By Ayana Stewart
At the annual Sparklebration festival in Dade City, the air was filled with the smell of popcorn, the excited shrieks of children playing games and anticipation for an entertaining Independence Day.
Festivalgoers weren’t disappointed. There was something for everyone, regardless of age or background. The event featured free face painting, multiple eating contests, performances from talented artists, a petting zoo, skydiving and more.
Devon Dougherty is a member of Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel. The church brought pens, trinkets and toys and handed out free goodie bags to passerby. “It’s our third year at Sparklebration,” Devon explained. “We love serving our community and being out here.”
Although the skies darkened and rain started to fall halfway through the festival, it didn’t put a damper on the high spirits of patrons. Instead of leaving because of the storm, most waited the weather out in tents and chatted.
Laura and Aaron Fisk teach at a school for military children in Japan and visit family in Florida every summer. They brought their son Maddux to Sparklebration for the first time and didn’t regret it.
“It seemed like a lot of fun. There’s a lot to do and we’re excited for the fireworks,” Laura Fisk said.
Patrick Grady, a comedic hypnotist, filled up the Dan Cannon auditorium and captivated his audience with his fast-paced routine that was a hybrid between stand-up company and hypnosis of willing volunteers.
Ed and Wendy Morris of Wesley Chapel waited patiently in the long line in front of the free face-painting booth.
“We came because of our teenagers,” Wendy said. “It’s been nice.”
