{"id":386827,"date":"2026-09-01T04:46:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T04:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/386827\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T04:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T04:46:15","slug":"gecko-mania-continues-this-weekend-in-gulfport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/386827\/","title":{"rendered":"Gecko-mania continues this weekend in Gulfport"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cSummer has to end eventually,\u201d the organizers of Gulfport\u2019s annual Gecko festivities like to say. \u201cWe might as well send it out on a high note.\u201d<\/p>\n

From all accounts, the city\u2019s 2026 Gecko Ball, Aug. 29, was one for the record books, as residents came costumed as their favorite pop and rock stars in keeping with this year\u2019s theme, the Gulfport Music Awards.<\/p>\n

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The Aug. 29 Gecko Ball. Photo by Donna Foster Willis.<\/p>\n

That spirit will carry over to Saturday\u2019s Gecko Fest, taking up the length and breadth of Beach Boulevard from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Equal parts wacky, wild Mardi Gras-inspired street fair and fun family festival, Gecko Fest is in its 26th year.<\/p>\n

The day\u2019s high point (well, one of them) is the big walking parade, at 6 p.m., officiated by the 2026 Gecko Queen and featuring the Gulfport Amalgamated Marching Band. Costumes are encouraged.<\/p>\n

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The Duchess. Photo provided.<\/p>\n

Crowned at the Gecko Ball, this year\u2019s winner is the drag performer known as The Duchess. \u201cIt takes many flowers to make a bouquet,\u201d said the Duchess, a.k.a. Craig Smith. \u201cAnd Gulfport is a fabulous bouquet of flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Previous Gecko Queen Leslie Gilchrist, who crowned her successor, reflected on her year as \u201croyalty\u201d in her city. \u201cI will say people are thrilled to have their picture taken with the queen,\u201d Gilchrist said. \u201cI also did not realize just how happy being around all of that made people. They were just so happy. It was really cool, to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Representing one\u2019s city, said The Duchess, is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Even if the city is Gulfport, where humor and frivolity often go hand-in-hand with obligations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s all types of festivities throughout the year in Gulfport,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019ll be heading those. When new businesses open up, we always celebrate them. It\u2019s about spending your money in your community, and uplifting everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bottom line, added the new queen, is that \u201cit\u2019s about the community spirit and the enthusiasm that everyone has. I raise money for charity doing drag, and giving back to the community is my main goal, and to be able to represent a community like Gulfport is just an amazing thing.<\/p>\n

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The Duchess is crowned. Photo by Shannon Love.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunity spirit is about people bring free to express who they are. Freedom of expression.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also about helping out in tough times. After the 2024 hurricanes, which devastated downtown Gulfport, \u201cI took off my prom dresses and tiaras and we handed out supplies to everyone, all of our neighbors, and helped rebuild the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because the hurricane-damaged Gulfport Casino (traditional location for the Gecko Ball) remains closed and under repair, this year\u2019s event was held at nearby Stetson University. \u201cThey were outstanding to let us share the space with them,\u201d said The Duchess. \u201cIt was a fabulous venue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with 125 or so vendors \u2013 from food and drink to handmade arts, crafts and products \u2013 Saturday\u2019s Gecko Fest has two music stages, which will be occupied all day and night for the celebration of all things Gulfport: North Stage, 28th Avenue S.; South Stage, Shore Avenue; plus street entertainment at 29th, 30th and 31st Avenues.<\/p>\n

Parking and admission are free, and the event is pet-friendly.<\/p>\n

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