Gulfport Gecko Fest takes to the street Saturday

GULFPORT

They've held the "crawl" and the "ball." • This weekend, organizers will host the area's largest stroll. • On Saturday, the city will morph into a whimsical world for the 10th annual Gulfport Gecko Fest — the city's largest street festival.

In previous years the festival has drawn more than 15,000 patrons, and a similar crowd is expected this year.

With throngs of festgoers heading to the quaint waterfront community for a day of sun and fun, organizers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

"For events like this, we'll usually have officers from the zone units walking the beat and other officers on bicycles," said Sgt. Robert Burkhart, public information officer.

The end-of-summer stroll will be held from noon to 10 p.m. and includes street performers, artists, vendors and two main stages that transform Beach Boulevard into a festive sea of colorful characters.

The official parade is at 6 p.m., and it will feature a children's and adult costume contest, as well as a hat contest. The street dance will start at 8 p.m. More than 200 arts, craft and food vendors are expected this year.

The event will include a children's area, dubbed Zhu-Universe, and will feature music, an obstacle course, a human hamster wheel, Wii and Nintendo games, and more.

Boaters are welcome as well, with organizers setting up a dinghy dock behind the Gulfport Casino Ballroom.

For more information, call (727) 322-5217.

Times staff writer