Gecko

BRADENTON -- The first model of the 2010 Bradenton GeckoFest will be unveiled at the north side of City Hall during a ceremony at 1 p.m. today.

The fiberglass gecko will be painted in camouflage and wear with a yellow ribbon bearing the phrase ”Support Our Troops,“ and it will be holding an American flag.

GeckoFest is held every two years in Bradenton and is a fundraiser for the arts. Entering its third season, GeckoFest raises money for arts programs and artists through the sale of fiberglass geckos that are decorated by local artists. Gecko sculptures from previous events can still be seen on dozens of buildings downtown and throughout the county.

Artists decorate the geckos in their own style. Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations sponsor or buy them for display. Half of the proceeds from each gecko go to the artist, and the other half go to promoting the arts in Bradenton. The Bradenton Downtown Development Authority is sponsoring the soldier gecko.

The geckos usually don’t come out this early – the GeckoFest Preview Party isn’t until April 15 in Rossi Park – but this is a special circumstance. Designed and decorated by local artist Cecilia Eaton, the inspiration behind her work is her son, Army Spc. Evan Eaton, who is home on leave from Iraq for 15 days until Dec. 26.

Cecilia Eaton plans to donate her portion of proceeds generated from her creation, named ”Evan’s Gecko,“ to Manasota Operation Troop Support, a nonprofit organization providing support for overseas military troops and their families in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

GeckoFest is a Realize Bradenton event. Its major sponsor is Geico Insurance. Parking is free along Barcarrota Boulevard for people who attend, and there is metered parking available in the lot at Old Main Street and Third Avenue West.