Floridania Fest returns to Gulfport for another year of kitschy collecting

This month’s memorabilia show reminds us why we’ve always loved Florida.

By Suzanne Townsend on Thu, Apr 18, 2024 at 4:33 pm

Photo via FloridaCollector/Facebook

Floridania Fest vendors sell and swap funky Florida memorabilia.

What made the Sunshine State so alluring to tourists before Disney? Maybe it was the bathing beauties or maybe it was the warm weather, but one thing is certain—hoards of folks have a special nostalgia for vintage Florida.

Folks like author and historian Ken Breslauer, who founded the event 30 years ago to connect collectors and create community. Breslauer has published several books on topics like Florida roadside attractions, souvenirs and architecture.

This year Floridania Fest (stylized “FLoridania”) hosts 27 vendors selling and swapping funky Florida memorabilia like postcards, snow globes, ashtrays and other items. Whether you’re attending just to look around or get ahead on gift-buying for your grandma with the beach-themed bathroom, there are plenty of treasures to check out.

Downtown Gulfport has a trove of restaurants and more shopping opportunities for visitors as well, just outside the festival.

Tickets for Floridania Fest happening Saturday, April 27 at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom are $5 at the door. Kids 14 and under get in free.
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About The Author

Suzanne Townsend

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Email Suzanne Townsend

Suzanne Townsend is a senior at the University of South Florida, dual majoring in Digital Communications and Multimedia Journalism, plus art history. She’s also Arts & Life editor at the Crow’s Nest, the student newspaper at USF’s St. Pete Campus. She graduates in May 2024.

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