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 Welcome
to
the Festival of States
The Festival of
States will celebrate its' 90th year in 2011! All events are
held in celebration of St. Petersburg's legacy and future, to
be enjoyed by the total community and to raise funds to
provide scholarships and support arts and music programs in
Pinellas County Schools.
All events are produced by the Suncoasters, Inc., a civic
organization of more than 200 business professionals and civic
leaders, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, our
sponsors and other organizations.
2011 Events
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All County
Musicfest - February 2, 2011
-
Scholastic Arts Competition
- February 10, 2011
-
Clown Alley - February 10,
17, 24, March 3, 10, 2011
-
Jr. Sungoddess Court Social - February
23, 2011
-
Jr. Sungoddess Fashion Show & Finals - March
4, 2011
-
Sungoddess vs. Kids & Kubs Softball
Game - March 10, 20111
-
Coronation Ball
- March 11, 2011
-
Familyfest - date to be determined
-
Illuminated Night Parade - March 24, 2011
-
Festival 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
- March 12, 2011 (tentative)
History of
the Festival of States
The St. Petersburg Festival of States
dates back to 1896 with the George Washington birthday celebration
parade, but it was Arthur L. Johnson who, in 1913, organized what is
recognized as the Festival forerunner and was officially named the
Festival of States in 1921. Residents and winter residents alike
enjoyed parades, tournaments, dancing and fireworks. The
Festival was produced by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce to provide
incentive for winter residents to stay in the area a little longer.
It was named the Festival of States for the 48 tourist societies,
which the seasonal tourists organized by their home states,
participating with floats and queens in the Parade. The festival’s
success outgrew the Chambers staff by 1956, prompting business and
civic leaders to form a not-for-profit organization to revitalize
and produce the Festival of States. Named for Florida’s Suncoast,
the Suncoasters represent more than 280 of the area’s most
influential business professionals and civic leaders.
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