Bok Tower Gardens > News > Dedication Day 2011 Announced

Dedication Day 2011 Announced

Category : News   January 19, 2011

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Edward W Bok was inspired by his grandmother at a young age to “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” He used this as inspiration to build one of the most beautiful carillon towers in the world.

Construction began on the 205-foot Singing Tower in 1927 by some of the greatest artisans of the day. On February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Tower and gardens on behalf of Edward Bok as a gift to the American people.

For 82 years Mr. Bok’s inspired gift has served as a source of personal, spiritual and cultural enrichment to all who have visited it.

Help us commemorate our proud history as one of America’s finest gardens during this year’s Dedication Day celebrations!

Crossing the Moat

January 29 & 30 from noon – 1 p.m. and 2 – 3 p.m.

Visitors can cross the moat surrounding the Tower to walk past the Great Brass Door and Mr. Bok’s burial site.

Original Dedication Day Video

January 29 & 30

Watch the original recording of the Dedication Day in 1929 in the Visitor Center.

Carillon Concerts

January 29 – February 1 at 1 and 3 p.m.

William De Turk is the third carillonneur in our 82 year history. He will play two thirty-minute concerts at 1 & 3 p.m. Visitors also can view his live performances from a video monitor behind the Peace Lantern on the west side of the Tower.

Scavenger Hunt

January 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Explore the Gardens like never before during our Dedication Day Scavenger Hunt! Each clue will lead you through the Gardens in search of the next! This activity is offered free with admission to the Gardens!

To participate in this activity complete this form to receive the location of the first clue and additional instructions. Instructions will appear as soon as your information is submitted – once they appear, print this page for use when you arrive for the scavenger hunt.

[contact-form 15 "Dedication Day Scavenger Hunt Clue"]

The first four families to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Tower & Garden Gift Shop and lunch for four in our Café. All other families will receive a coupon good for 10% off purchases in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop and a free cookie or small ice cream in our Café.

Book Signing with Jan Privett

January 29 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Meet Jan Privett outside the Tower & Garden Gift Shop to learn about her new book “Images of America: Lake Wales.”

Pinewood Estate Tours

January 29 from  noon – 4 p.m. and January 30 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Tour the magnificent Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate and learn of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. The 20-room mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will receive a program to help guide your tour through the history of the home and its furnishings and docents are available throughout to answer any questions you may have about the home.

Guided Garden Tours

January 29 at noon and 2 p.m. and January 30 at 2 p.m.

Join a Garden Guide on a 45 minute walking tour of the Gardens. Your Guide will share information about different plants as well as history regarding the Singing Tower and Gardens. Each tour begins near the fountain by the Visitor Center and takes you to the base of the Tower. Garden tours are included with admission to the Gardens.

Sweeten the deal – get a 20% Gift Shop discount

New, upgraded or gift membership purchased January 29 & 30 will receive a 20% off coupon for the Tower & Garden Gift Shop!