GULFPORT, FLORIDA: The eleventh annual Gecko Crawl will help usher in “Gecko Season” in Gulfport with an opportunity to sample drinks at six locations, a poker run, and a festive afterparty in Gulfport’s colorful Waterfront District. The Crawl will be held Saturday, August 11 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the afterparty beginning at 9 p.m.
Gecko Crawlers will be able to enjoy a free beverage at these participating bars and restaurants: Isabelle’s Restaurant, Little Tommies Tiki, Manatees on the Bay, Neptune Grille, O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, and Salty’s Gulfport. All are located within easy walking distance along Beach and Shore Boulevards. Crawlers may start at any participating location and continue their Crawl in any order.
A Poker Game of Five Card Stud will add to the evening’s festivities. Crawlers will be dealt a free card at each location when they pick up their drink token. One additional card may be purchased for $5 at Salty’s Gulfport when checking in at the end of the Run.
A high-energy afterparty at Salty’s Gulfport will begin at 9 p.m., featuring live music by Big Brother Band. Poker Run participants must check in their hands with Crawl Ambassadors at the afterparty by 9:30, and winners will be announced at 10 p.m. Participants for Poker Run prizes must be present to win.
There will be three Poker Game Winners: Best Poker Hand, Worst Poker Hand and a Drawing chosen from all entries, regardless of their poker score. The Best Hand winner will receive a two-night stay at Alden Suites Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Other great prizes for Worst Hand and for the Random Drawing will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are available in advance starting July 4 for $20 each at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd S. in Gulfport. Tickets are limited to 250 participants and advanced purchase is encouraged, as this event does sell out. If tickets remain on the day of the Crawl, they will be sold for $25 each, at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar until sold out.
For more information, contact Barbara Banno (bbanno916@gmail.com). Additional information on any of Gulfport’s Gecko related festivities may be found at www.geckofest.com or www.visitgulfportflorida.com. A Gecko Art Show and Reception on August 3, the Gecko Ball on August 25 and the GeckoFest street festival on September 1 round out the slate of late summer Gecko fun, celebrating Gulfport’s favorite reptile! A portion of the proceeds from all Gecko events are donated each year to local charities. All Gecko events are sponsored by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Association.
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