The Gecko Finale

September 9, 2015 by Helen J. Simon

A boy raises his arms as he rides on a “train” at Saturday’s GeckoFest.

Chris Gasco of Madeira Beach demonstrates how the wings flap on her “flying pig” hat as she enjoys a strawberry daiquiri frozen popsicle. “It’s quite tasty,” she said. “They’re four ounces with an ounce of liquor in every one.”

Brenda Boykins of Gulfport serves up some pulled pork from Smokin’ J’s BBQ for a waiting customer.

A woman and her little dog wait out the rain under the porch of the Historic Peninsula Inn & Spa during a shower that momentarily disrupted the festival Saturday afternoon.

Diane Gannon of Fort Myers poses with a large gecko that was greeting visitors during Saturday’s GeckoFest. Gannon lived in Gulfport about 25 years ago. “I try to come back every year for the festival,” she said. “I love the town now. I’d like to move back here, but it costs too much.”

M.J. Price, left, and her husband Marcus Price of Zephyrhills stop to pose for a photo in their colorful costumes.

Shauna Haroon of Parrish, center, consults with her son Roman, 4, about what kind of balloon toy he would like.

Four-year-old Roman Haroon of Parrish shows off his GeckoFest bling. When asked what animal he was wearing on the chain around his neck, he answered, “A Geico.”

Abel Dominguez of Tampa dances with his daughter Isabela, 20 months, at Saturday’s GeckoFest.

Acrobat and cyr-wheel performer Crazy Indy of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, warms up the crowd for his show.

Fire jugglers and escape artists Nick, left, and his father Dallas, of The Dallas and Nick Show, entertain GeckoFest goers with a young boy from the audience, center.

Norma Siniscalchi, left, of St. Pete Beach, takes a break to wait for her sister after spending almost five hours at Saturday’s GeckoFest with Declan, 5, center, and Taegan, 7. Taegan said her favorite part of the festival was “when I got my face painted.”

Thousands turned out Saturday, September 5 for the 15th annual GeckoFest, one of the high points of Gulfport’s many annual city-wide parties and fairs. There was something for everyone: street performers, arts and crafts vendors, face painters and balloon toys for kids, music, food, drinks and dancing. The weather largely held out for the festival, which took place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along Beach Drive and Shore Boulevard.

by Helen J. Simon

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