When I drove up to Julian B. Lane Riverfront park, I didn't know what to expect. I've attended events in Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park many times. But this is the first time I ever set foot in Julian B. Lane Riverfront park, set to host the 50th Annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in 2020.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront park is Tampa's newest park. The city began construction of the $35 million park in July 2016, finishing about two years later in May 2018. The goal: to revitalize the west side of the Hillsborough River.
The 25-acre park, sitting across the river from The Straz, incorporates both the downtown and riverfront areas of Tampa. And it's already full of art — the city commissioned five different public art projects within the riverfront park, most notably Marc Fornes' "The Form of Wander."
The city started hosting events in the new park from the beginning, opening with the 5th annual Mayor's Mac & Cheese Throwdown and the Riverfront Rock festival featuring Third Eye Blind.
The park should be an ideal location for the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. At 25 acres, the new park is twice the size of Curtis Hixon Park. The extra space and amenities will likely bring more artists, vendors, and visitors in 2020, according to festival organizers.
The artist village, occupying the park's largest field, will be the focal point of the event. Everything else will surround the cluster of artists' tents, including the entertainment, the emerging artist tents, concessions, children's activities and Carmada, the popular show of vehicles decorated by artists.
The River Center will be the perfect location for the Saturday night gala event, GFA officials tell us. This is where I'm standing when they deliver the news — the River Center during the Artist Preview Party. I'm wearing jeans, because I thought I was going to a park. But the River Center is more like a swank lounge space within a park. Much to my chagrin, I notice that most of the women here are wearing cocktail dresses.
After GFA officials finish giving their spiel, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn gets up there in suit and tie. Yeah, I look ridiculous in these jeans. Anyhow, Buckhorn tells us what he thinks — what he hopes — this new park will do for the Gasparilla Festival of Arts and the City of Tampa.
"It's important that this festival grows with the city," he says. Moving GFA to the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront park will be like "putting the event on steroids."
"GFA has become one of Tampa's signature events" says Buckhorn, "This move is just further proof that this volunteer-run festival has grown its wings and, much like Tampa, is ready for its next chapter. I can't wait to see everyone flock to the new Riverfront Park and enjoy all GFA has to offer."
And just look at that skyline.
This article appears in Feb 14-21, 2019.