October 1 heralds the start of Gulfport History Month, and we’ve jam-packed the month with everything from a 5K race to a low country seafood boil. Read on to plan your best October ever:
Come meet Gulfport photographer Bob Bates Friday, October 2 at Gulfport’s Catherine Hickman Theatre (5501 Beach Boulevard) as we unveil our show, Changes Along the Bayou: Gulfport Then and Now. Bob took old Gulfport photos and re-created them; at the art reception in the Hickman lobby. Pia’s Trattoria will provide snacks the city operates a cash bar. The reception begins at 6 p.m.; please come meet Bob and the board.
On October 10, Celebrate Gulfport at the Born on the Bayou Celebration of the 105th anniversary of the city’s incorporation (although Gulfport’s older than that!). The day’s festivities start with a free pet parade, organized by Gulfport Get Rescued. From there, we’ll have retro kids games, music, the mullet toss, Fishermen Feats of Strength (grown-up games), trolley history tours, and free guided kayak tours (courtesy of Sea Tow Tampa Bay; follow them on Facebook). Signup for the kayak tours is limited; we will sign people up starting at 9:30 and provide transport from the museum to the kayak launch site. Pets, kids, and humans welcome. All events start at the Gulfport History Museum (5301 28th Avenue South).
Friday, October 16, please join us for the Flying Mullet 5K and One Mile Doggie Dash/Fun Run. This run starts the museum, leads you through some of the most interesting parts of downtown, and finishes with a great street party at O’Maddy’s. Runners get beer and pasta at the race’s end. Every participant gets a medal, and Gulfport artist Eric Folsom designed and made the trophies. Dogs (or other animals) who participate in the run/walk get their own goodie bag. Kids under 10 can compete for $10; the net proceeds from all the kid registration goes to MY Foundation, a charity that helps Gulfport’s oldest and youngest community members. The run starts at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport History Museum (5301 28th Avenue South).
Gulfport gets Down on the Bayou at the third annual Gulfport Under the Stars. This year, taste a touch of the lowcountry along the Gulf Coast with a seafood boil, live music, and dancing under an almost-full Hunter’s Moon. Gulfport Under the Stars takes place on the grounds of the newly-redone Gulfport History Museum. The dinner includes free soft beverages, a seafood boil, and dancing. New this year: a dessert and soft drink only option! We are pleased to announce Pia’s Trattoria will provide a tempting array of desserts, and Hot Tub Club will provide live music. As always, dress is Florida Casual – please wear your best flip flops. Buy your tickets here. Gulfport Historical Society members, please use the discount code emailed to you in the August issue of the Historian. Adult beverages available.
End Gulfport History Month with mostly-spooky stories around our bonfire pit. We’ll have s’mores fixins and hot dogs available for a nominal fee, and a professional storyteller to tell us spooky stories. Join us at dark with your kids and pets to hear and tell scary stories. Costumes welcome but not necessary; beverages available. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until the stories end!
Come to any or all of these events and get caught up in Gulfport!
