Longboat Lawn Party, delayed until March, now canceled

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key holds its annual fundraiser during the first week of December, except in 2024 because of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The proposed plan was to delay the event until February or March of this year. On Thursday, Kiwanis President Michael Garey delivered the news that the Lawn Party would have to be delayed again.

"This decision was not made lightly, but various challenges—including the recent hurricanes, preparation delays, and restaurant availability—have made it clear that postponing until December is in the best interest of the event’s long term success," Garey said in a statement.

The Lawn Party is the biggest event of the year for the Kiwanis Club and one of the biggest events on Longboat. It features prominent local restaurants including Cafe on St. Armands (formerly Cafe L'Europe), Columbia, Harry's Continental Kitchen and the Lazy Lobster, which Garey owns.

All funds raised go to the Children's Guardian Fund, and in 2023 the event, raffles and ticket sales brought in $102,150.

"The extra time will allow us to rebuild momentum, secure sponsorships, and ensure another memorable experience for our guests and beneficiaries," Garey said.

The event will go on at its traditional time of Dec. 6 at Ken Thompson Park.