By B.C. Manion
Volunteers are still needed to help with the Land O’ Lakes 2011 Swamp Fest, a community event hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club.
“We’re very, very dependent on volunteers,” said Doug Hutchinson, who is co-chairing the event with Mike Conner.
The festival is slated for Nov. 4-6 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
The event aims to bring the community together and serve as a fundraiser for many different causes at the same time, Hutchinson said.
Various venues are selling wristbands in advance of the event, Hutchinson said.
Buying early is a good deal, he said, noting the wristbands are $12 in advance and $20 during the event.
The midway is being handled by W.G. Wade Shows. It will feature 22 rides, 14 or 15 games and seven or eight food vendors, Hutchinson said.
The Central Pasco Optimist Club will be selling boiled peanuts and corn on the cob and Dipping Dots will be selling ice cream, Hutchinson added.
Some businesses and some nonprofit organizations also will have booths at the event, the organizer said.
“We tried to make it a true community fair,” Hutchinson said.
Swamp Fest began as a fundraiser at Land O’ Lakes High, home of the Gators and that’s what inspired the festival’s name, Hutchinson said.
Besides rides, games and food, the event also features live performances.
The entertainment tent will feature bands on Friday night and music all day on Saturday.
On Sunday, performances by youth dance and drama groups will be featured.
“That’s a big day for all those kids,” Hutchinson said. “The kiddie rides will get a good work out that day,” he added.
There is no admission charge, but parking is $5 a car.
This year, as part of the event, the organizers are conducting a survey to solicit ideas to improve the festival. The event has several sponsors, including The Laker.
Anyone who would like to volunteer at the event should call Hutchinson at (813) 293-3684.
LOL SwampFest
When: Friday, Nov. 4: 4-11 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 6: Noon-6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
What: Rides, games, entertainment, food, business and community organization booths
For more information, visit http://www.lolswampfest.com
Ticket outlets
— Connerton, Denham Oaks and Lake Myrtle elementary schools
— Pineview and Rushe middle schools
–Land O’ Lakes High
–Kids Stuff Daycare
–Song and Dance Academy
–Beef O’Brady’s in Wilderness, Sunlake and Village Lakes
