News Summary
The 39th Annual Green Thumb Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida, brought together gardening enthusiasts for a weekend filled with vibrant displays of plants, eco-friendly products, and hands-on workshops. With over 120 vendors, free giveaways, and interactive learning experiences, the festival has become a cherished community event attracting thousands of attendees. Celebrated as a tradition since 1986, the festival emphasizes the importance of nature and sustainability, showcasing the community’s spirit and creativity through various activities including a Garden Wagon Parade.
St. Petersburg Blooms at the 39th Annual Green Thumb Festival
This past weekend, St. Petersburg, Florida transformed into a vibrant garden wonderland as it hosted the 39th annual Green Thumb Festival. Celebrating all things gardening and marking the official arrival of spring, the festival attracted gardening enthusiasts ready to dig into a world of plants, tools, and eco-friendly products.
Exploring the Blooms
Over 120 vendors lined the park, each showcasing their wonderful wares. From beautiful plants to handy gardening tools, and even eco-friendly products, there was something for everyone. Attendees wandered through rows of booths, eager to explore and find the perfect additions for their own gardens.
Free Giveaways Galore
For those who love a good deal, the festival did not disappoint. The City of St. Petersburg joined in on the fun by giving away a total of 600 Pine seedlings and 600 Red Pentas, also known as Egyptian Star Flowers, in lovely shades that brightened up the day. These giveaways were part of the city’s efforts to celebrate Arbor Day, showing how much the community values nature and sustainability.
Hands-On Fun and Learning
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the array of interactive workshops. Attendees had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and learn something new. Last year participants enjoyed creating succulent planters, DIY wildflower seed balls, and even upcycling herb planters. This year, the Pinellas County Farm Bureau and the UF/IFAS Extension hosted a series of educational workshops, providing valuable tips and tricks to help both seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike.
A Parade of Creativity
The Garden Wagon Parade and Decorating Contest was another delightful sight that showcased the community’s spirit and creativity. Colorful garden wagons decorated to the max rolled along the park, each one a unique expression of gardening inspiration. It certainly made for a bustling atmosphere that filled the air with excitement!
All Things Nature
No gardening festival would be complete without a butterfly tent! Festival-goers got up close and personal with these fluttering beauties. Plus, there was a tree sale for those looking to bolster their personal green spaces. Food trucks offered delicious bites, ensuring everyone had plenty of fuel for exploring, while children enjoyed crafting their own garden-themed masterpieces in the dedicated kids’ area.
A Show to Remember
The Garden Club of St. Petersburg made sure to wow the crowd with breathtaking floral displays that represented gardens from all corners of the globe. Attendees were even invited to cast their votes for the best show in both the horticulture and floral design categories. Such a wonderful way to get the public involved in celebrating nature’s beauty!
A Strong Tradition
The Green Thumb Festival, established on April 11, 1986, at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, has grown into a cherished community tradition. The City of St. Petersburg has earned the Tree City USA award every year since the festival’s inception, proving their commitment to planting seeds of change and nurturing the environment.
Great Turnout and Free for All
With an estimated attendance of 30,000 to 35,000 over the two day festivity, the Green Thumb Festival continues to be a popular attraction for the community. Best of all, the event remains free of charge for all attendees! This year, the festival took place on April 26-27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walter Fuller Park, located at 7891 26th Avenue North.
Wrapping Up a Blooming Success
The dedication of the Parks and Recreation Department shone bright through their provision of free plants, pine seedlings, and mulch, ensuring that everyone left with something special. A full schedule of events kept festival-goers informed and engaged throughout the weekend, making the Green Thumb Festival not just an event, but a joyful celebration of community, education, and, of course, gardening!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Events Happening in Pinellas: April 24-30, 2025
39th Annual Green Thumb Festival Set for April 2025
Additional Resources
- I Love the Burg: Green Thumb Festival
- Wikipedia: Gardening
- Fox 13 News: Green Thumb Festival Coverage
- Google Search: Green Thumb Festival St Petersburg
- Patch: Weekend Events in St. Pete
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flower Festival
- The Gabber: Things to Do in Gulfport & St. Pete
- Google News: St Petersburg Events
- St. Pete Catalyst: Local Events
- 83 Degrees Media: Green Thumb Festival Feature
