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 About
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, athletic tournaments, dancing and fireworks. The
festival was produced by the City of St. Petersburg Recreation
Department 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. The festival
is now regarded as the South’s largest civic celebration.
The Festival of States produces events
in celebration of St. Petersburg’s legacy and future, to be enjoyed
by the total community, and to raise money for schools in art and
music programs and scholarships. This event is sponsored by the
Suncoasters, Inc. in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and
other organizations.
At a Glance
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Provides
educational support through scholarships including Scholastic Arts
and Writing, all County Music Fest, and Sungodess and Junior
Sungodess programs.
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Improves the
quality of life in the area.
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Promotes
tourism.
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Remains the
areas largest and most varied event.
The Festival is governed by an executive
board and operated by a full- time professional staff.
Festival of States Staff
Office Manager: Myra McShane
Finance Manager: Pat Erett
Contact Us
For additional information on our
upcoming events please call the festival office at 727-321-9888 or
email us at
festivalofstates@ij.com.
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