Gulfport’s waterfront plays host to the 17th annual Geckofest presented by Eyeglass World on Saturday Sept. 2. Running from 10am until 10pm, it is the largest festival of the year for this waterfront village and is a true Florida Fun Zone.
Why a gecko? It’s their unofficial mascot and favorite reptile.
The music portion of this year’s festivities has been dubbed “Geckostock” – a nod to the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
Live music will rock from two different stages, one presented by Sprint, the other by The Blueberry Patch. There will be both strolling and stationary performances as well.
Appearing on the Sprint Stage will be the musical stylings of Dan Stevens, The Cozmic Cowboyz, The Schmitz Brothers, DivaDivaDiva!, Janis Joplin AKA Wes Sloat-Ray and Peace of Woodstock.
Laura Shepherd, Askew, Tropical Disturbance, Troy Youngblood and the Soulfish, and Boxcar Hollow are slated to perform at the Blueberry Patch Stage:
The area will have a wide array of street performers and buskers that will keep the crowd entertained. Watch out though, some of them will be crowd-interactive – meaning you could become part of the show.
Dallas “The Fire Guy” will be there with his daredevil comedy and juggling show, as will Nickotorius, who bills himself as one of the youngest and fastest escape artists in captivity.
The husband an wife interactive duo Acromaiacts will put on an acrobatic show as will Loz Primroz Breakerz – an international breakdance group.
Crazy Indy will be back. He got his start in breakdancing with flips and head spins but has since become any expert on the Cyr Wheel. He is well known for grabbing members of the crowd and bringing them into his show.
Juggler David Ferman will be there – he is a Guiness Book of World Records holder for the 10-ball catch and there will be magic with Shaun Jay. Dubbed “The Modern Millennial Magician,” he combines improvisational comedy and audience participation with his prestidigitation.
The Amazing Kenny will be amazing the crowd with a combination of fire, juggling baloons and prop manipulation.
And that’s the short list.
Also on tap will be special appearances by Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Captain Jack Sparrow, Michael Jackson and Sterling the Silver Statue.
The entertainment schedule is available on a Mobile App at www,bbinimble.com/gma
But wait – there’s more. You can join the quirky walking parade, there will be hippie costume contest and dueling street dances to cap off the day.
Parking and admission to Geckofest is complimentary and the event is pet and family-friendly.
The Gulfport Trolley offers visitors who park in designated off-site locations transportation between their vehicle and the festival site at no charge. GetGO, Gulfport’s 5 passenger electric vehicles, will also be available to pick up residents or visitors and deliver them to their desired destination with no parking worries.
The Geckofest looks to be 12 Hours of pure entertainment and fun. Did you go? Please let us know! Visit our Florida Fun Zone Facebook page or drop us a line at floridafunzone@yahoo.com.
