The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Here’s a New Year’s resolution for you: Go out and have some fun!

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Of course, life does have its share of work – so shouldn’t it also have its share of fun?

We think so, so we compiled a few ideas to help you get 2024 off to a good start.

We hope you’ll find something here that will add a new bounce to your step, a little laughter with others, and just generally add joy to your life.

Note: This listing only covers the first few months of 2024. Check back again for ways to have fun later in the year.

Steam rises from the huge vat containing sugar cane juice, as volunteers Marcus Copeland, of Dade City, left, and Jasper Starnes, of Zephyrhills, work on skimming any impurities that bubble to the top during the sugar cane syrup-making process. The demonstration occurred in the Cane Mill at a previous Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival. (File)

January
Raising Cane & Moonshine Festival
When: Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, in Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under age 5. Parking is free.
Details: The event will feature live sugar cane syrup making, a syrup tasting contest, live music, vendors, blacksmith demonstrations, model trains, ax throwing, and more. All museum buildings will be open to tour. No pets or coolers will be permitted.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

The Kumquat Festival celebrates the kumquat — a fruit grown in nearby St. Joe, which is known as the Kumquat Capital of the World. The annual event also allows Dade City to show off its southern charm, the Historic Pasco County Courthouse and the downtown shops and restaurants, along with the festival’s vendors and activities. This year’s festival is on Jan. 27.

26th annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission; parking available in public and private lots in downtown
Details: Visitors can enjoy a slice of kumquat pie, drink a glass of kumquat beer and take home some kumquats or a variety of goodies celebrating the tiny orange-colored fruit.
Info: DadeCityChamber.org, or contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at 352-567-3769 or 

February
35th annual Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 5. 
Details: The event features a demonstration of strength during the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull, which begins at the stroke of noon. It also showcases the intricate work completed by quilters. In addition to the quilt exhibition, there will be a quilt appraiser, live entertainment and vendors.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Pigz in Z’Hills Barbecue & Blues Festival
When: Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fifth Avenue, in Zephyrhills
Cost: Many free and paid parking options will be available
Details: Live blues music, barbecue vendors, a cornhole tournament, grilling competition, wing eating contest, hog calling contest, business expo and more.
Info: ZephyrhillsChamber.org

The Orbiter is seen in motion at a previous Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms. This year, the fair is set for Feb. 19 through Feb. 25.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 through Feb. 25
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for those age 5 and under (Feb. 20 is carload night. The charge is $70 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a carload of up to six belted passengers, which includes admission and a ride wristband.)
Details: The fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and all sorts of competitions.
Info: PascoCountyFair.com

Steve Melton, a Dade City rancher and cowboy poet, recites a poem he calls, ‘The Rain at Billy Goat Sink.’ Melton shared about a dozen poems and stories with the audience inside the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Mabel Jordan Barn, during the inaugural Cracker Cowboy Day event. This year’s event is set for March 2.

March
Cracker Cowboy Day
When: March 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children, free for children under age 5
Details: Get ready to be transported back to the time when Florida’s cracker cowboys rounded up cattle through the sound of their trusty whips. There also will be demonstrations galore, as well as chances for children to practice their roping skills and visit a petting zoo. Other features include Cowboy Poetry, samples from a local distillery, vendors and more.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Pasco Blues Fest
When: March 9, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $15 for early birds; $25 general admission
Details: Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets as they listen to three bands at the event. There will be food and drink available for purchase. This is a kid and pet-friendly event.
Info: FloridaPenguinProductions.com

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont. This year’s event is set for March 16.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
When: March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 37603 Meridian Ave., in Dade City (on Meridian across from the Edwinola)
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons and their furry friends can team up for activities including a dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest, and an ice cream/yogurt eating competition. Vendors will be on hand (and are still being accepted for the event).
Info: Contact Lucy Avila at 352-424-4972 or

Jelly Bean Fling
When: March 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Details: There will be live entertainment and craft demonstrations, and of course, kids will be able to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny, go on an egg hunt and take advantage of other activities.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Check back around April to find another slate of activities for future months.

Published January 10, 2024