will surprise and delight participants.  A full dinner buffet for the occasion will conjure elements of classic Hollywood movies and characters. A full cash bar is on hand and drink specials will include the infamous Geckotini, as well as this year’s special shot, a “Seven Year Itch.” Live music by Kevin Wilder ­­­­­­­& the Hollywood Mod Squad will keep party-goers dancing. Cinematic characters and activities will offer surprises throughout the evening. Back by popular demand, this year’s photo artists will offer commemorative posed and candid photos. Silent auctions will be held during the Ball, featuring gift certificates, travel, art work and merchandise from local businesses and artists. Costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory. Glam it up in Hollywood-premiere-style finery. Or dress as your favorite movie star or movie character, something Gecko-fied, or a combination!  A costume contest will determine the best ensembles of the evening. 

Eight large steel geckos, each decorated by a local artist, will once again be the centerpiece of a live auction during the event.  Each large three-foot long gecko will be individually re-imagined by local artists Peter Janus, Derrick Johnson, Mary Joyner, Owen Pach, Jonathan Schork, Frank Strunk III, Victoria Anne Wenners and Linda Worsham.  The eight geckos will be displayed in these Gulfport businesses for two weeks prior to the Ball:  Habana Café, Neptune Grille, O’Maddy’s, Peg’s Cantina, Peninsula Inn, Pia’s Trattoria, Stella’s Deli and T & Me Tea Co.

Tickets for the Gecko Ball are $25 each and are available using cash or check in advance at these Gulfport businesses: Bo-Tiki (3015 Beach Blvd.), Domain Home Accessories (3129 Beach Blvd.), and T & Me Tea Co. (2908 ½ Beach Blvd. in the Art Village Courtyard).  Tickets may also be purchased online with a credit or debit card at www.GulfportMA.com.  Discounted accommodations for Ball-goers are available at the Peninsula Inn (727-346-9800) and Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn (727-343-4445).

All events are sponsored by the Gulfport Merchants Association. A portion of proceeds from the Gecko Ball and Gecko Fest will benefit additional public art installations in Gulfport’s Waterfront District, adding to the two art installations on Beach Blvd. funded from last year’s events. For more information, contact Daniel Hodge at 727-366-4086 or dan@igc.org.

Special thanks to the Gulfport Merchants Association for providing this information.