Hibiscus festival next Saturday

The City of Punta Gorda and The Punta Gorda National Hibiscus Committee are staging the third annual National Hibiscus Festival next weekend, with a tropical plant sales, farmers market, tours and a newly instituted bicycle tour.

The city’s nickname, “The City of Hibiscus,” was coined in 1926, and one of the city’s best-known residents, Harry “Pete” Goulding, was a pioneer in the hybridizing of hibiscus. A special hibiscus is developed each year for the festival.

Most events are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 17, beginning at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda.

Events:

-- 8 a.m. — Beginning of the Hibiscus Bicycle Tour, which includes routes of 12, 31 or 62 miles through Punta Gorda and Charlotte County, with staffed rest facilities and gardens to tour. Registration is $30 advance, $35 on June 17 (includes lunch and t-shirt); information on the tour is at (941) 639-2263

-- 9 a.m. — Tours of local gardens by trolley; a tropical plant sale and farmers market; opening of a children’s festival area; plein air painting by local artists, and viewing of the Harry Goulding Hibiscus exhibit, a cigar maker’s cottage and land office at History Park on Shreve Street

-- 10 a.m. — Li’l Miss Hibiscus pageant

-- Lunch hour — luncheon at Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St.

-- 3 p.m. — People’s Choice Award at the stage area

Directions: The park is at 400 W. Retta Esplanade. From Lee and Collier counties, travel north on I-75 to the U.S. 17 exit west; follow it as it becomes Marion Street, bearing north, west and then slightly south; after crossing U.S. 41 on Marion, turn west on Durrance; follow it one block to West Retta Esplanade.

Information: (800) 652-6090 or (941) 639-0760