SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Local musician Doug Coventry, who is also the Florida Gulf Coast University Theater Kids instructor, was the first to perform Tuesday evening in Herald Court in downtown Punta Gorda in celebration of Punta Gorda’s 125th anniversary. The Theater Kids also performed a skit, “The Birth of Punta Gorda,” followed by the local folk band Still Friends. Punta Gorda historian Vernon Peeples Sr. was on hand to sign his new book, “Punta Gorda: In the Beginning 1865-1900.”

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Ruth and Dave Perisho check out the room dedicated to the history of Punta Gorda that also included the contents of the recently opened time capsule, which was buried in 1987.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Still Friends closed out the evening playing in the Herald Court.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

One of the youngest to attend the 125th Punta Gorda anniversary celebration Tuesday evening was 5-month-old Maya Yonker, in the arms of her mother, Bonnie.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

A few members of the FGCU Theater Kids gather for a photo backstage while waiting for their turn in the spotlight: Robert Manta, 7, Nicole Bratcher, 12, Maddie Odenweller, 11, Roxana Manta, 9, Jennifer Lena, 12, Angela Holland, 9, and Ava Ainsworth, 6.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Playing the part of a 'mullet,' Casey Keller almost looses his balance as his character is almost caught during the presentation of "The Birth of Punta Gorda," based on a few pages from the Vernon Peeples Sr. book "Punta Gorda: In the Beginning."

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Laurie and John Payne were among those who came out to enjoy the music of Doug Coventry, the FGCU Theater Kids' short skit, and celebrate Punta Gorda.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

John and Jan Goldersleeve enjoy the anniversary cake served at the 125th anniversary celebration.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Local historian Vernon Peeples Sr. was on hand to autograph his newest book, which Theresa Murtha found to be most informative.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Sitting on the lap of her mother, April Ainsworth, 3-year-old Eila holds her ears until the applause for singer Doug Coventry ended.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Sitting on the lap of her mother, April Ainsworth, 3-year-old Eila holds her ears until the applause for singer Doug Coventry ended.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Dressed in period clothing, Bob and Cate Peterson stand out front of Florida Gulf Coast University in downtown Punta Gorda, letting people know where the celebration is taking place.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Dressed in period clothing, Bob and Cate Peterson stand out front of Florida Gulf Coast University in downtown Punta Gorda, letting people know where the celebration is taking place.