The Hibiscus Festival

From The Hibiscus Festival Website:

The Hibiscus Festival
May 4th, 5th and 6th, 2018

Located in Gilchrist Park
400 Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL

Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the benefit of The Charlotte County Historical Center Society

We are so excited to bring the 14th Annual Hibiscus Festival back to Gilchrist Park. This one of a kind celebration was the vision of local resident Dawn MacGibbon . She and a small group of colorful, fun-loving locals held the first Hibiscus festival in 2004. They wanted to celebrate and share the unique history and character of their town, and its connection to the hibiscus and one of the world's most renowned hybridizers, Harry R. Goulding.

A character of sorts, Goulding was known to some as an accountant, some as a rum-runner and others as a fisherman, but by far he was known by all for his world class, award winning hybrid hibiscus plants. Harry would start 2000 seedlings a year growing some 60,000 varieties of hibiscus over 60 years. He won many accolades and awards over the years including the prestigious American Hibiscus Society show's "Best in the World" category five times.

So it is with great privilege, love and honor every year in the month of May that small group carry on this vision by putting on a festival for all to celebrate the history of lifelong resident, Harry R. Goulding AKA King Harry, Mr. Hibiscus, the hibiscus and the beloved spirit of Punta Gorda, the City of Hibiscus

This is an OUTDOOR event. Event opens at 9 am until 4 on Saturday and 9 am on Sunday until 3:00 pm on Sunday.

Vendors must be ready for business by 8:30 am on Saturday and 8:30 am on Sunday. Load in is Friday from 8:30 until 3:00. As always you are more than welcome to sale anything you would like on Friday after you load-in. Your load-in contact name is Teresa Desguin, her cell phone (***) ***-****.

A 12 x 12 space for tent will be provided for you on the grass on the grounds. You are responsible for any tents, tables, chairs, etc. You are also responsible for any clean up or trash in your area. THE RULE IN THE NEW PARK DEMAND THAT NO TRAILERS ARE LEFT ON THE GROUNDS!!! NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.