CONTACT: Randall Rupert
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(863) 734-1210; rrupert@boktower.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2016

87th Anniversary Celebration at the Gardens

LAKE WALES, FLA. - Bok Tower Gardens will commemorate its proud history as one of America's finest gardens during this year's Dedication Day celebrations. On January 30 and 31, one of the Gardens' most popular special events, "Crossing the Moat," gives visitors a rare opportunity to cross the moat surrounding the Singing Tower and walk past the Tower's Great Brass Door. Visitors can enter through the wrought iron gates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day to view the Great Brass Door and view Edward Bok's burial site. The gates will close at 1 and 3 p.m. for the live carillon concerts. Other activities planned for the weekend include playing the original Dedication Day video from 1929 in the Visitor Center and exterior guided tours of the Singing Tower at noon each day. Visit www.boktowergardens.org for more information.

On January 30 and 31, Geert D'hollander, the fourth carillonneur in the Gardens' 87 year history will perform live carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. Concerts will showcase pieces arranged by Anton Brees, the Gardens first carillonneur, and a selection of the Carillon Library's oldest manuscripts from the late 19th century. The programmed concerts will include pieces by composers like Chopin and Chabrier. Visitors can view these live performances on the video monitor behind the Japanese Lantern on the west side of the Tower.

Visitors can meet nationally-recognized author, photographer and design consultant Rick Darke, who will offer a presentation of local and regional photography that highlight landscaping biodiversity on January 30 at 10 a.m. for an additional fee. Tickets can be purchased by calling our event line at (863) 734-1222.

The first music performance of the Rising Artist Series: Music at Pinewood takes place on January 31, 2016 at 4 p.m. Presented in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and the Lake Wales Arts Council, the Rising Artist Series features classical selections by Harrison School for the Arts chorale, strings, piano and guitar scholars. Tickets can be purchased by calling our event line at (863) 734-1222.

Pinewood Estate will be open for self-guided tours daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Historic home tour tickets can be purchased at the Entrance Gate, Visitor Center or Pinewood Estate. Guided gardens tours, offered daily, take visitors on an hour-long walking tour, sharing information regarding the flora and fauna as well as Gardens' history. Tour times are Monday through Saturday at noon and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., and are included with general admission.

Lake Wales artist Jayne Crews Linton's exhibit, "Florida Impressions" is on display in the Visitor Center through April 14. The artwork is available for purchase with a portion of the profits benefiting Bok Tower Gardens. Call (863) 676-1408 for more information.

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About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida's best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida's rolling hills of citrus. The Gardens are open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children under 12. For more information, contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853; (863) 676-1408; or visit www.boktowergardens.org.