No Gecko, No Cry

By Lynn Taylor

The Gecko Ball, arguably the most popular annual event in Gulfport, was canceled this year, like so much else, due to COVID-19. But even a pandemic can't dampen the spirit of devotees of Gulfport’s unofficial mascot, who are dreaming of next year – and planning their costumes for “Geckostand” 2021. Gecko Queen Jody Robinson will fulfill her queenly duties for another year. In the meantime, the Gabber’s taking a trip down memory lane with the help of costumer and regular Gecko Ball organizer, Jon Ziegler, to celebrate Gecko Ball through the years.

2009 The Gecko Ball debuted in 2009 with no theme and few pictures are available. It was held at Bellini’s (now Sea Dog Cantina). It was the year the Geckotini, the signature cocktail for all Gecko balls since, was introduced.

2010 The first themed Gecko Ball: “Geckos in Wonderland.” It was held at the Peninsula Inn, and sold out. This was the first year organizers introduced a live Gecko Art Auction. Artists used gecko templates to showcase their artistic talents.

2011 This year’s theme was “The Lizard of Oz.” The Peninsula Inn hosted and it was, once again, a sell out.

2012 “Hooray for Geckowood” was the theme for 2012, and was the last Gecko Ball held at the Peninsula Inn because the party was getting too big.

2013 The first Gecko Ball held at the Casino, “Gecko Night Fever,” sold out at 400 people. The late Faun Weaver was crowned the first Gecko Queen. This year also saw the first public vote on the Gecko Ball theme.

2014 “Roaring Geckos” was a hit, selling out at 400 tickets. The Gecko Queen that year was Wesley Ray.

2015 NOLA vibes abounded with a “Gecko Gras” theme and Vivian Hawker became the Gecko Queen.

2016 Attendees went “20,000 Geckos Under the Sea” and Joan Samuel was crowned Gecko Queen. This year introduced the Gecko Art Show,

which highlighted artists who created geckos for the live auction. This was the first year artists were given free rein to use whatever medium they chose for their geckos.

2017 “Geckostock” proved to be a groovy theme and Brian Liggins took home the Gecko Queen honor.

2018 “GeckoCon” celebrated the comicon culture with superheroes and more for the 10th year Gecko Ball. The Gecko Queen that year was Jon Ziegler.

2019 “Geckos of The Round Table” saw Jody Robinson crowned Gecko Queen. Her reign will continue to next year.

Incumbent Gecko Queen Jody Robinson and 2018 emeritus Gecko Queen Jon Ziegler brought it back to where it all started, the Peninsula Inn.

Laura Mulrooney

Saturday, August 29 would have marked Gecko Ball’s 12th anniversary. While the event, like so much else, was canceled, the spirit of GeckoFest lives on.

“This year is about the recovery and the resiliency of the community,” said Gecko Ball Chair Brittney Sherley. “A lot of people are really upset about it being canceled, but I haven’t been as emotionally impacted by not having it as some people, because I know that it’s not going to be lost. I know that this event is such a strong part of the culture here in Gulfport that I’m not worried about. Next year when we are able to host it, it will be wonderful.”

In lieu of a fancy gathering, two of Gulfport’s Gecko Queens decided the day should still be celebrated.

and 2018 emeritus Gecko Queen Jon Ziegler brought it back to where it all started, the Historic Peninsula Inn in Gulfport, which hosted the early balls. Queens Ziegler and Robinson invited all who were interested for a drink or two as the crew reminisced on Gecko Balls past.

“I can’t be upset about Gecko Ball being canceled,” said Ziegler. “Yeah, I’m sad, but not really sad. You have to think of the welfare of others and our community. Human life is kind of an important thing.”

“Gecko Ball represents our community; it’s not just about the party, it’s about Gulfport and I think that’s why people love it so much,” said Sherley. “I’m just looking forward to next year more than anything.”

The late Faun Weaver, left, was crowned Gecko Queen 2013, and celebrated "Gecko Night Fever" with Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson and Troy Kerr, right.

Cathy Salustri