CONTACT: Brian Ososky
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
863-734-1210; bososky@boktower.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2014

Bok Tower Gardens Celebrates 85th Anniversary February 1

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Bok Tower Gardens commemorates its 85th anniversary with free admission and a special Dedication Day ceremony on Saturday, February 1 with former U.S. Senator Bob Graham. “Your Story Is Our Story” is the theme of the day’s event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Historic Landmark was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929 as a gift to the American people from Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian and world peace advocate Edward Bok. Bok’s grandmother told him to “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it,” which he did throughout his lifetime – and it still guides the Gardens’ mission today.

According to Garden’s president David Price, Edward Bok’s vision to create a garden as a sanctuary for people and wildlife is as important and relevant in today’s world as it was 85 years ago. “We’re celebrating not only Bok’s gift, but also the public that has loved, protected, and supported this place. And we’re honored to have special guests in attendance including Bob Graham, former governor and senator of Florida, who will speak during our Dedication ceremony at 11 a.m.”

One of the Gardens’ most popular special events, “Crossing the Moat,” gives visitors a rare opportunity to pass through the historic iron gates that surround the Singing Tower for a closer look at the Great Brass Door. Designed by renowned master metal worker Samuel Yellin, the Tower’s imposing door weighs approximately 1,100 pounds and features 32 brass panels depicting the Biblical story of creation.

Japanese drummers will perform at 10:15 a.m. to invite all present to the Singing Tower for a ceremony featuring the presentation of the colors by the Lake Wales High School JROTC, followed by the singing of "America the Beautiful" by Amelia Updike, community volunteer and friend of Bok Tower Gardens.

Father Tom Seitz, Jr. from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales will give the invocation, and the City of Lake Wales will present a proclamation declaring the first week of February as “Bok Tower Gardens Week."

Former U.S. Senator Bob Graham will speak about the rich history and passion of Edward Bok and the historical importance of Bok Tower Gardens to the State of Florida. This will be followed by a major announcement affecting the future of the Gardens.

Dundee Ridge Middle School “Select Choir,” directed by Cathy Montero, will perform together with Geert D’hollander on the Singing Tower carillon. Complimentary refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Other Dedication Day activities include:

• Free Pinewood Estate tours from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.
• Free greenhouse tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Free conservation tours at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.
• Family tree planting event at 2 p.m. in honor of Bok’s enduring interest in nature
• Distribution of 2,500 longleaf pine seedlings for visitors to plant at home
• “A Look Back” exhibit in the Visitor Center featuring lesser-known facts, stories and photographs from throughout the Gardens’ 85-year history

Bok Tower Gardens is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org for more information.

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Upcoming Events at Bok Tower Gardens:

• January 18, 9 a.m. to 12 noon—Winter Dog Day
  Leashed and friendly dogs are invited for this special day with activities including dog health & safety information, and adoptions. Dog admission $5 each, with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Polk County. Normal human rates apply.
• January 19, 5 p.m.—David Pedraza Viola & Piano Duo, Music at Pinewood Series
  David Pedraza on the viola and Anastasiya Timofeeva on the piano will perform classical works from composers George Enescu, Benjamin Britten and Paul Hindemith. Tickets are $25 per person.
• January 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m.—Volunteer Job Fair
  Learn new skills, meet new people, and have fun. Join the staff of Bok Tower Gardens at its annual Volunteer Job Fair on Friday, January 24. A variety of opportunities are available. RSVP online.
• January 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Beginning Watercolors with Instructor Cathy Futral
  Learn wash, wet-in-wet, and dry brush watercolor techniques, color mixing and layering. Breakfast, lunch and supplies provided. Registration is $85 per person.

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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. 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.