Organizers of the 54th annual Rattlesnake Festival and the 42nd annual Rattlesnake Run have called the festivities off this year because of concerns about COVID-19. The Thomas Promise Foundation Board of Directors, which assumed ownership of the festival four years ago, recently announced its decision to cancel this year’s event. "We felt it was better to act with caution due to the COVID-19 … [Read more...]
Options abound to make 2020 memorable
January 2, 2020 By
It has become a tradition of The Laker/Lutz News to give our readers a preview of what’s in store for the year ahead in terms of fun family outings, affordable entertainment and opportunities to add more color to their lives. Here’s our look ahead for 2020. January Raising Cane, A Sweet & Spicy Event When: Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, … [Read more...]
Rattlesnake Festival makes gains despite ‘Nestor’
November 6, 2019 By
The Rattlesnake Festival had its biggest year since The Thomas Promise Foundation took over, despite the appearance of Tropical Storm Nestor, event organizers say. “We’ll be able to provide 100,000 lunches as a result of this years’ Rattlesnake Festival,” Joe Simmons, executive director for The Thomas Promise Foundation, said in a news release. “That’s more than the last two years. Imagine … [Read more...]
This year’s Rattlesnake Festival is one for the books
October 23, 2019 By
This year’s Rattlesnake Festival started off with a bang. That is because Darby’s own musical siblings, The Bellamy Brothers, kicked off the 53rd annual festival off with a very special, Oct. 18 evening concert, marking the first time the musicians played the festival in decades. Hundreds packed the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds to hear Howard Bellamy and his … [Read more...]
Rattlesnake Festival offers new features, special guests
October 9, 2019 By
It’s that time of year again, when the Rattlesnake Festival offers two full days of fun at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, following a special concert by the world-famous Bellamy Brothers to kick off this year’s event. The Bellamy Brothers will perform on the evening of Oct. 18, with separate tickets sold for that event. The traditional festival activities will be offered on Oct. 19 and Oct. … [Read more...]
Bellamy Brothers headline Rattlesnake Festival
September 25, 2019 By
The Bellamy Brothers are returning to a local festival that launched the beginning of their iconic country music career five decades ago. Darby natives and residents Howard and David Bellamy will headline a special concert at the 53rd annual Rattlesnake Festival on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Pasco County Fairgrounds’ Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. The duo will be … [Read more...]
Snakes, scorpions and tortoises, oh my
October 24, 2018 By
Whether it was to learn about snakes, check out a Wild West Show, do a bit of arts and crafts, shopping or listening to music — visitors to the 52nd annual Rattlesnake Festival had plenty of choices. A crowd, estimated at over 9,000, visited the two-day show with near-perfect weather this past weekend at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City. The lineup for the festival, which moved this … [Read more...]
Pasco County Fairgrounds gears up for Rattlesnake Festival
October 17, 2018 By
The Rattlesnake Festival, a community tradition for more than a half-century, has moved to a new locale — the Pasco County Fairgrounds. The move from San Antonio City Park — its venue for 51 years — comes as the event’s host, The Thomas Promise Foundation, decided it was time for a roomier setting. While shifting to the fairgrounds, many of the event’s traditions will continue. For instance, … [Read more...]
The Laker/Lutz News wins ‘Best of Show’
October 25, 2017 By
The Laker/Lutz News received Best of Show distinction at the 2017 Awards for Excellence competition sponsored by Community Papers of Florida trade association. This top award was presented to Publisher Diane Kortus at the group’s annual meeting held Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at Hutchinson Island. The Best of Show was awarded for a full-page ad, “Fun on 41 – Discover the Wonders,” that uses a … [Read more...]
‘Ranch Days’ debuts this weekend
February 8, 2017 By
Little Everglades Ranch is rolling out the welcome mat this weekend for a new event called “Ranch Days.” Slated for Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event features live music, tethered hot air balloon rides, hiking tours, tram tours, a balloon glow and exhibitions, including high-wiring walking, indigenous snakes and birds of prey. “The property … [Read more...]
