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Choices abound for holiday fun

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A lit-up tree with stocked presents below is a beautiful sight for both adults and children alike. (File)

The holidays are a traditional time for friends and families to gather, and to seek out ways to enjoy the lights, sounds and treats of the season.

If you’re looking to have some old-fashioned fun, to be inspired, or relax, there’s likely an option in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area to suit your fancy.

Here’s a listing of some of your options.

Lutz – Land O’ Lakes

Traditions on the Green holiday concert
When: Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy live holiday performances from students of Land O’ Lakes High School, Pineview Middle School, Sanders Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary and Pineview Dance.
Info: Call (813) 996-3011.

Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt
When: Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $12 for age 13 and up; $10 for ages 4 to 12; $43 for family four pack (two adults, two kids); free for those age 3 and under
Details: Enjoy a pancake breakfast while in pajamas. The event also will offer miniature golf, photos with Santa and kids’ activities.
Info: Tickets can be purchased at EventBrite.com (Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt in search box).

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church Christmas dinner
When: Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The church will hold a special holiday dinner to ring in Christmas.
Info: Call (813) 949-5516, or visit MyrtleLake.org.

Harvester Community Church musicals and service
When: Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Dec. 8 will consist of holiday tunes put on by the church’s choir and contemporary ensemble. Dec. 15 will be an outdoor event where guests can partake in carols and firepits, accompanied with hot cocoa. The Dec. 24, 4 p.m. service, will be a family oriented service in the sanctuary and offer a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party in the children’s wing. The 6 p.m. service will have a candlelit rendition of “Silent Night.”
Info: Call (813) 948-2311, or visit HarvesterUMC.com.

St. Timothy Catholic Church’s “Christmas in Ireland”
When: Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Where: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
Cost: $35 general admission; $50 (including meet-and-greet, which starts at 5:30 p.m.) Tickets can be purchased online or at the church office.
Details: Singer Emmet Cahill and the St. Timothy Choir will grace attendees with a rendition of classic Christmas carols. A portion of proceeds will go toward families in need.
Info: Call (828) 553-8553, or for ticket purchases, visit EmmetCahill.com/tour-dates/.

23rd Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
When: Dec.10, Dec. 12, Dec. 14, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy entertainment in the outdoor tent, while the school’s interior will offer rooms with trees, decorations and a train setup. Refreshments also will be served. Breakfast With Santa will be on Dec. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For a $4 ticket, children can enjoy a hearty meal and crafts. Voluntary donations for the needy also will be collected.
Info: Call (813) 310-8709, or visit OldLutzSchool.com.

Idlewild Baptist Church’s Christmas “Real to Real”
When: Dec. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
Cost: Seating selection varies from $10, $15 and $20.
Details: The church function will recap the history of Christmas, as seen in classic movies.
Info: Call (813) 264-8707. Tickets can be purchased at the church’s event registration desk on Sundays and Wednesdays or at Idlewild.org/Christmas-presentation-tickets/.

Christmas Toy Drive
When: Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Kids Helping Kids Pasco County Inc., will host the toy drive, where all are invited to contribute a donation. Aside from toys, clothing and shoes will be collected, as well.
Info: Call (813) 957-5711.

Keystone Community Church’s “Breath of Heaven”
When: Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be a biblical drama and musical, reenacting the story of Mary and Joseph that led to Jesus’ birth.
Info: Call (813) 948-4522.

Christmas Eve Communion Service
When: Dec. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to partake in a traditional communion service on the night before Christmas.
Info: Call (813) 949-5516, or visit MyrtleLake.org.

Lutz, Odessa, San Antonio, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor

Tampa Bay Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and San Antonio Pottery exclusively from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where:
Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road, Lutz
San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., San Antonio
Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road, Odessa
Schiemann Studio, 4635 Eighth Ave., St. Petersburg
Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor
Cost: Free
Details: The event will grant guests to tour the respective pottery studios, speak with potters, watch demos and purchase ceramic art.
Info: Call (407) 694-9622, or visit Tampa-Tour.SquareSpace.com.

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: With a lit Christmas tree, patrons can enjoy live music, and a visit from Santa Claus, among other spectacles. Various shops and restaurants are open, too.
Info: Contact Deborah Detweiler at (813) 994-4010 or .

Wesley Chapel

Family Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus
When: Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests will not only get to take snapshots with Santa and Mrs. Claus, but also engage in ornament making. Kids also will have classes designated for them.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreekChurch.org.

Avalon Aglow
When: Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy live performances, food trucks, vendors, and take a picture with Santa.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com/AvalonAglow2019/.

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are welcomed to the park for a night of singing carols and enjoying s’mores.
Info: Call (813) 602-1104.

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: With a lit Christmas tree, patrons can enjoy live music, and a visit from Santa Claus, among other spectacles. Various shops and restaurants are open, too.
Info: Contact Deborah Detweiler at (813) 994-4010 or .

Zephyrhills

Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can help to usher in the Christmas season with the official tree lighting in downtown Zephyrhills.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of live musical entertainment, food, multiple vendors and free photos with Santa.
Info: Visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org/Festival-of-Lights/.

35th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
When: Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the hospital will have a visit from Santa, bounce houses and a Christmas-oriented picture booth. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be several musical performances. It will be followed by lighting 53 Christmas trees and setting off fireworks.
Info: Call Jane Freeman at (813) 787-2082.

Dade City

Dade City Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Dade City on Seventh Street, Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Spectators can view the parade consisting of decorated floats, dancers, marching bands and Santa Claus.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Christmas-Parade.

Country Christmas & Vintage Market
When: Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per student, and free for those age 5 and under; $5 adult admission in exchange for an unwrapped stocking stuffer donation toward senior citizens.
Details: In addition to visiting the historic museum, patrons can visit an array of vendors for holiday gifts. There also will be live performances, kids’ activities and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Info: Call Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889.

34th Annual Country Christmas Stroll
When: Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City, Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can sing carols while visiting numerous downtown restaurants and shops. Santa Claus also will make a special appearance.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769.

Dade City Symphony Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St., Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to hear live instrumentation to usher in the Christmas season.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCitySymphony.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Church Avenue in Dade City (the road will be closed off at 6 p.m.)
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can stroll down Church Avenue, gazing at decorated homes, Christmas cards, and listen to live music from local churches and musicians.
Info: Visit ChurchStreetChristmas.org.

New Year’s Eve at the Speakeasy
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: GFWC Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave., Dade City
Cost: $75 per ticket
Details: The 1920s-themed charity event will give attendees the opportunity to come dressed in gangster and flapper attire. The function will have an array of options from food, an open bar, a silent auction, dancing, casino games and prizes.
Info: Call the Dade City Woman’s Club at (352) 521-0766. To purchase tickets, visit EventBrite.com.

San Antonio

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
Cost: Free admission; Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 each or $5 for six.
Details: The function will consist of the Christmas cards lighting, live performances and a gift basket drawing, with raffle tickets. Refreshments and coffee will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and flashlights.
Info: Call Donna Stewart at (352) 588-3631.

St. Leo

A Saint Leo Christmas
When: Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Saint Leo University’s Black Box Theatre, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo
Cost: Free, but an RSVP is required.
Details: The concert will have a score of musical performances, and offer cider, cookies and hot chocolate. Handmade ornaments can be purchased by adults and given free for children. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to concert.
Info: To RSVP seats, call (352) 588-8401, or email .

Published November 27, 2019

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

San Antonio welcomes back outdoor market

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The San Antonio Farmers Market is set to return with an array of unique merchandise, starting on Sept. 14.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can visit numerous vendors offering produce, bath and body products, honey, jams and plants, among other things.

A local winery also will offer samples of fruit-flavored wines to entice potential buyers.

Multiple park benches will be available for relaxation and to enjoy food, including Mr. Jim’s Famous Hot Dogs.

Also, kids can be dropped off at their own station where they can create free crafts.

For a $1-ticket, visitors can enter a drawing to win a gift basket.

The Barking Dogs will perform, too.

Admission and parking are free, and the event is pet-friendly.

Proceeds will support future projects of the San Antonio Rotary Club.

The function will be held at the San Antonio City Park at 12202 Main St., in San Antonio.

The market will take place the second Saturday of each month from September through May 2020.

For additional information, please call Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161.

San Antonio Farmers Market
When: Starting Sept. 14 and continuing every second Saturday of each month through May 2020. The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., each time
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons can shop for various products in an outdoor setting. There also will be music and activities for kids.
Info: Call Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161.

Published September 11, 2019

Saint Anthony Catholic School celebrates 135 years

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Saint Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, had a special celebration last week to mark its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, blesses the Eucharist at the morning Mass, during Saint Anthony Catholic School’s 135th anniversary event. (Christine Holtzman)

The day began with the Most. Rev. Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, presiding over a celebration of the Holy Mass.

The Rev. Garry Welsh, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church offered welcoming remarks at the Mass and, throughout the service, the bishop reminded those gathered of the many reasons to feel a sense of gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.

“As you can see, there are a lot of things to love about being a student at Saint Anthony Catholic School,” Parkes said, during the May 10 event. “Most importantly, you learn about a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. That is a special gift that you receive while here.”

Louise Traeger Clift, the oldest alumnus of Saint Anthony Catholic School, was honored during the day’s program. The 97-year-old graduated from the school in 1935, and was one of the three students who graduated in that year.

Parkes also offered a blessing for the school’s future.

And, the bishop encouraged the school’s students to “look to the past with gratitude, look at the present with joy, and look to the future with hope.”

He reminded them that as they move forward in life, their time at the school will always be part of them.

After the Mass, a program was held under a large tent on the grounds of San Antonio City Park.

Mark Anderson, the mayor of San Antonio; and, Allen Altman, a member of the Pasco County School Board, provided proclamations.

Jessica Werckman, who has two young children at the school, introduced the speakers and also read a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wasn’t able to attend the event.

John T. Vogel II, a 2002 alumnus of the school, presented the Saint Anthony Catholic School Alumni Scholarship to two students, first-place winner Adeline Shiver and second-place winner, Carys Ragsdale.  Shiver also was the second-place winner in the Catholic Foundation Essay Winner at the Diocesan level.

Lourdes Milan’s Kindergarten class is seen performing an upbeat song called, ‘Smile, Smile, Smile.’

The event also featured a ‘Reflection of History’ presented by Lynn McCaughey.

A special moment during the program came when 97-year-old Louise Traeger Clift was honored. She is the oldest-living alumnus. She graduated in 1935, and was one of the three graduates from the school that year.

During her closing remarks, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty. She also announced that after nine years at the school she is moving to a new assignment in New Jersey.

Following the program, children from each grade performed songs in a spring concert, conducted by Angela Kempe. To get things started, Werckman performed a heartfelt rendition of “How Beautiful.”

The festivities concluded with a picnic lunch provided in the park and an open house tour of the school.

Published May 15, 2019

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, arrives by golf cart to the outdoor program. The cart was driven by the Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Rev. Garry Welsh. The Rev. Allan Tupa, of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, is seen on left.
The Rev. Andrew Siasa, front, and the Rev. Kyle Smith walk down the sidewalk carrying the Eucharist, on their way to return it to the church. The Rev. Siasa is originally from Tanzania and the Rev. Smith also serves as the Chaplain of Saint Leo University.
Clutching her plush Pluto doll, 3-year-old Talya Makowiecki claps after watching Fracnesca Blocher’s first-grade students perform a cheerful song called ‘Positive.’ Her mom, Kymberly, is on her left.

 

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

San Antonio Farmers Market makes its return

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The San Antonio Farmers Market is making its return, for its second year, beginning on Sept. 8.

The event runs on the second Saturday of the month, from September through May, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Antonio.

The market features vendors who set up around the park, offering a variety of products, including jams and jellies, honey, produce, jewelry and quilts.

San Antonio Rotary Club’s Terrie Grissom, left, and Winnie Burke are helping to host the San Antonio Farmers Market. Now in its second year, the monthly event begins this year on Sept. 8. (Brian Fernandes)

One highlight this year will be live music by the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.

Those wishing to donate blood also will be able to do so, at OneBlood’s Big Red Bus that will be parked at the site to accept donations. Donors will receive both a free T-shirt and a checkup.

Mr. Jim’s hot dog stand is returning to the market this year.

A table also will be set up for kids to give them a chance to create a craft, at no charge. A Rotary Club member will oversee that activity.

“That’s a part of doing what we can for kids,” said Terrie Grissom, treasurer of San Antonio’s Rotary Club. “We are very much a community-focused club, serving the San Antonio area the best we can.”

The park has a playground for children and numerous picnic tables for dining.

In addition to exploring the vendors, patrons are welcome to volunteer their voices for singing performances.

The event is free of charge, and pets are welcome, too.

Proceeds benefit causes supported by the Rotary Club of San Antonio. The club supports scholarships for students and donates food bags to the San Antonio Elementary School, among other things.

“One main thing is to try and improve education and the life of people,” said Winnie Burke, chairwoman of the Rotary Club.

Club members also will be on hand to help vendors set up tents.

San Antonio Farmers Market
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., in San Antonio
When: The second Saturday of the month, September through May, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: The event will hold various vendors, food, live music and a blood drive. Pets are welcome, too.
Info: Contact Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

Published September 5, 2018

San Antonio celebrates an old-fashioned Christmas

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The Huron Family of twelve children and two parents perform spiritual Christmas Carols for the Sunday evening concert in the San Antonio park.   (Richard K. Riley)

About 100 people turned out to “Christmas in the Park,” a holiday celebration hosted by the Founders Garden Club of San Antonio.

The event, held Dec. 3 at San Antonio City Park, included the lighting of the Christmas cards and entertainment featuring the Huron Family. The family performed old hymns — harmonizing their voices and playing instruments.

Group members are Santiago Huron, the children’s father, and Ana, their mother, and children, Anita, Luke, Cilicia, Alexis, Olivia, Treasure, Paul, Santi, Jon-Michael, Peter, Samuel and Titus.

The event also featured free refreshments and a drawing for gift baskets.

Published December 13, 2017

Before the musical performance, 3-year-old Grace Couture and 4-year-old Lily Young, try to make ‘snow angels’ in the playground wood chip base and then pose for a photo.
Donna Clark and Blanton and Beth Tillack work the table, where free homemade cookies and hot cider were given to those attending Christmas in the Park. The event aims to offer families an old-fashioned Christmas gathering.

San Antonio gears up for 51st Rattlesnake Fest

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The 51st annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, slated for this coming weekend, is borrowing from old traditions and introducing new activities, too, according to organizers of the event.

Children enjoy riding around in a barrel train during a previous San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival. The barrel train rides are just one of many fun activities available for children during this year’s event. (File)

The two-day event is set for Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As in the past, the festival will have a snake show, wooden gopher tortoise races, a pumpkin patch and live entertainment.

And, like before, admission is free.

In addition to the rides, food, music and other activities, the festival also has a 1-mile and 5-mile run.

Children’s activities planned for this year’s event include children’s games and crafts, inflatables, pony rides, a farm animal exhibit, barrel train rides and entertainers, according to the event’s website.

The Town of St. Leo will sponsor a pumpkin patch, offering photo opportunities, and pumpkins, of course.

The festival began in 1967 as a Jaycee project.

Later, The Rattlesnake and Gopher Enthusiasts (R.A.G.E., Inc.) took over and expanded the festival, managing it until 2012.

The following year, six of the Eastside Pasco County Rotary Clubs operated the event as a fundraiser for local charities, and then The Rotary Club of San Antonio assumed leadership of the event.

This year, the Thomas Promise Foundation has stepped in to continue the community festival. Thomas Promise is a charitable organization that provides food in backpacks to help children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend when school meals are not available.

51st annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio

When: Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Details: Food and craft vendors, live entertainment, a snake show, wooden gopher tortoise races, a beer garden, a pumpkin patch and more.

Information: Call (813) 782-0000 or visit RattlesnakeFestival.com

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Park bench honors original garden club members

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The San Antonio Founders Garden Club recently paid tribute to the 23 original members of the club by dedicating a park bench in their honor.

Members of the San Antonio Founders Garden Club and community members listen to Donna Swart, the club president, during the dedication of a park bench. (Richard Riley)

The event was at the San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., on the morning of Sept. 7.

The ceremony was meant to celebrate and honor the club’s many contributions through the years.

The club draws its name from the fact that it was the first garden club in the city, according to a history compiled to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary in 2011.

The name also pays homage to the foresight of the original founders of the Catholic Colony of San Antonio who set aside the land for a park, the document adds.

Deacon Irv Lau of St. Rita’s Catholic Church blesses the bench during the dedication ceremony on Sept. 7.

No minutes were taken at the club’s first meeting, the account says, but those attending the second meeting were: Jeanette Barthle, Stella Barthle, Rose Cope, Margaret Cissel, Alice Epperson, Bobbie Epperson, Jo Ann Franz, Marie Harper, Ruth Pike Herman, Mary Jones, Effie McCabe, Margaret Keifer, Patsy Reynolds, Theresa Schrader and Charlene Spalding.

The following month, Elizabeth Cannon, Blanche Naeyaert, Sylvia Gude and Dolores Nalley joined, and shortly thereafter, Alice Burger, Betty Burger, Sid Corrigan and Mary Schrader joined, the account says.

Betty Burger and Stella Barthle are two of the original founders who are still active in the San Antonio community.

The club still hosts an annual “Christmas in the Park,” which offers an old-fashioned celebration for the holidays.

The event, scheduled for the evening of Dec. 3, aims to encourage families and friends to gather together to celebrate the season.

Festivities generally include a sing-along, a tree lighting and free refreshments.

Published September 27, 2017

Egg hunts and services planned to celebrate Easter

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Easter season, you’ll find plenty of options across the region.

There are fun events, such as Easter crafts and egg hunts, solemn Good Friday events and Easter service celebrations.

Here are few highlights from around the area covered by The Laker/Lutz News.

They are presented here, in chronological order.

  • The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, has created a new event called the Jelly Bean Fling that will debut on April 8, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for anyone over 5 years old, and parking is free.

Natalie and Nolan Kassabaum pause for a photo op with Jasper the Easter Bunny, who will be one of the highlights at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Jelly Bean Fling, set for April 8. The photo was taken at The Book Shack.
(Courtesy of Pioneer Florida Museum & Village)

The schedule begins with “Breakfast with Jasper, the Easter Bunny” at 9 a.m. A pancake breakfast, with bacon or sausage, will be served for $3 each. After breakfast, kids can make their own Easter bonnet, with hats provided to decorate, while supplies last. Then, they can march in the Easter Parade with Mr. Tommy.

There will be Easter egg hunts, with four different age groups, up to age 12, which will have staggered start times, beginning at noon.

Other highlights will include face painting, a petting zoo, touch a truck, a bounce house, a slide, train rides and many games to play. There also will be armbands for $5 each for unlimited selective activities. Individual pricing will be available as well.

Mr. Tommy will perform at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Gazebo. The concession stand will be open with freshly made hamburgers and hot dogs. There also will be food trucks.

For information, call Brenda Minton at the Pioneer Florida Museum (352) 567-0262 or (352) 206-8889.

  • First United Methodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, invites children through fifth grade to a free Easter egg hunt on April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. To maximize fun and fairness for all, four separate hunts will take place. The groups are: Infants to 2-year-olds; 3- and 4-year olds; kindergarten through second-graders; and, third- through fifth-graders.

Additional activities will include a petting zoo, pony ride, jumpy house, games with small prizes, snacks and crafts. All activities are free and there is no event admission.

  • The San Antonio Farmers Market is offering a Spring Market on April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., in San Antonio.

The market will feature a basket chance drawing, with more than a dozen baskets containing everything from gift certificates to chocolates to Irish Coffee ingredients.

Vendors will sell fresh produce, free-range brown eggs, jams and jellies, wine, organic plants and seeds, old-fashioned roses, dried herbs and herbal oils, honey, jewelry, woodwork, dog treats, and several types of yard art. Jim’s Hot Dogs will offer hot dogs, coffee and sodas for sale, and there will be free Easter crafts and games for the kids. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Antonio. For information about the Farmers Market or the Rotary Club of San Antonio, contact President Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

  • Saint Leo University’s Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and the First Year Experience team are hosting Easter Eggstravaganza on April 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children of all ages from the community, as well as faculty, staff, and students, are welcome to attend the free event, which will be in The Bowl, behind Saint Francis Hall and the Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library. The university is at 33701 State Road 52. Take Exit 285 off Interstate 75 and go 4 miles east.
This cross, shrouded in purple, is a sign of the Lenten season at Saint Leo University. Many area churches will be having Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter services, so check the local church’s bulletin or website for more information.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Activities will include an Easter egg hunt, egg toss, egg race, games, and more. Candy and snacks will be available. Tri Sigma also will have a tent where participants can make tie blankets for the March of Dimes. For information, contact .

  • Grace Community Church, in Wesley Chapel, is inviting area residents to celebrate Palm Sunday on April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Plans include an outdoor worship service on the church property, 7107 Boyette Road, with a large shade tent and comfortable church chairs. There will also be a full-length Grace Harbor program for kids from newborns to fifth-graders. After the service, there will be a hot dog lunch, bounce house and an egg hunt. For information, visit ExploreGrace.com.
  • The Tampa Bay Moms Group is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Craft event April 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive in Tampa.
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz, has scheduled Holy Week services, including Maundy Thursday on April 13 at 7 p.m.; Good Friday on April 14, at noon and 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday on April 16, with a sunrise service at 7 a.m., and a worship service at 10 a.m. For information, call (813) 9494-7173, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.
  • Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, has scheduled its Holy Week services, including Maundy Thursday on April 13 at 7 p.m.; Good Friday on April 14 at 7 p.m.; a community Easter egg hunt on April 15 from 10 a.m. until noon; and Easter services on April 16, at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For information, call (813) 948-2311, or visit HarvesterUMC.com.
  • Heritage Church, 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz, has schedule Easter weekend services for April 15 at 6 p.m., and April 16, at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11: 30 a.m. It will have a kids’ egg hunt after each service, so be sure to bring baskets for the kids. There also will be live music and a special message of “Hope and Purpose.” Also, there will be children’s classes for all ages. The atmosphere is casual, and there will be free refreshments. To find out more, call (813)909-4080, or visit YesHeritage.com.

Many area churches have special celebrations planned for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. Check their websites or church bulletins for more information.

Published April 5, 2017