This one-of-a-kind celebration was the vision of local resident Dawn MacGibbon. She and a small group of colorful, fun-loving locals held the first Hibiscus Festival in 2004. They wanted to celebrate and share the unique history and character of their town and its connection to the hibiscus and one of the world’s most renowned hybridizers, Harry R. Goulding.

A character of sorts, Goulding was known to some as an accountant, to some as a rum-runner, and to others as a fisherman, but by far he was known by all for his world class, award-winning hybrid hibiscus plants. Harry would start with 2,000 seedlings a year growing some 60,000 varieties of hibiscus over 60 years. He won many accolades and awards, including the prestigious American Hibiscus Society show’s “Best in the World” category five times.

So, it is with great privilege, love, and honor, every year in the month of May, that a small group carry on this vision by putting on a festival for all to celebrate the history of lifelong resident, Harry R. Goulding, aka King Harry, the hibiscus flower, and the Beloved Spirit of Punta Gorda, historically known as the City of Hibiscus.