Gulf Coast St. David’s Welsh Society
Wales flag
Daffodils are the national flower of Wales
The leek has been a symbol of Wales for hundreds of years. St David, the patron saint of Wales, told Welsh soldiers to wear the leek on their helmets, so they could better spot each other when in battle against the Saxons who wore similar armour. The tactic worked and secured the Welsh army a great victory.
Cardiff Bay Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Photo by Peyton Wells on Unsplash
The Gulf Coast St. David's Welsh Society of Sarasota, Florida, was established in 1984 to celebrate St. David's Day on March 1. This volunteer organization is comprised of people of Welsh Heritage, Welsh citizens who live in or visit Sarasota, and people who love Wales and its music. The Society hosts a picnic in the fall, an Annual Meeting in January, a St. David's Day Celebration on March 1, and informal gatherings. Committee meetings as well as activities are open to all. Annual membership is $10 per person. If you have any questions, email us at sarasotawelsh@gmail.com. All are welcome.
Upcoming Events
THE GULF COAST ST. DAVID'S WELSH SOCIETY
ANNUAL WELSH SOCIETY PICNIC
12:30 SUNDAY AFTERNOON OCTOBER 25, 2026
BEE RIDGE PARK
4430 SOUTH LOCKWOOD RIDGE ROAD AT WILKINSON ROAD, SARASOTA
Bring a choice of beverage for your family and a dish to share on the buffet table to complement the burgers and hot dogs provided by our Welsh Society.
The picnic is free to our members, $5 for guests. 2027 memberships ($10) may be paid at that time.
If a picnic table is uncomfortable for you, feel free to bring folding chairs or cushions.
Restrooms are attached to the pavilion and parking is very close and accessible.
There is a playground and a basketball court.
This is a great opportunity to invite your family members, Welsh friends (and Welsh wannabees) of all ages.
We look forward to socializing and eating and singing and hearing about travels, especially to Wales or the North American Festival in Massachusetts.
You are invited to wear something representing Wales and/or fall, or Halloween!
RSVP: So the committee will know how to prepare for the big day, please contact Secretary Kathryn Sachdev 941-718-2430: ksach14@yahoo.com by October 22 with names of those in your party
NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVAL of Wales
September 2-6, 2026, Springfield, MA.
Schedule of Events:
Debut of Welsh language theatre with Parti Priodas!
*Thursday concert with Eve Goodman and Gwilym Bowen Rhys
*Saturday concert with Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Rhys Meirion and Jess Robinson
*Gymanfa Ganu directed by Tim Rhys-Evans and accompanist David Enlow
Annual Membership Dues
You may pay your dues @ $10 per adult at any time to:
The Treasurer
Gulf Coast St David's Welsh Society
PO Box 19343
Sarasota, FL 34276
Checks should be made payable to:
The Gulf Coast St. David's Welsh Society
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,
gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O budded i'r hen iaith barhau.