The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Enjoying entertainment, and sampling syrup

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Syrup-makers at ‘Raising Cane,’ an event at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, used the same techniques that were used in the 19th century to make sugar cane syrup. Here, Jerry Moates, of Zephyrhills, right, and Marcus Copeland, left, of Dade City, filter and skim the cane syrup juice as it boils down in the 80-gallon kettle. The Southern Syrup Maker’s Association also had a cane syrup tasting and competition at the event. (Fred Bellet)

For some, the chance to sample syrup was the big attraction.

Others wanted to watch a WW II reenactment.

Still others wanted to check out the traditional craft demonstrations, enjoy some food, or take a look at the model trains.

“Raising Cane,” an event held on Jan. 9 at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, seemed to have offerings that appealed to a diverse crowd.

The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured old-fashioned syrup making and tasting, music by Emett Stevens, and a chance to step back in time, while reenactors presented a battle from World War II.

Published January 20, 2021

World War II U.S. Army reenactor Joe Gibson, of Fort Myers, took part in the World War II battle reenactment at ‘Raising Cane.’ His wife, Tara Gibson, reenacted the role of a French Resistance freedom fighter.
Hannah Schultze, of Tampa, explains the major role that women in the service played during World War II.
Jennifer Pettys holds on to some stalks of cane sugar that she plans to plant at her Polk City home. She was the event with her friend, Lyle Combee, of Polk City.
Hannah Schultze, left, of Tampa, emphasizes the important role women in the service played during World War II. She and Hannah Hoffman, right, of Tampa, display a portion of a female Marine uniform.
World War II U.S. Army reenactor Joe Gibson, of Fort Myers, and Kevin Slaughter, of Brooksville, prepare a 943 GPW Jeep for a skirmish against German reenactors in a battle dubbed the ‘Raid on Renault.’
John Falls, of Dade City, made sure the fire was hot under the 80-gallon kettle used for syrup-making. Temperature readings showed the syrup reaching 200-degrees and more.
Mark Redden, 10, center, and his brother, Matthew Reddon, 8, right, both of Dade City, get a closer look at the boiling cane juice, as Jerry Moates, left, talks about the age-old process of making cane sugar syrup.
Mike Alvarez portrayed an American G.I., during a World War II battle reenactment at ‘Raising Cane.’ Here, Alvarez, wearing the U.S. Army uniform of a corporal in the 34th Infantry division, rests on a Browning heavy machine gun. He and others with the Florida Historical Preservation group took part in the reenactment designated as the ‘Raid on Renault.’
Dressed in 1800s-period clothing, Jeanene Fisher, of Zephyrhills, left, volunteered her time to make corn cakes. Here, she shows 7-year-old Raygan Mae Phillips, right, how to make the batter. The young girl was the event with her dad, Cody Phillips; her mom, Brandi Phillips; and, her little brother, Rhett Phillips, 3. In the background, smoke billows from the chimney over the syrup-making shed.

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