FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Linda Seufert, Green Thumb Festival Committee, (727) 893-7335

Media Inquiries: Robert Clydesdale, (727) 893-7041, (727) 735-7808, cell.

22nd ANNUAL GREEN THUMB FESTIVAL APRIL 26 AND 27

St. Petersburg, Fla. (April 18, 2008) – The Green Thumb Festival, St. Petersburg’s annual free Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration returns to Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Avenue N., on April 26 and 27. In its 22nd year, the free family festival features horticultural and environmental exhibits, programs and seminars highlighting ways to landscape effectively, conserve natural resources, recycle, and improve the environment. Featuring more than 140 exhibitors and vendors, the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the 133-acre park in west St. Petersburg. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Mayor Rick Baker will receive the prestigious Tree City USA Award at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the annual Green Thumb Awards. Festival highlights include a plant give-away, children's plant fair, trees for sale for $3, plant auction (Saturday at 2 p.m.), plant diagnostic clinic, free mulch, The Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show, tool sharpening clinic, Grow and Share program, kid's crafts (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), door prizes, and food and entertainment for the whole family. Customers for tool sharpening are reminded to bring their tools, and those wanting to have their soil and water tested should bring samples in clean containers.

In the Festival main tent, a variety of adult and children's programs are offered. Programs for everyone include: Rain Barrels, An Alternative for Saving Water; Using Native Plants to Enhance Your Environment; Propagating Edible Trees; and How to Grow and Care for Orchids. Children's events include Chep's Wild World of Nature, Hands on Planet Earth, the Wonderful World of Nature, and the ever popular Mad Science programs.

Inside the Walter Fuller Community Center at the Festival, The Garden Club of St. Petersburg features “Gardens in Focus”, a standard flower show presented by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs - District VIII. The competition awards excellence in floral design based on horticulture, artistic design and special exhibits. Flower show hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The Children’s Plant Fair is at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Children may bring their plants for judging and will receive a gift as long as supplies last. Ribbons will be awarded.

The Green Thumb Festival is sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg, The Garden Club of St. Petersburg, The St. Petersburg Times, Valpak.com, the Pinellas County Extension Service, Pinellas Technical Education Center, Landscape Maintenance Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

A program schedule (PDF) is attached. For more information about Green Thumb Festival activities or to volunteer, visit www.stpete.org/greenthumb or call 727-893-7335.

No. 08-32