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Rattlesnake Festival

Pandemic cancels Rattlesnake Fest

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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 pandemic,” Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, said in a news release. “Cases of coronavirus are on the upswing in Florida and who knows where we will be in October? Therefore, with the safety of our vendors and community paramount, we will cancel this year’s festival and plan for an exceptional Rattlesnake Festival in 2021.”

David and Howard Bellamy performed for a sold-out crowd on Oct. 18, 2019, at the Rattlesnake Festival. It was their first performance at the event since 1968. (File)

The board is committed to resuming the venerable festival and the popular Rattlesnake Run in 2021, Thomas said, in the release.

This is the first time the festival will not be held since its inception in 1967.

The Thomas Promise Foundation provides six weekend meals to food-insecure children. It has continued its mission during the COVID-19 crisis, feeding nearly 2,000 children each week.

Net proceeds from the festival are used to support the Thomas Promise Foundation’s food program.

“While COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty for all of us, the continued generosity of individuals and local businesses has enabled us to maintain our summer feeding program,” Simmons said. “This is a critical time for many families, unlike anything they have ever faced. We have a lot on our plate making sure kids have something on their plate.”

The Rattlesnake Festival and Rattlesnake Run are long-held traditions, first held at San Antonio City Park before moving in recent years to the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

Organizers for the Rattlesnake Festival have changed through the years, but the goals of providing a place where the community can gather and have fun, while raising money to support a good cause — have remained constant through the years.

Those who would like to contribute to help feed children can reach Simmons at (813) 780-0000, or send a message through The Thomas Promise Foundation Facebook Page or Twitter account. Simmons can also be reached by email at .

Published July 08, 2020

Options abound to make 2020 memorable

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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, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 admission per person
Details: Competitors can share their custom-made sugar cane syrup for a cook off. A chili competition also will take place and pancakes will be provided. Patrons can also sample chili at $3.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262.

10th Annual Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
When: Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Cost: Free admission; $10 parking
Details: While live music is playing, a barbeque competition will take place as well as a cornhole tournament. In addition, there will be a business expo, car show and the Kidz Fun Zone. Patrons also can visit the Military History Museum.
Info: Call (813) 782-1913.

 

 

 

15th Annual Suncoast Arts Fest
When: Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: On site will be 125 artists and crafters to display their work. Food, live music and street painting.
Info: Visit www.SuncoastArtsFest.com.

Annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission and parking
Details: Patrons can purchase all things kumquat including pies, ice cream and cookies, among other foods. There also will be live music as well as arts and crafts.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769 or visit www.DadeCityChamber.org.

 

 

February
Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 1502 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 for admission
Details: The event will offer a quilt exhibition, a quilt appraiser, vendors and live entertainment.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 17 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Feb. 18, Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Feb. 21 from 3 p.m. to midnight; Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to midnight; Feb. 23 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $6 for children ages 6 to 12; Free for those age 5 and under
Details: The event will hold a carnival, a rodeo, various foods, competitions and shows.
Info: www.PascoCountyFair.com

Living History, Civil War
When: Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 1502 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: Feb. 28 – $4 with pre-registration for chaperones and students; $5 at the gate; Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 1. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both at $10 admission.
Details: Patrons can purchase food and enjoy reenactments of the Civil War. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262.

March
110th Founder’s Day Parade & Heritage Festival
When: March 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The 1920s theme encourages patrons to come in vintage attire. There will be vendors, food, arts, crafts and games.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414 or visit www.MainStreetZephyrhills.com.

Flea Market at Old Lutz School
When: March 6 and March 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., both days
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Come and find bargains galore. Items for sale typically include everything from fine china to crystal to collectibles, as well as art works, books and plants.
Info: Visit the woman’s club’s website, GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org

Savage Race
When: March 14 at 9 a.m. and March 15 at 3 p.m.
Where: Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
Details: Various obstacle courses will be offered to test competitors’ endurance.
Info: Visit www.SavageRace.com.

Dogs Day in Dade City
When: March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Agnes Lamb Park in downtown Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons and their furry friends can team up to compete in various activities.
Info: Call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972 or email .

Land O’ Lakes Music Festival
When: March 21 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets as they listen to various bands perform.
Info: Call (727) 842-7651.

Gran Fondo Florida
When: March 24
Where: San Antonio
Details: Bicyclists can compete through San Antonio during either the 35-mile race, 55-mile race or 100-mile race.
Info: Visit www.GranFondoNationalSeries.com.

April
Jelly Bean Fling
When: April 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Details: Kids can have their picture taken with the Easter bunny, go on an egg hunt, go inside a bounce house and do face painting.
Info: (352) 567-0262.

June
Zephyrhills Summerfest
When: June 6
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: This event will include fireworks, a watermelon eating competition, live music and kids’ games.
Info: Call (727) 674-1464.

July
Lutz Fourth of July Parade and Festivities
When: July 4
Where: Downtown Lutz, near the Train Depot
Cost: Free admission and parking
Details: The event includes a race, an old-fashioned parade, vendors, and the election of the honorary Lutz Guv’na.

October
Rattlesnake Festival
When: Oct. 17 and Oct 18
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: Admission and parking are free
Details: Live entertainment, mechanical gopher tortoise races, vendors, food and children’s activities.
Info: Visit www.RattleSnakeFestival.com.

 

December
Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 12 and Dec. 13
Where: Various Tampa Bay pottery studios
Cost: Free
Details: Visitors stop at a number of pottery studios, to see demonstrations, to meet nationally recognized pottery artists and to purchase unique items.
Info: Visit www.TampaTourDeClay.com.

Christmas in the Park
When: Traditionally held on the first Sunday of December
Where: City Park, 12202 Main St. in downtown San Antonio
Cost: Free
Details: The annual lighting of giant Christmas cards and carol singing.

Festival of Lights on Main Street
When: Traditionally held the first Saturday of December
Where: Fifth Avenue from Seventh to 10th streets in downtown Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The event includes food, live entertainment, holiday activities and a Christmas parade.

GFWC Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival
When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Keystone Prep, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa
Cost: Free admission; parking fee (which has been $5 in the past) benefits the school
Details: Hundreds of vendors come from across the country to sell unique items at a juried arts and crafts show, which has a festive feel and a family friendly atmosphere.
Info: Visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org

Old Lutz School Christmas House
When: Held on selective dates in December
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Cost: Free admission; donations of toys and nonperishable foods are encouraged.
Details: Patrons typically get to tour the school and, for a small charge, there is breakfast with Santa.
Info: Visit www.OldLutzSchool.com.

Published January 01, 2020

Rattlesnake Festival makes gains despite ‘Nestor’

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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 what we could do if the storm hadn’t come through,” Simmons added.

David and Howard Bellamy performed for a sold-out crowd on Oct. 18 at the Rattlesnake Festival. It was their first performance at the event since 1968. (Courtesy of The Thomas Promise Foundation)

According to long-held tradition, The Rattlesnake Festival was held on the third weekend of October, which this year fell on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20.

Having the festival that weekend was decided in 1967, based on research by a weatherman that historically that weekend had the best weather.

Indeed, over the years the festival has enjoyed dry weather most of the time, according to the release.

But, not this year.

Tropical Storm Nestor crossed the Florida Panhandle and sent waves of heavy rain and tornado warnings on down the West Coast, the release reports.

Still, the weekend got off to a great start, with a successful Bellamy Brothers concert on Oct. 18, despite threatening weather. The band played to a sold-out crowd in the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

It was the internationally known musicians’ first time back to the festival since 1968 when they performed their first musical gig with their father at the festival in San Antonio City Park, which hosted the event for a half-century before moving to the fairgrounds.

“We so appreciate the Bellamy Brothers coming to the Rattlesnake Festival this year,” Simmons said, in the release. “It was the success of their concert that offset the bad day we had on Saturday and enabled us to have our best year so far.”

Rattlesnake Run organizers had to cancel the 5-mile and 1-mile runs because of a tornado watch that was in effect at the time the race was set to begin.

The rain-or-shine festival opened on time Oct. 19 but, because of heavy rains, some vendors and entertainment groups did not set up that day.

Weather began to clear at about noon and some festival-goers turned out, but organizers realized that Nestor had put a damper on their event.

“We were hoping to exceed the 10,000 mark on visitors,” Simmons said. “I believe that if the weather had been as nice on Saturday as it was on Sunday, we may have done so.”

By the evening of Oct. 19, the rain had stopped and “Rattlesnake Festival After Dark,” an event planned with adults in mind featuring local bands, was well-attended for a first-time event.

The following day, the even opened with sunshine, and the event went well.

“The weather is the weather, that’s true everywhere, but sometimes it seems especially true in Florida,” Simmons said.

“This is our third year running the festival and our second year at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. We’re already on the schedule for next year, which is Oct. 17 and 18, by the way. We planned a great festival and we’re glad that we were still able to have a better year than last year because it’s all about raising money to buy food to feed hungry kids.”

The Thomas Promise Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing weekend meals to food-insecure students in Pasco County Schools when breakfast and lunch programs are not operating. For more information visit TheThomasPromise.org.

Published November 06, 2019

This year’s Rattlesnake Festival is one for the books

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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.

Darby’s own, Howard Bellamy, left, and his brother, David, take the stage on Oct. 18 to kick off the Rattlesnake Festival weekend. They played their first gig at the Rattlesnake Festival in 1968, and this concert marked the first time in decades that the brothers performed at the festival. (Christine Holtzman)

Hundreds packed the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds to hear Howard Bellamy and his brother, David, perform some of their biggest hits including, “Redneck Girl,” “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body,” and, of course, their signature song, “Let Your Love Flow.”  They also mixed in some tracks off of their newest album, “Over the Moon,” released earlier this year.

The brothers got their first taste in performing in front of an audience at the 1968 festival, then known as the ‘Rattlesnake Roundup,’ when they performed on stage, for free, with their father.

This year, the sold-out concert raised money for the festival’s host, The Thomas Promise Foundation.

After the concert, the regular festival days were Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Over the course of the weekend, thousands flocked to the site to enjoy a wide array of activities, wildlife shows, exhibits, bounce houses and other attractions.

There were carnival rides and games, and the chance to hold a real, live alligator.

After watching a presentation given by the nonprofit organization, The Rattlesnake Conservancy, onlookers rush over for a chance to pet ‘Stripe,’ a female canebrake rattlesnake. Handler Chase Pirtle is holding the snake.

Vendors were there selling handmade crafts, and businesses were there touting their products and services.

Hungry festival-goers also had plenty of choices at the food court area, including corn dogs, soft pretzels, gyros, pizza, funnel cakes and fresh lemonade.

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without watching the traditional Eddie Herrmann Wooden Gopher Tortoise Races, geared toward kids, 12 and under.

The races, which use mechanical wooden gopher tortoises, were held throughout each day, for age groups 7 and under, and 8 through 12.

First-, second- and third-place winners from each race earned a ribbon, and the first-place winners were eligible to compete for a trophy in the championship games.

The races were named after Eddie Herrmann, one of the festival’s founders, who passed away hours after the close of the first day of the 51st festival in 2017.

Published October 23, 2019

Perry Haley, of Wesley Chapel, dips his wife, Christi, while dancing to a song at the Bellamy Brothers concert. Originally from Texas, the Haleys said that dancing is a way of life in the Lone Star State.
Inside the Croc Encounters attraction, 10-year-old Kinnley Reeves, of Lutz, pets ‘Smiley,’ a 3-foot gator, held by zoo keeper Lou Coticchio, of Largo. The Croc Encounters group had several alligators, turtles and snakes in their exhibit, and for a small fee, people could hand feed several large tortoises or even hold a live alligator.
Four-year-old Harleigh Sexton, of Dade City, takes aim at shooting some tin cans, with a little help from her mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Larkin. The two were playing the Wild West Cork Gun Game. LeBaron Concessions worker Richard Landers is looking on.
Jim Smalley, of Dade City, holds his hat over his heart, during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, before the start of the Bellamy Brothers concert. Smalley is a retired staff sergeant from the U.S. Army.

 

Rattlesnake Festival offers new features, special guests

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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. 20 at the fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Where else can you feel slithery snake skin but at the annual Rattlesnake Festival? This year’s event is set from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. (Courtesy of Joe Simmons)

The event, now in its 53rd year, will offer some new features and bring back some old favorites, too.

“We want the festival to continue to be an annual event that everyone looks forward to just like they did for more than 50 years,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, which is hosting the event.

The Bellamy Brothers’ concert at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the fairgrounds, will be their first festival appearance since 1968.

Festivities on Oct. 19 are planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , with some events occurring only on that day, including Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show and a live performance by Clerks with a Cure in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

That day’s schedule also includes the 41st annual Rattlesnake Run, held at the San Antonio Park at 12750 Oak St., in San Antonio. This will be comprised of a pet-friendly 5-mile run starting at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

And at 6:30 p.m., the Rattlesnake Festival After Dark concert will provide musical entertainment by the Seventeenth Street Band and River Junction Band. Admission will be $10 per person at the gate.

Activities on Oct. 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exclusive to the day will be the Subaru Off-Road event as well as a dance and theater exhibition in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both days will feature first-time and traditional offerings.

Some new features this year include a live bear exhibit and Soccer Collies – where people and dogs interact in a soccer game.

Also new will be the Walk on Water Air Bubbles that allows patrons to roll around inside a bubble, floating on water.

Jim Mendenhall’s snake show will make a comeback, along with Tampa’s Croc Encounters crocodile and reptile show, and other wildlife exhibits.

Also returning are bounces houses, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and pony rides.

Hungry patrons can visit the food court with various options, and there will be an array of vendors selling arts and crafts.

The purchase of a  $15 wristband provides unlimited access to numerous fair rides provided by Big O Amusements.

Parking is free and admission is $5 for those ages 3 and older.

Proceeds will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which helps to provide weekend meals to kids in need.

To pre-register for the run, visit www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

General admission for the Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.RattlesnakeFestival.com.

For additional information, please contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at .

Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (Bellamy Brothers Concert); Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission $5 for those ages 3 and up for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 events; General admission for Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and limited; 1-mile run is $20 for 18 and up, $15 for ages 11-17, and free for ages 10 and under; 5-mile run is $40 for 18 and up, and $25 for those under 18
Details: The festival kicks off with a live performance from the Bellamy Brothers. New and returning fun features and activities will be there on the other two days to enjoy. Vendors and a food court will be there, too.
Info: contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at . For Bellamy Brothers concert tickets, visit www.RattlesnakeFestival.com. Pre-register for the run at www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

Published October 09, 2019

Bellamy Brothers headline Rattlesnake Festival

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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 available to sign autographs at their merchandise tables following their hour-and-a-half long performance.

The concert serves as a prelude to the traditional festival days on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20.

The Bellamy Brothers are scheduled to perform a special concert at the Rattlesnake Festival on Oct. 18. It marks their first appearance at the festival in about 40 years, event organizers say. (Courtesy of Rattlesnake Festival)

The Rattlesnake Festival marked The Bellamy Brothers’ first official gig back in 1968 — where Howard and David performed on stage with their father at San Antonio Park.

The Bellamys continued to play the festival for several years prior to the the release of their 1976 chart-topping country pop hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” which spearheaded a career of 20 No. 1 hits and 40 million album sales worldwide.

In an exclusive interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Howard Bellamy said he’s looking forward to returning to the Rattlesnake Festival and host a concert for his hometown community.

“There’s no place we love better. We’ve toured in 72 countries and somehow we always come back to Darby, Florida,” Howard, 73, said.

“It’s a special place and special people around, so when they got this all together and asked us, we jumped right on. It’s very special and you get to see a lot of old friends you haven’t seen forever.”

He added, “We’re always grateful to be back home because this is where it started and this is where it will end.”

Howard and 69-year-old David Bellamy graduated from Pasco High School in the 1960s before embarking on their successful music career.

They spend any downtime amid their frenetic showbiz schedule on their 200-acre family ranch in Darby, just outside the Dade City limits.

When they return to town next month, The Bellamy Brothers will be fresh off an overseas tour that takes them to Norway and Sweden. They’ll immediately head out for a show in North Carolina following the Dade City concert. “We should be well-rehearsed,” Howard quipped.

Howard said the special concert’s set list “definitely” will include “Let Your Love Flow” and several other hit tracks. He noted there also will be some cuts from the band’s latest studio album, “Over the Moon,” which released in February.

“You know, we do as many hits as we can during the show, and we thank God we have enough of them that we have a choice, so people want to hear the hits,” Howard said.

Known for their busy ways, the Bellamys’ appearance comes in the midst of filming the third season of their reality television show, “Honky Tonk Ranch,” airing on the Cowboy Channel. Howard said the band is also working on several other projects with other artists.

“We’re always up to something,” he said.

The Bellamy Brothers’ last appearance at the festival came about 40 years ago, according to Joe Simmons, executive director of the Thomas Promise Foundation that puts on the Rattlesnake Festival.

Simmons said he tried to book The Bellamy Brothers for the event a few years ago, but they were on another road tour at the time.

The event organizer went about getting in touch with the band’s manager earlier this time around, to try to work the Rattlesnake Festival into the band’s lineup that includes roughly 150 tour dates every year.

Simmons’ friendship with David Bellamy’s son, Noah, also helped get things rolling.

“I tried to put a bug in his ear about talking to his dad about them being able to come out to the festival,” Simmons said. “We’re just appreciative that everything worked out to where we could bring them back to the festival. You know, everybody loves The Bellamy Brothers.”

Simmons acknowledged The Bellamy Brothers’ forthcoming appearance has generated extra buzz for the weekend long festival.

“Everybody’s excited,” he said. “Everybody loves it when the Bellamys come back home and play and, for us to be able to accommodate that and bring them back, it was a win-win situation.”

All proceeds raised from the Rattlesnake Festival will go toward the Thomas Promise Foundation, which provides meals and other programs to food-insecure children. It is the nonprofit organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The Bellamy Brothers concert is described as an “intimate affair,” with 528 total seats available.

Beer and wine will be offered inside the auditorium during the concert. Proof of age is required. Food will be available from vendors outside the auditorium.

General admission seats are numbered for reservation and tickets come in two tiers: closer seats cost $75 and seats further back cost $40.

Corporate tables are comprised of eight seats and include unlimited beer and wine, and are available for $1,500 per table and must be bought as a full table. Businesses purchasing tables also get their logo on the festival banner.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting RattlesnakeFestival.com, or by calling (813) 312-7119.

53rd annual Rattlesnake Festival

When: Oct. 18, Bellamy Brothers Concert; Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, festival activities

Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City

What: Food, arts & crafts, live music, wildlife, children’s games, and local history are highlighted each year. Family fun and entertainment are a main focus of the event.

Cost: $5 public admission, free for ages 2 and under; Bellamy Brothers concert tickets sold separately.

Info: Visit RattlesnakeFestival.com, or call (813) 782-0000.

Published September 25, 2019

Snakes, scorpions and tortoises, oh my

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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.

Pam Mendenhall displays a common black snake. Part of the show involved teaching the audience the difference between poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes. (Fred Bellet)

The lineup for the festival, which moved this year from San Antonio, featured reptile shows, Croc Encounters, Gopher Tortoise Races, nonprofit wildlife exhibits and performances by several local bands, including Jesse and Noah Bellamy. There were also bounce houses, a petting zoo, carnival rides, and barbecue and other food vendors.

“Moving to the fairgrounds gave us twice the space to expand the festival, plus room to grow in the future,” said Joe Simmons, who headed up the event. “We had more to offer, including moving the wildlife shows inside fair buildings, and adding more businesses and arts and crafts exhibitors.”

Simmons also said the move allowed the organization to offer free parking that was close to the event.

All money raised at The Rattlesnake Festival, after expenses, supports The Thomas Promise Foundation, a nonprofit that provides weekend meal packages for 1,200 underprivileged children who attend 27 Pasco schools.

Published October 24, 2018

Conner Heimes gets a close view of a corn snake as he peers through a glass cage housing the slithering snake. It was part of the ‘live’ display of snakes at The Rattlesnake Festival at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. The 4-year-old was at the event with his mom, Christina Heimes, his brother, Hunter, 10, and grandmother, Rebecca Heimes, all of Zephyrhills.
Inflating a balloon to be snapped by a bull whip, Mike ‘Lefty’ Remmert, of Tampa, readies the target, still in his mouth, as Cowboy Tom Glasco, of San Antonio, cracks the whip during his Cowboy Tom Wild West Show.
A large wooden rattlesnake head is controlled manually by Pam Mendenhall to open its mouth to show what the snake’s fangs look like. Pam, and her husband, Jim, presented the Mendenhall Snake Show displaying a variety of snakes.
Bernice DellaPorte, of Brooksville, works on a ‘Tree of Life’ sculpture, part of her Copper Forest Design line. She makes the piece from copper wire. Each Sculpture uses 170 strands of copper, which are each 16 inches long. The sculpture takes a day to create.
An Asian Water Monitor climbs off the shoulder of reptile exhibitor John Anderson, of Brooksville. The 2-year-old critter’s name is ‘Precious.’ The J&T Reptile exhibit was a popular feature at the Rattlesnake Festival.
Pythons like to climb to the highest branch, which is why this snake made its way to the crown of Courtney Graham, Miss Pasco County. Derek Dykstra, who is with the Rattlesnake Conservatory, brought the snake to the Rattlesnake Festival. (Vic Anthony)

Pasco County Fairgrounds gears up for Rattlesnake Festival

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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.

The Crabgrass Cowboys perform at the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run, celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary. The festival is now called The Rattlesnake Festival. (File)

While shifting to the fairgrounds, many of the event’s traditions will continue.

For instance, Tony and Carol Noble, are set to open their kettle corn stand; the popular gopher tortoise races will be offered; Cowboy Tom will be there; and there’ll be a snake show, too.

The two-day event is set for Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission charge is $5, with free entry for those age 2 and younger.

Tony Noble, who was raised in San Antonio, reflected on what made the festival special to him as a kid, such as the races and the grilled barbecue chicken dinners.

The festival has evolved over time, but many of activities he grew up with will be offered this year, he said.

Jim Mendenhall’s snake show is one of those longstanding festival features. The Squamata Reptile show provides a chance for people to learn about snakes and other reptiles, and to see them in action, too.

The Croc Encounters crocodile show, will be there, too, and so will Florida Fish and Wildlife’s demonstration. There will be a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.

Cowboy Tom will saddle up on his horse for his Wild West Show, and children will have the opportunity to compete their wooden turtles in the Gopher Race.

A $15 wristband will allow visitors unlimited fair rides, and individual tickets can be purchased for one-time rides.

Vendors will offer food, crafts and other items for purchase.

Miss Pasco County Courtney Graham will open the festival with the national anthem Saturday at 9:45 a.m.

Other live performances will include Jesse and Noah Bellamy, Johnny Shelton and the Showstoppers.

The 40th Rattlesnake Run will remain at San Antonio Park and take place on Oct. 20 at 8 a.m.

Participants can choose the 1-mile or 5-mile run and are welcome to bring their dogs.

Proceeds from the festival and run will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which distributes more than 1,200 food bags to Pasco County students on Friday, so children don’t go hungry over the weekend.

The organization decided to take over the annual festival after the San Antonio Rotary Club celebrated the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2016.

“We were very successful last year,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of the foundation. “We raised enough funds to be able to provide over 40,000 meals to kids within our program.”

The Thomas Promise Foundation will co-host this year’s run with the Zephyrhills High School cross-country team and the I Play Track Foundation.

A portion of the funds collected from the run will go toward a member of the school’s cross-country team who is suffering from bone cancer.

Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission; free for those age 2 and younger
Details: Vendors, live performances, animals and food
Info: Contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or , or visit RattlesnakeFestival.com.

PUblished October 17, 2018

The Laker/Lutz News wins ‘Best of Show’

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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 hand-drawn map illustrating shopping destinations and restaurants along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

The map’s illustrator is Laura Bloomer, a Land O’ Lakes resident and owner of The Blooming House. The Laker/Lutz News Graphic Designer Stefanie Burlingame and Account Manager Cheryl Michel were recognized for their work on this campaign.

Judges described the entry this way: “Creative and engaging. Fresh approach to display an advertising community.” Another judge added: “A wonderfully illustrated and colorful map referencing area businesses promoting result-oriented offers is sure to catch the reader’s eye.”

In addition to the Best of Show award, The Laker/Lutz News received six additional advertising design awards, and five editorial awards for stories and photographs.

“To have our work chosen as Best of Show is quite an honor, especially when considering there were over 400 entries in this statewide newspaper competition,” said Publisher Diane Kortus.

The newspaper received these awards in advertising categories:

  • First place: Theme Promotion: Fun on 41 Map and Business Legend, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Real Estate: Tapestry Lake Park Apartments, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Spot Color: Pete the Painter directory ad, Matt Mistretta and Rachel Thompson
  • Second place: Full Color Ad: Oasis Pregnancy Center, Stefanie Burlingame and Diane Kortus
  • Third place: Self Promotion: Outside Sales Rep Recruitment, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • Third place: Best Special Section Cover Design: Congratulations Class of 2017, Matt Mistretta

The newspaper received these awards in editorial categories:

  • First place: Personal Column, “My Father Loved This Newspaper,” Diane Kortus
  • First place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Rattlesnake Fest hits half-century mark,” Richard Riley
  • Second place: Best Original Photograph: “Zoe Deimling just can’t stop looking,” Fred Bellet
  • Second place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Cueing up for a good time,” Fred Bellet
  • Third place: Best Original Writing: “‘Dear World’ gives storytellers a voice,” Kathy Steele

Community Papers of Florida represents 86 publishers of free-circulation community papers that reach 3.5 million homes weekly. Members range from independently-owned publications such as The Laker/Lutz News to free paper/shopping guide divisions of major communications companies.

Published October 25, 2017

‘Ranch Days’ debuts this weekend

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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.

Visitors will have a chance to get a close up look at the beauty of Little Everglades Ranch during a two-day event that’s debuting this year. It offers fun activities and a chance to tour portions of the 2,100-acre ranch.
(Courtesy of Kevin Campbell)

“The property is just such a stunner, we think it makes a great backdrop for an event like this,” said Kevin Campbell, facility event manager.

Over the years, people have visited the 2,100-acre ranch, owned by Bob and Sharon Blanchard, for all sorts of events, Campbell said. Little Everglades Ranch is at 17951 Hamilton Road in Dade City.

Visitors have come for Savage Races, Steeplechase Races, equine events, track meets and other activities.

“People always ask us if we do tours,” Campbell said. With “Ranch Days,” the ranch finally will.

“The Boys Scouts are leading a mile-and-a-tenth hiking tour,” Campbell said. There also will be tram tours and rides available in the LARC, an aluminum-hulled amphibious cargo vehicle.

Tino Wallenda, of the famed Wallenda family, will do the high-wire act. The indigenous snake show features Jim Mendenhall, of Rattlesnake Festival fame, and the birds of prey will be shown by Lady Kitty.

Live music — with styles ranging from country to bluegrass to jazz and others — will be offered on two stages, throughout both days

Andie and Kevin Campbell, are shown here at the Little Everglades Ranch events office, with their pal, Moo. They look relaxed, but are actually very busy preparing for ‘Ranch Days’ which will take place Feb. 11 and Feb. 12.

“All of the entertainment is free,” Campbell said. There also will be a free balloon glow at dusk on Feb. 11.

American Balloon Company will offer tethered balloon rides for a fee, and LARC rides also will be available for a fee, Campbell said.

Those attending the event will be able to purchase food, with offerings ranging from barbecue to Mexican, from Cuban to Cajun, to typical fair foods, as well as snacks and drinks.

No coolers, outside food or beverages, or pets are allowed.

Campbell said organizers are hoping for an attendance of around 5,000 people, but can handle a much larger crowd.

Organizers hope “Ranch Days” becomes an annual event, but will see how it goes this year before making future plans, Campbell said.

Besides the rides and tours, there’s also plenty for kids to do, as well as a wide array of artisans and crafters, too, including a world-renown chainsaw artist, Campbell said.

Admission is free, but parking is $10 for cars, and $25 for buses and RVs.

For more information, visit RanchDays.com.

Published February 8, 2017