[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ inner_shadow=”on” admin_label=”Section – Logo & Header” _builder_version=”3.26″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https://www.chamberstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/area-Event-Center.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px||” z_index_tablet=”500″ custom_css_main_element=”border-top: 4px solid #56b5d8;||height: 250px !important;” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”on” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” global_module=”1025″][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”on” column_padding_mobile=”off” admin_label=”Row – Logo & Header” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.26″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”94%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”94%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px||” z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Logo & Header Image” module_id=”logo_section” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px|0px||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px|0px||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” use_border_color=”off”]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” padding_top_2=”0px” module_class=” et_pb_specialty_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.22″ inner_width=”94%” inner_width_tablet=”80%” inner_width_phone=”” inner_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” inner_max_width=”94%” inner_max_width_tablet=”80%” inner_max_width_phone=”” inner_max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px||” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”on” make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_3″ show_border=”off” admin_label=”Sidebar Menu” module_class=”main-nav-section” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ remove_border=”on”][/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Newsletter Signup widget (Constant Contact)” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”left” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” custom_css_main_element=”border-radius: 8px;” border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#70b6d0″ border_style_all=”solid” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” disabled=”on” global_module=”1098″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off”]
Sign up for all the Chamber News
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” admin_label=”Social Media links” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_module=”1099″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off”]
Connect with Us
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner padding_mobile=”on” column_padding_mobile=”off” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ title_font_size=”32px” title_line_height=”1.3em” title_all_caps=”off” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” parallax=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ parallax_effect=”on” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”We’ve come a long way: NEEDS NEW LOGO” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ module_alignment=”left” hover_enabled=”0″ border_style=”solid” sticky_enabled=”0″]
We’ve come a long way, Punta Gorda, since 1887. Let’s celebrate our founding and future – December 1st through 7th.
During the first week of December, more than 130 years ago, a group of settlers from the new town of Trabue met in a billiards parlor near the corner of Olympia and Taylor and voted to incorporate their town into a city, renaming it Punta Gorda.
To honor those early founders and all who have followed them with the goal of making Punta Gorda a better and better community since that week in 1887, the Punta Gorda Founders’ Week is celebrated during the first week of December.
The events lead up to December 7, the official date of the City’s incorporation. This year’s celebration will be full of fun and educational events, and will take place December 1 through the 7th.
Both Christmas Holiday and history-related events will take place, several of which are recurring annual festivities, now a part of our annual Founders’ Day Week Celebration.
Most events will benefit non-profit organizations in the Punta Gorda area. Contact: Gene Murtha (941) 258-2080.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”3.22″ disabled=”on”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Event Schedule Title” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_padding=”0px|||” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]
Founders’ Week Events Schedule
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”3″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Event Schedule Content” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nothing But the Blues, Leslie DaCosta” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Nothing But the Blues, Leslie DaCosta
When: Friday, December 1, 2019 4pm-8pm
Where: Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda
What: A fundraiser for Blanchard House Museum
Description: Sultry southern African American blues,. Dance the shimmy & the slow drag, food & beverages. BYOB. Set-ups available, Southern small plates served. Free parking in Herald Court.
More Info: www.blanchardhousemuseum.org, 941-575-7518
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Holidays with Bella & Luna” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Celebrate the Holidays with Bella & Luna (Free)
When: Wednesday, December 3, 2019 11am-4pm
Where: Peace River Wildlife Center
What: Photos with Santa, Bella & Luna!
Description: Learn the African origins behind modern healthcare and the pioneers of Punta Gorda who practiced these medical wonders. After an initial presentation, participants will create their very own care package inspired by African traditional medicine.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”African Healthcare Origins in Punta Gorda” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
African Healthcare Origins in Punta Gorda (Free)
When: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 1pm-2pm
Where: Punta Gorda Charlotte Library
Who: Charlotte County History Services / Blanchard House of African American History & Culture
Description: Learn the African origins behind modern healthcare and the pioneers of Punta Gorda who practiced these medical wonders. After an initial presentation, participants will create their very own care package inspired by African traditional medicine.
More Info: Crystal Diff, 941-629-7278, [email protected]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Holiday Market” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Holiday Market (Free)
When: Friday, December 6, 2019, 12pm – 7pm
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8, 9am-4pm
Where: Visual Arts Center 210 Maud St Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Who: Visual Arts Center
Description: Over 50 vendors selling unique art and fine art.
More Info: Stacy Calvino, 941-916-2726, [email protected]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Southern Supper” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Southern Supper
When: Saturday, December 7, 2019 5pm
Where: Hurricane Charley’s
Who: Punta Gorda History Center
More Info: Gene Murtha or Theresa Murtha, 941-258-2080, [email protected]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tree Lighting 2019″ _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Light Up The Night, Tree Lighting 2019 (Free)
When: Friday, December 6, 2019 5:30pm-9pm
Where: Punta Gorda City Center
Who: Tree Lighting 2019
Description: Annual Punta Gorda Holiday Tree Lighting and Community Celebration featuring performances by children, teen and church groups starting at 5:30pm culminating in Santa’s arrival at 7pm to light the tree with members of City Council. Band to close from 7pm-9pm.
More Info: Donna Peterman, 412-576-1720, [email protected] or Melissa Reichart, 941-575-3394
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Then and Now: A Photography Exhibit” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Then and Now: A Photography Exhibit (Free)
When: December 2 – 8, 2019 9am – 4pm
Where: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Who: Visual Arts Center
Description: A collection of photographs of Punta Gorda from the Vernon Peeples collection with accompanying images of the same current locations.
More Info: Stacy Calvino, 941-916-2726, [email protected]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pearl Harbor Tribute” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Pearl Harbor Tribute, Sun Coast Wind Ensemble
When: December 7, 2019 7pm
Where: 900 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Who: Military Heritage Museum
Description: Open to the public, Admission is $15.00 p/p for this fantastic evening of music!
More Info: www.FreedomIsntFree.org, 941-575-9002
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Santa’s Winter Wonder Land” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Santa’s Winter Wonder Land (Free)
When: Sunday, December 1, 2019 11am – 5pm,
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 9am – 6pm
Where: Historic Courthouse, 226 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Who: Historic Courthouse
Description: Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections, Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Charlotte County Historic Courthouse. Tour our historic Courthouse building with Christmas displays, be greeted by the Conductor from the Polar Express and Santa’s Head Elf. Visit Mrs. Claus for story time, watch a Christmas movie, write a letter to Santa, and don’t forget to look around the corner…you may see the Grinch lurking around. Look out for live Elves on the Shelves! A new event is the School of Trees contest, so come by and VOTE for your favorite school’s Christmas tree. Meet and greet with Santa Claus, bring your camera to take pictures with Santa and his elves! There may be a few other surprises as well. Please NO FOOD OR PETS.
More Info: Chrisann, 941-833-5412, or Stephanie 941-833-5415
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”3″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Event Schedule Content” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ disabled=”on” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Presentation of the book “A Christmas Tea”
When: Sunday, December 2, 2018 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan St.
Who: GFWC Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
More Info: Linda Busler 941-979-0964
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Tours of the Historic Freeman House (free)
When: Monday, December 3, 2018 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Freeman House, 311 W. Retta Esplanade
Who: Charlotte County Chamber
More Info: Punta Gorda History Center, 941-916-8800
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Punta Gorda Founders: A Living History Presentation (free)
When: Thursday December 6, 2018 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Punta Gorda Library, 424 W. Henry St.
Who: Charlotte County Historical Center
More Info: Crystal Diff 941-629-7278
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Team Expo/Luminaria Ceremony (free) (donations accepted)
When: Thursday December 6, 2018 7pm-9pm
Where: Laishley Park Stage
Who: American Cancer Society
More Info: Wendy Rivera 941-328-3757
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Free Historic Trolley Tours
When: Monday, December 3, 2018 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Tours start at Kays, Ponger & Uselton, 635 E. Marion Av.
Who: Kays, Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home
More Info: Stacy Jones 941-815-0291
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Christmas Open House at The Woman’s Club (Route 66 Movie/Historical Display)
When: Tuesday December 4, 2018 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan St.
Who: Punta Gorda Historical Society
More Info: Jannett Hawley, 941-661-4611
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Wine and Cheese Reception for Opening of “Coming to Punta Gorda – Oxcarts to Airplanes” (free)
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Punta Gorda History Center, 415 E. Grace St.
Who: Punta Gorda History Center
More Info: Theresa Murtha, 941-916-3540 or 941-916-8800
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Event” _builder_version=”4.0.5″ custom_css_main_element=”border: solid 2px #8bcded;||border-radius: 8px;||padding: 12px 20px;”]
Charlotte Scarborough Taylor (Mother of Virginia Trabue) Workbook Presentation (free)
When: Friday December 7, 2018 3:30pm-4:30pm
Where: Punta Gorda Library, 424 W. Henry St.
Who: Charlotte County Historical Center
More Info: Annette Snapp 941-629-7278
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]