Punta Gorda is Halloween Town This Weekend

For well over 30 some years trick or treaters have been drawn to the Victorian looking streets of Punta Gorda's historic district to celebrate All Hallows Eve.  Each year more and more spooks, goblins and other costume visitors parade through the haunted streets.  This weekend - tomorrow night promises to be no exception.  For more on Saturday night's Halloween in the Historic District.  Evolving from this annual ritual, Punta Gorda has become more and more the place to be on Halloween with more adult parties as various venues around time and a grand Halloween event by Smugglers in the center of town. Tonight (Friday), there is also a newer annual event at the Muscle Car Museum parking lot.

And here's what's happening at the various bars and restaurants around town:  

Friday, October 30

At Deans South of the Border   10,000 Views  8:30 p.m. 
At the Punta Gorda Elks (members) Two Can Jam   7:00 p.m

At the Wyvern Rooftop CHAULUKA 6-9 p.m. 

At TT Tiki Bar Bar at the Sheraton  Halloween Party  Zombie U  7-11 p.m. 

At the Celtic Ray:   Hipnauticals 9 p.m.

At Hurricane Charleys:   Halloween Party with costume contests, psychic readings.   American Made  7-11 p.m. 

At Jacks on Marion Clique
At Harpoon Harry's Whiskey Throttle

Saturday, October 31

At Deans South of the Border: Halloween Costume Party Zombie U  8:30 p.m. 

At the Punta Gorda Elks (members) Halloween Costume Party Tim and Roseanne  7 p.m.

At the Celtic Ray: Halloween Costume Party at the Ray with DJ  9 p.m. 
At  TT Tiki Bar at the Sheraton  Jungle Boyz 7-11 p.m. 

At Hurricane Charleys:  Halloween Party. Kollections  7 p.m. 
At Harpoon Harry's Whiskey Throttle


Other Venues that frequently have music: 

Harpoon Harrys
Jacks On Marion
Orange House

(Please check all entertainment venues and times before going -- musicians and venues have very complex lives that shift frequently)

Historic Punta Gorda Residential Streets to Morph into Ghostly Lanes for Halloween

Much of the history of Punta Gorda is interwined with ghosts.  There is Mary who is said to roam the hallways of the old "Sandlin" house, the one with the widow's walk on Retta.  And some have said to have witnessed old Perry McAdow being pushed in a wheelchair near the spot (now off Hurricane Charley's parking lot) where his ashes were supposedly strewn over 100 years ago. 

This Saturday night the historic streets of our town will metamorphize once again into a lanes of ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, superheros  and other grim creatures "guising" (the traditional term) for goodies as  Punta Gorda celebrates All Hallows Eve.  The downtown tradition which has its roots in Halloween's past when Governor Gilchrist who lived on Retta Esplanade funded a Halloween treat of free ice cream for the children of Punta Gorda.  To continue the tradition ad infinitum, Gilchrist, a Mason, bestowed a perpetual gift of ice cream on costumed kids through the Masons who to this day give out  free ice cream at Gilchrist Park on Halloween.    Along with Masons, the Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda provides glow lights (on Olympia) to help the trick-or treaters spirit through the twilighted  lanes of the Victorian-era downtown area of the city, and local residents bestoy treats of candy to the throng. 

Punta Gorda's historic district with it's looming gothic houses and window walks and trees dangling in Spanish moss sets just the right stage for the spook fest.    And the residents of the historic district embellish this setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland and cobwebs, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects and blood curdling sounds to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

By early evening  throngs of visiting ghosts, goblins, witches, and icons of popular culture will flood the area from Shreve to Cross, and Olympia to Retta Esplanade, forming a huge river of freaky characters. They will be welcomed by costumed residents many in houses with themes to suit the night.  Residents of the downtown and other Punta Gordans pass out treats to lanes of Trick or Treaters.

This is the night to be in downtown Punta Gorda -- even if not in costume -- if for no other reason to be bewitched by the adorable dressed-up youngsters of our town.

IF YOU GO:  The historic residential area is roughly the streets between Retta Esplanade on the North, Olympia on the South, Goldstein/Harvey on the East and Berry on the West.   The Methodist Church parking lot is usually available if you go early enough (on McGregor near Olympia).  Kiwanis Glow Lights are given out in fron of the parking lot on Marion Ave.  This is a neighborhood event and dependent upon the goodwill of the residents.  Please respect their property.  Keep in mind not all residents are able to participate.  Little ones usually start arriving around 5.. older ghosts arrive later nearer to the bewitching hour.  

Here is the police notice on the event:

This year, as in years past, it is critical that the public take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the thousands of residents who visit the Historic District on this night each year. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., a significant contingent of Punta Gorda Police and Fire personnel will be on hand for the event.

On Halloween night (Friday, October 31st), all members of the public will be required to observe a speed limit of 15 miles per hour within the confines of the Historic District festivities. This speed limit will be strictly enforced. Generally, this area includes the area from Shreve Street to Cross Street (US 41 Southbound), and Olympia Avenue to Retta Esplanade. Punta Gorda Police will have a heavy uniformed police presence in this area with the availability of marked police patrols, an officer on a T3 Personal Mobility Vehicle, as well as foot patrols, police bicycles, and golf cart patrols. The Community Services Section will have a tent set up along West Retta Esplanade, in front of Gilchrist Park, should attendees need police assistance. Punta Gorda Fire officials will also be patrolling the event and will have apparatus and personnel prepared to provide medical attention should the need arise on Harvey Street across from the City Hall annex. A number of police volunteers will also be manning intersections for traffic control to assist pedestrians in crossing streets safely. Motorists should be particularly alert for children veering from sidewalks into traffic, particularly since many children are wearing dark-colored clothing. The Police Department is also asking that thru-traffic consider alternative routes due to the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

Previewing The Haunted Streets of Punta Gorda Getting Ready for Halloween Night -- Tonight

Roaming the streets of the historic area in Punta Gorda this morning to preview some of  tonight's trick or treat adventures, I ran into the owner of one of the more intriguing haunted spaces putting last minute touches on his Halloween Garden.  Billy P, I realized, was a guy I knew from PGI who had moved five years ago to the rambling house at Marion and Gill that every year has an improved Halloween adventure in their outdoor garden.  The garden has lots of scary creatures that talk,  move and crawl -- it's a not to miss attraction for kids venturing through Punta Gorda streets tonight.  Billy loves providing this Halloween wonderland for the kids of Punta Gorda and is expecting some 3000 plus trick or treaters. 

This is not Billy. 

Nearby, on Gill, a haunted naval theme with pirate ships is another place to explore, as well as the strange happenings at the house across the street near Retta Esplanade (108 Gill Street circa 1890).  They look to be outdoing themselves this year.

Along Marion and Olympia, Halloweeners will be both frightened and delighted by the homeowners displays:

Today's wanderings start around 5 or 5:30.  Don't forget to pick up your glow lights on Olympia from local Kiwanis near the Methodist Church and get some ice cream at Gilchrist Park courtesy of the Masons.  More on this Halloween Happening in earlier post.  

Punta Gorda Historic Downtown Place to be bewitched on Halloween Night

This coming Thursday night the streets of the downtown historic area will be transformed to an eerie place full of goblins, witches and other grim creatures as  Punta Gorda celebrates All Hallows Eve.  The tradition has its roots in Halloweens past when Governor Gilchrist who lived on Retta Esplanade funded a Halloween treat of free ice cream for the children of Punta Gorda.  Not wanting the tradition he started to die with him, Gilchrist, a Mason, bestowed a perpetual gift of ice cream on costumed kids through the Masons who to this day give out  free ice cream at Gilchrist Park on Halloween.    Along with Masons, the Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda provides glow lights (on Olympia) to help the trick-or treaters spirit through the twilighted  lanes of the Victorian-era downtown area of the city. 

Punta Gorda's historic area with it's looming gothic mansions and trees dangling in Spanish moss already resembles the set of a spooky movie.  And on Halloween, the residents of the historic district embellish this setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

By early evening  throngs of visiting ghosts, goblins, witches, and icons of popular culture will flood the area from Shreve to Cross, and Olympia to Retta Esplanade, forming a huge river of freaky characters. They will be welcomed by costumed residents many in houses with themes to suit the night.  Residents of the downtown and other Punta Gordans pass out treats to lanes of Trick or Treaters.

This is the night to be in downtown Punta Gorda -- even if not in costume -- if for no other reason to be bewitched by the adorable dressed-up youngsters of our town.

Punta Gorda Police Notice: 

On Halloween night (Thursday, October 31st), all members of the public will be required to observe a speed limit of 15 miles per hour within the confines of the Historic District festivities. This speed limit will be strictly enforced. Generally, this area includes the area from Shreve Street to Cross Street (US 41 Southbound), and Olympia Avenue to Retta Esplanade. Punta Gorda Police will have a heavy uniformed police presence in this area with the availability of marked police patrols, an officer on a Segway, a T3 Personal Mobility Vehicle, as well as foot patrols, police bicycles, and golf cart patrols. The Community Services Section will have a tent set up along West Retta Esplanade, in front of Gilchrist Park, should attendees need police assistance. Punta Gorda Fire officials will also be patrolling the event and will have apparatus and personnel prepared to provide medical attention should the need arise on Harvey Street across from the City Hall annex. A number of police volunteers will also be manning intersections for traffic control to assist pedestrians in crossing streets safely. Motorists should be particularly alert for children veering from sidewalks into traffic, particularly since many children are wearing dark-colored clothing. The Police Department is also asking that thru-traffic consider alternative routes due to the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The Haunting Historic District of Punta Gorda the Place to be Halloween

For decades locals and visitors alike have been drawn to the eery twilight streets of downtown Punta Gorda on All Hallows Eve.  The tradition has its roots in Halloweens past when Governor Gilchrist who lived on Retta Esplanade funded free ice cream for the children of Punta Gorda.  Not wanting the tradition he started to die with him, Gilchrist, a Mason, bestowed a perpetual gift of ice cream on costumed kids through the Masons who to this day give out  free ice cream at Gilchrist Park on Halloween.    Along with Masons, the Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda provides glow lights (on Olympia) to help the trick-or treaters spirit through the twilighted lanes of the Victorian-era downtown area of the city. 

Punta Gorda's historic area with it's looming gothic mansions and trees dangling in Spanish moss already resembles the setting for a spooky movie.  And on Halloween, the residents of the historic district embellish this  setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

By early evening  throngs of visiting ghosts, goblins, witches, and icons of popular culture will flood the area from Shreve to Cross, and Olympia to Retta Esplanade, like a huge river of freaky characters. They will be welcomed by costumed residents many in houses with themes to suit the night.  Residents of the downtown and other Punta Gordans pass out treats to lanes of Trick or Treaters.

This is the night to be in downtown Punta Gorda -- even if not in costume -- if for no other reason to be bewitched by the adorable dressed-up youngsters of our town.

Your Spooky Pre-Halloween Punta Gorda Weekend

Halloween gets an early start in Punta Gorda this weekend with Haunting on the Harbor at the Market place area across from River City Downtown.  Also spooking things up: Metamorpho - Spinella Tenor of Illusions with Opening Act by Marcella Brown tomorrow night October 27, 2012 7:30 PM at the event center.  You can also walk with spirits of Halloween past at a haunting history walk through Indian Spring Cemetery tomorrow night.   And the Zombies are in town at Harpoons.... Friday and Saturday night Zombie University performs with a Halloween Costume Ball Saturday night. 

And for more thrilling entertainment this pre-Halloween weekend:

Tonight, Friday, October 26

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage:  Doo Wop Crew entertains from 5 to 9 p.m.
At Harpoon Harry's: Zombie University from 9 p.m.
At Biehl's Slip Not: Peace River Band from 8 p.m.
At the Punta Gorda Elks: MC Squared from 6:30
At Deans South of the Border: Arden Rule from 9 p.m.
At the Celtic Ray: Have Gun Will Travel  9 p.m.



Saturday, October 27

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Gary Gray from 5 to 9 p.m.
At Harpoon Harry's: Zombie University (Halloween Ball) from 9 p.m.
At the Punta Gorda Elks: MC Squared from 6:30.
At Deans South of the Border:  American Made (Halloween Party) from 9 p.m. (Zombie U at 3 p.m.)
At the Ice House Pub: Kollections entertains from 8 to 11 p.m.
At the Celtic Ray: Flurgin 8 p.m.
At the Wyvern Rooftop: Halloween Show and Costume Party with Armaggedon Man, Lemon Law and the Livvers starting at 5 p.m.


Other venues frequently having music (call first):
Tiki Bar at the Sheraton
Trabue

Punta Gorda Halloween in the Historic District -- in Flickering Images

The skies cleared last night just in time for ghosts, goblins and other assorted creatures to take to the streets of Punta Gorda's historic district.  Thousands of children accompanied by costumed parents wandered the area in search of goodies.   The Baptist church lured many a ghoulish monster or Disney princess and even a dressed up hound or too with hot dogs.   The local Kiwanis lit up the children in the dark streets with glow lights, and the Masons continued Gilchrist's tradition of giving out free ice cream in the park given his name to children and children at heart.

In the tradition of Punta Gorda's Victorian area, many of the residents created themed walkways in their gardens including the Wizard of Oz with the Wizard himself handing out candy to the kids, and Alice in Wonderland with a table set for guests including Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.  Here in flickering images is a collage that attempts to give you an idea of what  the night was like:   

May the Phantoms be with you this Ghostly Punta Gorda Weekend

From ghosts at Indian Spring to the Haunting on the Harbor at Laishley Park (with the Boogiemen and others)  and many events in between, there is a lot of  eerie choices this weekend.  Check out descriptions of ones we have highlighted in Punta Gorda Events/Halloween.  

And here's what's on at some of Punta Gorda's popular venues this Halloween weekend:

Friday Night, October 28

At Biehl's Slip Not: Sammy J and the Guys  from 8 p.m. 

At Harpoon Harry's: Zombie University  from 9 p.m.

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage:  Paul Cottrell performs from 5 p.m.

At the Captain's Table:  Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At the Punta Gorda Elks:  For members:   Jay Smith  performs.

At Dean's South of the Border:  Sudden Impact From 7 p.m.

At Closer to the Vine: George Kachmar  from 7-10 p.m.

Saturday Night,  October 29

At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: Mike and Magen  from  5-9 pm.

At Biehl's Slip-Not:  Halloween Party with Sammy and the Guys from 8 p.m.

At Harpoon Harry's Halloween Party with Zombie University  from 9 p.m.

At Dean's South of the Border: American Made and Halloween Party from 7 p.m.

At the Captain's Table:  Maurey Dewey (Pianist/Vocalist)

At Closer to the Vine: Halloween Party with muliple artists from 7 p.m. 

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Anything Goes performs
At the Celtic Ray:  Flurgin -- Celtic Band (see clip) at around 8 or 9 p.m.according to Kevin.  

And don't forget to check out the weekly farmer's markets: Saturday downtown in front of the court house; Sunday at the History Park.   And on Monday night -- the real Halloween -- Punta Gorda is the place to be -- in the eerie Victorian Historic District.