The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Tour de Clay

Options abound to make 2020 memorable

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, 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

Getting up close and personal with potters

By

If you’re curious about the art of pottery, you can satisfy your desire for knowledge during the 2015 Tampa Bay Tour de Clay.

This is the eighth Tour de Clay, which is always held during the second weekend in December. It’s an event that gives visitors a chance to see potters in action at four pottery studios and the opportunity to experience a kiln opening at each.

A couple of finished works by Jack Boyle, of San Antonio Pottery. Those who are curious about the art of pottery can attend the Tour de Clay on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 to learn more. (Photos courtesy of Tour De Clay)
A couple of finished works by Jack Boyle, of San Antonio Pottery. Those who are curious about the art of pottery can attend the Tour de Clay on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 to learn more.
(Photos courtesy of Tour de Clay)

“It creates a situation where people can come in and talk to the artist,” said Jack Boyle of San Antonio Pottery, owner of one of the studios on the tour.

All four of the studios are hosting their kiln opening on Dec. 12.

The first kiln opening is at 9 a.m., at Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane in Palm Harbor.

The next opening is at noon at Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road in Odessa.

Then, there will be an opening at 2 p.m., at Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road in Lutz.

And, finally, there will be a 4 p.m. opening at San Antonio Pottery in San Antonio, at 11903 Curley Street.

“It is rare that people get a chance to see a kiln opening,” said Glenn Woods of Pottery Boys in Palm Harbor. “Potters work for weeks to create enough pieces to fill their kiln. When it’s finally time to open the kiln, after days of firing, it’s always exciting to see, because the artist never knows exactly how a piece will turn out, or how a glaze will look, until the kiln is opened.”

He likens the experience of opening a kiln to that of opening presents on Christmas morning.

“Sometimes you get a shiny new bike, and other times you get socks and underwear,” he said.

Glenn Woods demonstrates the skill involved in carving work on a piece of pottery.
Glenn Woods demonstrates the skill involved in carving work on a piece of pottery.

After a piece is taken from the kiln, it is passed around to those gathered, so they can see and feel it. Sometimes, the newly fired piece is still warm.

“We talk about the results,” Woods said. Sometimes, the effects are intentional; sometimes, they’re a surprise.

The tour gives people a greater understanding of the art of pottery, Woods said.

“I think it’s really important to see that a piece of handmade pottery isn’t just another pot sitting on a shelf, that’s been made in a factory. These are all individually made, hand-crafted items,” Woods said.

To encourage people to visit all four studios, visitors can pick up a Tour de Clay “Passport to Pottery” tour guide at each studio location, or download it from the event’s website at TampaTourDeClay.com.

As they make their way from studio to studio, they have their passport stamped. Those completing the tour are eligible for prizes.

Every stop on the Tour de Clay allows visitors to:
• Watch artists work in their studios

  • See pottery made by hand or by wheel
  • Learn about the many types of kilns and firing techniques
  • See examples of glazes and finishes for finely crafted decorative pieces, as well as functional vessels and dinnerware.

Participating artists are:

  • Pottery Boys Studios: Jennifer McCurdy, Fong Choo, Zan Barnes, Teresa Testa, and studio owners, Glenn Woods and Keith Herbrand.
  • Hidden Lake Pottery: Jonathan Barnes, Chuck McGee, LC McGee, McKenzie Smith, and studio owners, Kim Kirchman and Mark Fehl.
  • Wellman & Welsch Pottery: Kimberli Cummings, John Kellum, Laurie Landry, Katherine Mathisen, Charlie Parker, Matt Schiemann, and studio owners, Harry Welsch and Kim Wellman-Welsch.
  • San Antonio Pottery: Ira Burhans, Ken Jensen, William Kidd, Michele Ginouves, and studio owner, Jack Boyle.

Proceeds from Tour de Clay go to support local charities and community radio station WMNF.

What: Pottery demonstrations, kiln openings, sales, demos, raffles and refreshments. The event features 25 nationally known clay artists.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 13. (Note: San Antonio Pottery’s hours will be extended to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12, and there will be live performances there from “The Barking Dogs” and “Those Unscrupulous Sunspots.”
Where: The studios are in Palm Harbor, Odessa, Lutz and San Antonio. For specific locations, tour map, kiln openings and list of ceramic artists, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.
How much: The tour is free. Those taking the entire tour will be eligible to win prizes.

Published December 2, 2015