The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Freedom Fest entertains and delights

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The fourth annual Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival drew thousands to The Shops at Wiregrass on July 3.

Kids and adults face-planted in watermelon during the watermelon-eating contest.

David Towner, of Tampa, stopped for a snapshot while making his way along the booths and exhibits at The Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival on July 3. There were 50 vendors at this year’s festival. The event drew an estimated 40,000, up 10 percent over last year, said Debbie Detweiler, marketing director for The Shops at Wiregrass. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
David Towner, of Tampa, stopped for a snapshot while making his way along the booths and exhibits at The Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival on July 3. There were 50 vendors at this year’s festival. The event drew an estimated 40,000, up 10 percent over last year, said Debbie Detweiler, marketing director for The Shops at Wiregrass.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Competitors put their creativity on display for the bike-decorating contest.

Little boys and little girls did their best to charm the judges and the crowd during the Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker Pageant.

Children had a blast jumping around in bounce houses and playing with animal-shaped balloons.

The parking lots were full. Restaurants were buzzing. And people of all ages were decked out in red and white and hanging out all over the mall during the event, hosted by The Shops at Wiregrass and the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.

Festivities concluded with a 10-minute fireworks show, sponsored by Land O Lakes Moving, which drew “Whoos!” and “Whoas!” along with oohs and ahs from those gathered.

“I feel like I’m at Disney World,” one boy in the crowd pronounced.

Xavier Abreu, 10, of New Port Richey, keeps an eye on the competition as Wesley Chapel's Michael Lopergalo, 11, eats his way closer to the rind and wins first place in the youth division of the watermelon-eating contest.
Xavier Abreu, 10, of New Port Richey, keeps an eye on the competition as Wesley Chapel’s Michael Lopergalo, 11, eats his way closer to the rind and wins first place in the youth division of the watermelon-eating contest.
Four-year-old Noor Keraa wore her patriotic headdress as she watches the contestants of the Little Miss Firecracker pageant during the Wesley Chapel Freedom Fest at The Shops at Wiregrass. She was at the Independence Day event with her dad, Sami Keraa of Wesley Chapel.
Four-year-old Noor Keraa wore her patriotic headdress as she watches the contestants of the Little Miss Firecracker pageant during the Wesley Chapel Freedom Fest at The Shops at Wiregrass. She was at the Independence Day event with her dad, Sami Keraa of Wesley Chapel.
Some of the older contestants took to a little exercise with Hula Hoops before the start of the Freedom Fest Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker pageant.
Some of the older contestants took to a little exercise with Hula Hoops before the start of the Freedom Fest Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker pageant.
Madelyn Moodie, with parents Rachell and Matt Moodie, was the Little Miss Firecracker overall girls winner. (Photo provided)
Madelyn Moodie, with parents Rachell and Matt Moodie,
was the Little Miss Firecracker overall girls winner.
(Photo provided)

 

Two-year-old Jaycee Watkins, of Wesley Chapel, gets in a little exercise prior to her stage appearance for the Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker Pageant. She was there with her mom, Casie Watkins, of Wesley Chapel.
Two-year-old Jaycee Watkins, of Wesley Chapel, gets in a little exercise prior to her stage appearance for the Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker Pageant. She was there with her mom, Casie Watkins, of Wesley Chapel.

 

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