What’s Up, Gulfport?? Boca Ciega Bay, FL
| | | | Upcoming Events in GulfportGet Ready For Gecko World!! | | | | | | Gecko Art InstallationPlease join us for the First Friday Art Walk on August 2nd as we kick off the month-long celebration of all things Gecko! Get a sneak peek of these one-of-a-kind auction items that will be available for purchase during the live auction at the Gecko Ball on August 24th. Join us at the Catherine Hickman Theatre at 6pm to meet the artists, mingle with your friends and neighbors and get into the Gecko spirit! | | | | | First Friday Art Walk-August 2, 2024Explore the magic of art under the stars at Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk! Join us every First Friday for an evening filled with creativity, community, and culture. Date: First Friday of Every Month
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location:Scenic Beach Boulevard, Gulfport What to Expect:
Artistic Marvels: Witness the unveiling of new and inspiring works by some of the area’s most talented artists. Stroll Along Beach Boulevard: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll along scenic Beach Boulevard, surrounded by charming restaurants and storefronts. Community Connection: First Friday Art Walk has been the heartbeat of Pinellas County’s art scene since 1993, fostering a sense of community and celebration of creativity. Meet the Artists: Engage with the region’s most innovative artists, and gain insight into the stories behind the masterpieces. Support Local: Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, this event encourages you to explore and support locally-owned businesses, restaurants, and the arts. Family-Friendly: Bring the whole family for a night of entertainment, culture, and a chance to create lasting memories in our picturesque town. Free Admission: Admission is free, so grab your friends and join us for an unforgettable night celebrating art, community, and local talent! | | | | GECKO QUEEN VOTING BEGINS JULY 22ndWho Will Be Gulfport’s Next Gecko Queen?It’s time to choose your Queen! Public in-person voting will begin on July 22nd. Ballots will be available at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar, The Gulfport Corner Store and The Gulfport Merchants Chamber Welcome Center. The polls will be open until Sunday, August 18th. Be sure to get your vote in! The winner will be announced and crowned at the Gecko Ball! One ballot per person, please. | | | | | | | | GECKO POKER CRAWL TICKETS NOW ON SALETickets for the Annual Gecko Poker Crawl are now on sale at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar and The Gulfport Corner Store. Tickets are $25 and include one drink at each of the 6 bar crawl locations. Poker Only tickets are available for $10. Tickets are also available online and can be picked up the day of the Crawl. | | | | | 3rd Saturday IndieFaireJoin us for our 3rd Saturday IndieFaire on Saturday, August 17th as we fill the streets with a variety of vendors! This month’s Faire will be taking place along with our Gecko Poker Crawl so get ready for an extra festive evening! | | | | GECKO BALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!Get your Gecko Ball tickets at The Beach Bazaar or The Gulfport Corner Store! Don’t miss your chance to attend the most cherished event in Gulfport. This year’s theme is “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night”! Dress as your favorite Saturday Night Live skit or just wear your finest Gulfport Glam. Don’t miss the Event of the Year! Individual tickets are $30. Reserved tables are $400 (seats 10) and are only available at the Beach Bazaar. Individual tickets are also available online. Click below. | | | |
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| Get Ready For GeckoFest!The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce the 24th Annual Gecko Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10 AM to 10 PM along Gulfport’s scenic waterfront on Beach Blvd. This year’s theme, “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night!” promises a vibrant, fun-filled event featuring a costume parade, live music, street performers, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Gecko Fest is held in collaboration with SIK Promotions and the City of Gulfport. Admission and parking are free. First held in 2001, Gecko Fest began as an end-of-summer celebration and has since grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Known for its lively mix of artistic energy and community spirit, the festival features a costume contest and parade, wandering street performers, and two stages with live music. The event has been proudly organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber since 2004. Gecko Fest is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber, with a portion of proceeds from the Gecko World events donated back to the community. This year’s recipients include the REACH! Food Program for Kids, Selah Freedom, and the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund. | | | | | RISE & SHINE Artist Grant If you are an artist on the rise, The Gulfport Merchants Chamber would like to help you shine ! The Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants were developed to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing, mentoring , advertising support, and exhibition space. The purpose of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants is to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing and advertising support, and exhibition space. To be eligible to apply for one of the two grants offered: The applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Be a current resident of Pinellas County Preference will be given to current residents of the City of Gulfport. Deadline to Apply: A complete application must be received by August 10th, 2024. | | | | | The GMC needs YOU!The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is in need of Volunteers! We believe in the power of collective action, and we’re reaching out to you because we need dedicated volunteers like you to help us make a difference. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or want to get involved in a specific project, your time and skills can have a meaningful impact. Here’s how you can get involved: Our new Welcome Center located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. serves as the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and those seeking information about our organization. Volunteers like you play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our guests feel comfortable, and providing them with the information they need. Event Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees, guests and participants. You will get to be a part of some of our amazing events in Gulfport! Use the link below to sign up for different volunteer opportunities! | | | | |
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| | | Members Only: Free Small Business Consultation with The Small Business Development CenterEvery Third Thursday, 9am-2pm By AppointmentThe Florida SBDC at PCED has partnered with the local community to make confidential consulting available wherever you may be. Debra Schweikowsky, our professionally certified business consultant, specializes in finance and capital access and helps local business owners with growth strategies to realize their goals. To get started, contact Debra directly to schedule a confidential appointment at 727.453.7108, or email dschweikowsky@pinellas.gov. | | | |
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