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Pasco County Fair

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing

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The theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name.

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad. (Christine Holtzman)

This year — in the time of COVID-19 — special safety precautions were taken.

There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings.

The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

This year’s rides that were not for the faint of heart included: ‘Vertigo,’ a spinning swing ride that soared to heights of nearly 90 feet; ‘Rock Star,’ an exhilarating 360-degree spinning ride that lifts riders to nearly 60 feet; and the ‘Zipper,’ a classic ride in which riders are seated in caged carts that are flipped upside down – and spun all around – as they travel along an oblong, rotating frame.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

There was a daily entertainment lineup, too, including acts that were new to the fair this year, such as the agriculture-themed, audience-interactive magic show from Richmond, Virginia, called, ‘Agricadabra;’ the aerial and ground stunt circus acts of the ‘Victoria Circus;’ the musical entertainment of Leon Jacobs Jr.; and, ‘The Wagsters,’ a magic and illusion show from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Of course, there also were daily agricultural shows, competitions and exhibits.

A championship rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), was held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

There also were various special events, including a Miss Heart of Florida pageant, a Pasco Showcase of Talent Show, and a Karaoke contest – where top winners were awarded cash prizes.

And, the aroma of fair foods filled the air — enticing patrons to stop to enjoy such treats as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, hot dogs and cotton candy.

Those feeling lucky could step right up and try to win a prize for their favorite guy or gal, or maybe even for themselves. They could shoot hoops, play fishing games, toss rings on bottles, or play other games in the hopes of taking home a fair souvenir.

Perhaps the best prize of all, though, were the memories they made by spending some time at the 74th annual Pasco County Fair.

By Christine Holtzman

Published March 03, 2021

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull – a first for him – at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’
Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.
Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.
Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

74th annual Pasco County Fair is a go

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The 74th annual Pasco County Fair is happening this year, with some modifications from previous years, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fair’s theme is “The Adventure Continues,” and the show will run Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Even amid the pandemic, fair organizers are assuring a fun, enjoyable and safe time for all.

The Pasco County Fair will again feature a full lineup of entertainment, attractions and activities, but with enhanced COVID-19 protocols in place throughout the fairgrounds in Dade City. (File)

Details about the festival were shared at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, hosted at the fairgrounds. Speakers included Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss and annual fair chairman Tracy Thompson.

Several measures are being taken in the way of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including quadrupling the number of hand sanitizer stations and investing in a fogger machine. There also will be indoor mask requirements, social distancing recommendations, spaced seating, and one-way aisles in designated areas.

“We’re going full steam ahead at having a fair,” Huss said at the meeting. “We’ve talked to multiple different people in our local government, state government, and we feel confident that we can do it.”

There will be one key departure from prior county fairs: This year’s event won’t feature the typical kick-off parade in downtown Dade City, which usually features marching bands, colorful floats, mounted horse units and more.

The showy serenade was a no-go after fair organizers consulted with the Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and other officials.

Said Thompson, “It was just not physically possible to get a permit to ensure everyone’s safety this year for the parade, so it had to be nixed, but we’re hoping to come back on our 75th anniversary (in 2022) to have a bigger and better parade.”

However, the fair expects to make up for the parade absence in other ways — including its full entertainment lineup and slew of other activities.

One of the headliners is “The Wagsters,” a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-based magic show that encompasses illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks, mixed in with some comedy and audience interaction.

The husband and wife team of Brandon and Hannah Wagster will perform on the Back Porch Theatre all weeklong, at designated times in the afternoon and evening.

This will mark the magic duo’s first-ever show in Florida after an accomplished eight-year run at The Carolina Opry Theatre and over 850 performances.

They come well-accredited, having earned the International Magician Society Merlin Award for “Best Theatrical Magic Production,” among other honors.

One event back after a long hiatus is “ClogJam,” an exhibition-style competition featuring folk dance cloggers from across the state. That is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss was a guest speaker at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

For those unfamiliar, clogging involves dancers using their footwear percussively, by striking the heel, toe or both against a floor or each other to create audible rhythms.

“Many years ago we had a clogging show in here and people loved it, and there’s been a lot of chatter on Facebook and around town,” Thompson said.

In the way of kid-friendly attractions, “Walking With Giants,” popular with the younger crowd, is returning. The interactive strolling show features moving, animatronic prehistoric dinosaurs and dragons that children can crawl on, play on and pose with for pictures.

The lifelike creatures measure 8 feet tall and 16 feet long, with realistic eye-blinking, tail-swooshing and mighty roars.

That show can be found in the Schrader Building Entertainment Area all week.

“The dinosaur thing was a big hit last year, the kids loved it, so we brought that back,” Thompson said of the attraction.

Other noteworthy happenings throughout the week include a stunt thrill circus, a comedy hypnotist, racing pigs, community talent show, pageants, sanctioned rodeo show and bluegrass and gospel concerts, plus other frills.

All in all, Thompson is “extremely happy” with the lineup the association was able to book through the pandemic. “We’ve got top-notch entertainment coming from across the nation,” Thompson said. “We’re always in the cutting edge of finding new entertainment.”

Meantime, the independent midway again will offer a little taste of everything for fairgoers working up a thirst and appetite.

Besides traditional fair grub — such as pizza, corn dogs and cotton candy — new offerings this year include fried vegetables, corn fritters and donut burgers. (Some of those calories can seemingly be burned off while venturing throughout the 30-acre hillside fairgrounds.)

Fair exhibits will take on a new twist this year, too.

While youth ag and plant auctions still will be handled in person, they’ll also be simulcast online, where bidders virtually can partake in the action in real-time.

The youth steer sale is Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Albert A. Barthle Livestock Pavilion; the hog sale is Feb. 20 at 5 p.m., at the Barthle Livestock Pavilion; and, the plant sale is Feb. 21 at noon at the Joe Herrmann Greenhouse.

Huss noted the online auction feature is “something I think the fair should’ve been doing for a long time,” adding its youth exhibitors could see their projects go for a higher price because of it.

Details are still being worked out with an auctioneering company on software, cameras, broadcast links and so on.

Fair officials seek big turnout
The annual shindig typically draws between 45,000 to 50,000 visitors over the course of the entire week.

Huss and other organizers don’t have a particular attendance figure in mind for this year, but expect a solid showing even with challenges posed by the virus.

Huss noted the Manatee County Fair — the first Florida-based fair to open in 2021 on Jan. 14 —has reported strong attendance and positive reviews for its COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

“I think we’ll have a great turnout, but it’s hard to project,” said Huss. “We’ve heard of record attendance at some of the other fairs across the state, (but) I just don’t know if we can commit to expecting that, just because of the unknown. How many people in this area do want to get out, versus how many are concerned about the COVID?”

The fair is run by the Pasco County Fair Association Inc., an independent, nonprofit organization which relies mostly on local community sponsorships, fair memberships, guest revenue, and rental income from the buildings housed on the fairgrounds.

Officials say the fairgrounds underwent an eight-month event rental freeze between March and November due to COVID-19; the first major event to return was the Florida Bug Jam back on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8

Huss said the shutdown represented “a pretty substantial income loss” for the association, but “we are still putting on a very good fair, with those budgets cut.”

“We’re doing everything that we can do, and I think we’re going to have a great fair,” he said.

For more information, visit PascoCountyFair.com, or visit the Pasco County Fair Association on Facebook.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 (Hours vary)
What: Rides, food, games, entertainment, livestock and exhibits
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, free for ages 5 and under; parking is free. Discounted gate and ride tickets are available online at PascoCountyFair.com.
Info: Visit PascoCountyFair.com, call 352-567-6678, or email .

If you go

  • Check the weather report — Be prepared with sunscreen and visors on warm,
    sunny days. Have a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings. A poncho or umbrella
    is a good idea if skies turn gray.
  • Wear comfortable shoes —With over 30 acres of activities and the fairgrounds
    being located on a hillside, there is plenty of walking in store.
    • Leave coolers at home — No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are
    permitted on the fairgrounds.
  • Bring a camera — There figures to be plenty of memorable moments, so bring a
    camera or video camera to capture the special day. (Note: Use of cameras and video cameras may be prohibited during certain entertainment events.)
  • Leave your pets at home — With the exception of service animals, pets are
    not permitted on the fairgrounds.
  • Parking — Parking is free at the fairgrounds. Be sure to lock your vehicle,
    and take note of where you have parked. Take a minute to familiarize yourself
    with your surroundings when you arrive to avoid confusion when you depart. When
    driving in the parking lot, please drive with caution and keep an eye out for people walking in the lot.
  • Once inside the fairgrounds — Be sure to pick up a daily schedule at the Information booth. This is the best way to plan your day and to be aware of all there is to see and do at the Pasco County Fair.
  • Health & safety — Pasco County Fair officials ask everyone to wash his or her hands before leaving the restrooms, animal areas, and barns — especially before eating. Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the fairgrounds and food court area.
  • Volunteers needed
    The Pasco County Fair Association is in search of volunteers for the fair, for gates and buildings, to fill these slots:

    • Feb. 15 – three shifts
    • Feb. 16 to Feb. 19 – two shifts
    • Feb. 20 – various shifts
    • Feb. 21 – two shifts

    A volunteer breakfast is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. For information or to sign up as a volunteer, call 352-567-6678.

Published January 27, 2021

This award winner is equally at ease in a barn, or a classroom

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Camryn Farquhar, an athlete and a scholar, keeps picking up awards.

Recently, she was named Pasco County’s Career Technical Education High School Student of the Year.

She also was named Wesley Chapel High School’s Outstanding Senior.

The barn makes a perfect backdrop, as Camryn Farquhar sports her Future Farmers of America jacket. (Courtesy of Camryn Farquhar)

And, those are just the latest of her many accolades.

She loves the classroom.

But, she feels most at home in the barn.

She grew up with horses. She used to raise hogs. Now it’s more about showing livestock, connecting with cows and learning all she can about the dairy industry.

“But, this is more than just farming,’’ Farquhar said.

The agriculture lifestyle, through the Future Farmers of America (FFA), includes training in business, leadership and public speaking. It included a stint as Champion Youth Ambassador for the Florida State Fair. It has propelled her to the University of Florida, where she plans a major in agricultural communications and education.

“When you say FFA, people sometimes have a preconceived idea of what it’s all about,’’ said Farquhar, who carried a 4.5 GPA and served in student government. “The truth is, it’s very important that the general public know about this industry. “It’s really important.

“It’s always nice to get honors, but I think it’s especially nice to be recognized in a field with so many great kids at our school and so many great kids throughout the county. I was just over the moon to be selected.’’

Farquhar, who competed in cross-country for Wesley Chapel and remains an active runner, always remembers being surrounded by animals. But, her interest really began when her mother, Erin, became an agriculture teacher.

Her mom came to the field by accident.

“I didn’t realize there were agriculture teacher jobs,’’ said Farquhar’s mother, a former special education teacher. “I was saying, ‘Why is there a barn at school?’ “But, when I stumbled into it and changed jobs, I immediately fell in love with it. It combines teaching with animals and plants. It probably would’ve been my passion earlier had I known it existed,” she said.

“It’s not like Camryn was pushed into this. She always had a natural interest. I know she got an award once and someone said, ‘Of course she did. Her mother is the ag teacher.’ But truly, she has made her own path. It’s not like we go home, sit around the kitchen table and talk about agriculture. She has developed this interest on her own.’’

Farquhar is the oldest (by 10 minutes) of triplets, along with siblings Ryan and Tifani, who are both headed to Florida State University. Ryan, who plays lacrosse and dabbles in FFA, plans a sports management major. Tifani, a projected criminology major, is best known as a standout diver, although she, too, has competed in FFA, but not to Camryn’s extent.

“We get compared to each other a lot, even though we are really different,’’ Farquhar said. “I think it’s an example of three people finding things they love and are passionate about, then following through. It’s not that one is better than the other. It’s just what you’re interested in.

“There were definitely advantages to having my mother be the (agriculture) teacher, but maybe some negative experiences, too, just an assumption that things were given to me. She has helped me and inspired me, but I worked pretty hard for everything I’ve done. It has mostly come about because I’ve loved it so much,” she said.

COVID-19 brought about a different way of celebrating Farquhar’s honors.

She learned of the CTE award (which included nominees from robotics, automotive, health and video production programs) through a Zoom call with school officials, including Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning. At Wesley Chapel, the Outstanding Senior award was noted by administrators delivering balloons, flowers and confetti poppers, along with plenty of mentions on social media.

Farquhar had been a well-decorated performer before, having earned honors at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair, along with being selected to a state dairy judging group.

“These awards bring more focus to our program and that’s great,’’ Farquhar’s mother said. “We’re trying to foster a love of agriculture for the kids. They can learn about nutrition, developing foods, animal systems, environmental protections, and maybe that could become a career. At the very least, they will become more educated and become better consumers. We’re thrilled when agriculture is seen in that light and part of all aspects of school, not just having a notion that they’re just the ‘cowgirls.’

“I think Camryn was very honored just to be nominated. She was humbled by that. To actually be selected was very touching and meaningful.”

By Joey Johnston

Published July 15, 2020

Pasco County Fair lives up to its theme

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The Pasco County’s Fair’s theme this year was “It’s an Adventure,” and the crowd at the event seemed to bring that idea to life.

Children are seen having a good time on the kiddie-approved ‘Frog Hopper’ ride at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22. From left: Ryder Karppe, 6, of Land O’ Lakes; Wyatt Barthle, 8, of Land O’ Lakes; Abigail Warren, 6, of Dade City; Christine Runner, 9, of Zephyrhills; Lily Lentz, 5, of Wesley Chapel; and, Liam Galley Salgueiro, 8, of Ontario. (Christine Holtzman)

The fair, which recently wrapped, ran from Feb. 17 through Feb. 23.

Held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City, it had a little of something for everyone.

Dozens of amusement rides dotted the landscape, giving thrill-seekers of all ages a wide selection of options.

Rides, such as the “Frog Hopper,” the kiddie coaster, the Ferris wheel and the carousel were just some of the child-approved choices.

For the more adventurous, one could try out the “Zipper,” in which people sat in caged carts that flipped upside down and spun, as they journeyed around a rotating oblong frame.

The “Ring of Fire” was another bold choice.

The ride was a giant loop fitted with track — similar to a roller coaster — which stood approximately 50 feet high. Riders, two to a seat, sat in a train that propelled forward, then backward, until the momentum would bring the train to stop on top of the loop, dangling riders upside down.

Angus, a life-like Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur (played by Nathanial Shufling), and his handler, Jeannine Tores, greet people as they walk along on the midway on Feb. 22. The pair are part of the ‘Walking with Giants’ attraction, presented by Prehistoric Adventures.

The rides weren’t the only attractions.

There also were daily agricultural shows and competitions, musical performances, magic shows, and even a Pirate high-wire aerial act.

There were lots of games of chance, too, with lucky winners walking away with plush dolls and goldfish.

Hungry patrons and foodies rejoiced — with a seemingly endless choice of concession options, including hot dogs, pizza, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and more.

Perhaps the highlight of the event, though, were the happy memories made by friends and family spending some time at the 73rd annual Pasco County Fair.

Published February 26, 2020

Five-year-old Clint Chessher, of Zephyrhills, reacts with excitement as he sits on the spinning wheel of the ‘Hillbilly Village’ funhouse. Clint was at the Pasco County Fair with his dad, Dwayne, and their friends, the Stoner family.

Nineteen-year-old Lucia Castillo, of Dade City, competes against her friend, Fletcher Jahn, in the ‘Water Gun Fun’ game at the 73rd annual Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22.
Jeremy Alford, of Dade City, plays a game that requires competitors to hang from a pull-up bar for at least 90 seconds, in order to win a prize. The longer the competitor hangs determines the size of the plush doll prize. On his first try, Alford came in at 90 seconds.
Seventeen-month-old Ridley Hoffman, of Indianapolis, enjoys a milkshake that his grandmother, Peggy Hoffman of Illinois, offers to him. This is the child’s first trip to Florida, and he and his family are staying in the Wesley Chapel home of his great aunt Kelly and great uncle Billy.
Andrew Bridegroom, of Dade City, holds the leashes of five of his goats that he and his children entered into various competitions at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22. His 7-year-old son, Eli, won first place for Showmanship in the Pee Wee category, and Eli’s twin, Kassie, came in second. The competitions were presented by, ‘No Goats, No Glory Dairy Goat Shows.’

 

73rd annual Pasco Fair: ‘It’s An Adventure’

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With its slew of food options, new performances, live entertainment and other activities, the 73rd annual Pasco County Fair is aiming to make an impression.

The fair’s theme is “It’s An Adventure,” and the show will run Feb. 17 through Feb. 23 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Details about the festival were shared at a Jan. 21 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, hosted at the fairgrounds.

The 73rd annual Pasco County Fair takes on the theme, ‘It’s An Adventure.’ (Courtesy of Pasco Fair Association)

The fair kicks off with a parade in downtown Dade City on Feb. 17 at 11:30 a.m. As usual, there will be marching bands, colorful floats, mounted horse units and more. The parade’s grand marshal will be country music star Billy Dean.

“We are excited about that,” said annual fair chairman and director Tracy Thompson. “We think that’ll attract some more people to come out to the parade.”

In the way of entertainment, there figures to be a little something for everyone during the course of the weeklong event, Thompson told chamber members. “We promise you there’ll be lots of adventures this year, in entertainment,” he said.

One of the major headliners is Jay Mattioli, a magician illusionist who was featured on Season 3 of “America’s Got Talent,” and became one of the youngest magicians ever to receive the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ Champion of Magic award. A sought-after entertainer on luxury cruise lines and for corporate events, Mattioli performs magic with live animals, levitates microphones and other illusions.

He will perform daily on the Back Porch Theatre.

Keeping with the adventure motif, the fair will take on a bit of a Jurassic Park feel from “Walking With Giants,” an interactive, California-based show that will feature moving animatronic dinosaurs that children can crawl and play on, and pose for a picture with. The show will be in the Schrader Building Entertainment Area.

Children also may get a kick out of another daily show called “Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean,” in the Kiddie Land Entertainment Area.

It’s an aerial high-wire thrill extravaganza, where pirate-dressed performers sword fight, rope slide, and take on other stunts on high-wire 20 feet in the air on top of a giant 60-foot pirate ship and a 35-foot rotating “wheel of death.”

“Kids love pirates, so it’ll be a cool show,” Thompson said.

A fair staple — Trenton Tye’s Purgatory Ironworks — returns this year, at the Clayton Way Entertainment Area. It features 1800s-era blacksmith demonstrations on how to make horseshoes, instruments and other tools, from a guy who’s been featured on The History Channel’s “Forged in Fire.”

While all that is going on, the Dan Cannon Auditorium again will be hopping with a variety of music choices throughout the week.

This year’s Pasco County Fair runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 23. It’s expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees. Patrons come to enjoy food, live entertainment, rides, games, livestock, exhibits and more. (File)

A bluegrass show will be headlined by Little Roy and Lizzy, who Thompson called “legendary” and “icons” in the bluegrass world. They are scheduled to perform on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.

A gospel show will be headlined by Greater Vision, an award-winning band based out of Morristown, Tennessee. They are scheduled to perform Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. “We expect a full auditorium that night,” Thompson said.

There also will be a Latin flair, with a concert from Baja Zero, a Mexican-themed music group made up of Florida natives. That particular show, scheduled for Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., is already drawing a buzz, as Thompson said there’s been “numerous comments on people excited about this coming up at the fair.”

A new feature at the fairgrounds is a rest and relaxation area, provided by AdventHealth, Thompson said. That area also will have phone-charging stations.

Foodies will find plenty to like at this year’s fair with myriad offerings available along the independent midway, said Jim Ward, vice president of the Pasco County Fair Association and the event’s concessions manager.

In addition to traditional fair grub, such as pizza, corn dogs and cotton candy, Ward said there’ll be new vendors offering items like deep-fried tacos, fried ravioli on a stick, a grilled cheese bar, and even alligator meat — in the form of gator tail, gator nuggets and gator gumbo.

In total, the fair expects about two dozen food vendors, Ward said.

“For a small county fair, we do have some top food out there,” Ward said, noting every year fair organizers try to attract exciting new food vendors to the event.

Those visiting the fairgrounds may notice a few upgrades on the property, too.

Pasco Fair president R.J. Huss said the Higgins Hall building underwent a $200,000 renovation, equipped with “state-of-the-art, industry-leading vendor electrical hookups.” The renovations come after a transformer caught fire in the building at last year’s fair, knocking out power for some vendors.

Higgins Hall and the Schrader Building, and Poultry have been freshly painted, too, Huss said. The fair association president also mentioned a brand-new sound system is being installed in the Agriculture Barn.

Meanwhile, Huss said the fair association is looking at other measures “to try to improve the aesthetics of the ground” for future years.

For more information about the fair, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 17 through Feb. 23 (Hours vary)
What: Rides, food, games, entertainment, livestock and exhibits
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12; parking is free. Discounted gate and ride tickets are available online at PascoCountyFair.com.
Info: Visit PascoCountyFair.com, call (352) 567-6678, or email ">.

Published February 05, 2020

New route for Pasco Fair parade

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This annual Pasco County Fair parade will take on a few new twists and turns this year in downtown Dade City.

The parade, set for Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will travel an alternate route, due to ongoing road closures and construction associated with the city’s downtown stormwater improvement project.

Country music star Billy Dean is grand marshal of the Pasco County Fair parade. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fair Association)

According to a news release from the Pasco County Fair Association, the alternate route will begin at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and turn south on Seventh Street until Meridian Avenue. The parade will then turn east on Meridian Avenue and continue until Third Street, ending on Live Oak Avenue.

In prior years, the parade has traveled along Seventh Street from Meridian to Florida Avenue. The event represents a kickoff to the weeklong 73rd annual Pasco County Fair, which runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 23.

Pasco County Fair chairman and board member Tracy Thompson commended the City of Dade City for accommodating the new route, in the release.

Thompson said: “Unforeseen road construction almost disrupted the parade. But, the city has worked with us to establish an alternate route. We are thankful to them. Otherwise there would be a lot of disappointed children and adults.”

This year’s parade grand marshal is Grammy Award-winning country music star Billy Dean, who also will present an acoustical concert that evening at 7 p.m., at the Clayton Way Stage, with former American Idol contestant Chloe Channell.

Dean has released 11 albums, and has been recognized with several awards and nominations during the course of his 25-plus year music career. The Quincy native also has performed and toured with some of the country music industry’s biggest stars, including The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Wynonna Judd and others.

In addition to Dean, the parade will feature many colorful floats, and horse and buggies, and school marching bands, a tradition that dates back some 70-plus years.

Entry in the parade is free, with a Feb. 7 entry deadline. The lineup will be based on those entries, but others will be accepted until 5 p.m., Feb. 12.

Information and applications for the parade are available online at PascoCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair office at (352) 567-6678. The fair will open at 2 pm. on Feb. 17, at the fairgrounds on State Road 52 in Dade City, and continue through Feb. 23.

Published February 05, 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

Miss Alison bids Dade City adieu

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Alison Graham has been a mainstay in the Dade City musical community for more than two decades.

She operates Graham Music Studios, which offers private lessons and group music lessons.

The 50 girls that she coaches are broken into three age groups, and they’re widely known locally, from their appearances at The Pasco County Fair, Church Street Christmas, The Kumquat Festival, Dade City Christmas Stroll and the holiday stroll at The Shops at Wiregrass, among others.

Alison Graham, operator of Graham Music Studios in Dade City, has touched hundreds of lives in her 23 years as a vocal coach in the community. (File)

This year, Graham began coaching a group of 10 boys, who range in age from sixth grade to seniors.

As a mentor, she uses humor, kindness, encouragement and constructive criticism to coax her singers to develop their individual voices, and to blend in with their group.

She also celebrates with her singers — when they perform their best, no matter what the judges might say.

It turns out, though, that the judges have found much to like.

Graham’s groups and individual singers have been successful — garnering awards at Spotlight on Talent, a local showcase and at Access Broadway in Orlando, where they’ve won regional and national awards.

So, when Graham announced that she was leaving Dade City, the news hit the community hard.

She is moving to Fairburn, Georgia, to join her husband, Phil, who landed a plant manager job at Duracell.

Susan Bowling said her 11-year-old daughter has been under Graham’s tutelage for six years.

“I was sad. That was the last thing I expected to hear,” Bowling said.

“Her moving is a tremendous loss to us, here in this area,” Bowling said. “I do feel that she’s going to do her best though, to stay in contact and help the kids.”

Bowling said that her daughter tends to be naturally shy, but opens up when she’s on stage with Miss Alison’s group.

She said Graham has been an excellent influence in her daughter’s life.

Singers from Graham Music Studios came home big winners from an Access Broadway in Orlando Competition in February, winning three of the top vocal awards presented. They were only entered in four out of six categories.

“She’s encouraged her. She’s pushed her to succeed. She’s a great combination of everything,” Bowling said. She also called Graham “a great role model” for Carly.

Graham said she made the announcement before this year’s program began, to give parents a chance to change their plans.

“I wanted to be upfront with them,” she said. “Nobody moved.”

For Graham’s part, the decision to leave Dade City — a community that has been very supportive of her groups — wasn’t easy.

It’s hard to step away from deep, personal connections she’s formed with families she’s worked with for years, she said.

It’s especially hard to leave the singers, she said.

“Being a vocal coach — it’s a very personal relationship,” Graham said. “The whole person is the instrument, so you have to treat the whole person, not just the vocal cords.”

Recently, she said, one of her girls sat down and said: “Miss Alison, can I just tell you what’s going on in my life right now?”

And, once the girl had finished, she told Graham: “Now, I can sing.”

Not long ago, she was in the middle of a private lesson and she glanced away to look at her computer. Then, she noticed the singer had stopped singing.

“I turned around and I looked at her, and she was sobbing, (saying), ‘I don’t want you to leave.’”

That part, Graham said, “has been really, really difficult.”

It’s been a busy time for Graham, getting her house on the market and preparing for upcoming shows.

“I believe we have 11 shows in December,” she said, including a show at The Shops at Wiregrass on the second Monday of December, which involves all of her singers.

The groups are also preparing for this year’s competitions.

“Each group will do their own competition number, like normal. But, this year, the boys and the oldest groups are going to combine to do, ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,’ from Guys and Dolls.

“I’m super excited,” she said.

After moving, she plans to fly back and forth, to continue coaching. She also plans to bring in Diana Maness, a vocal coach she met at “Camp Rock,” to help.

She wants to give that a try to see how that goes before making any future commitments.

She has great confidence in Maness.

She’s also looking forward to starting her new life in Georgia.

“Both my husband and I have been self-employed for 23 years, and to work for a company that has retirement and insurance and you’re not dealing with that yourself — it’s lovely,” she said.

Overall, however, her emotions remain mixed.

“I’m excited, and then I cry. And then I’m excited, and then I cry,” Graham said.

Published November 27, 2019

Former Miss Pasco keeps busy with acting, modeling

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Leja Apple has surely kept herself busy in the years since being crowned 2013 Miss Pasco.

She has a burgeoning modeling and acting career — appearing in various commercials, infomercials and independent films. She’s also an on-air host at HSN, peddling hair and makeup products.

On top of that, she’s an adjunct professor of speech communication at St. Petersburg College and a sales event coordinator at The Birchwood in downtown St. Petersburg.

Plus, she is working toward her PhD in organizational leadership from Northcentral University.

2013 Miss Pasco Leja Apple was the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s July breakfast meeting in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

So, how does she manage it all?

“Coffee is definitely my greatest friend,” Apple said, with a chuckle.

Apple, who lives in St. Petersburg, was the featured guest speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s July breakfast meeting in Dade City.

She used the forum to share her thoughts on the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication in business and sales.

She also discussed her career and life after pageantry, in a sit-down interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

While she doesn’t get to visit Pasco as often as she’d like, Apple has fond memories of regularly attending the Pasco County Fair, the Kumquat Festival and Main Street Zephyrhills festivals.

She recalled taking part in such events well before being awarded Miss Pasco and during her year of service in the role. Her older sister, Andrea Apple, was Miss Kumquat in 2009.

Apple admired Pasco for being a close-knit, faith-based community that “looks out for one another.”

“I just always have loved this area,” Apple said. “Even though you’re in a populous area — you’re less than an hour from Tampa — you still get that community, kind of country, small-town feel, and I love how everybody helps out each other.”

Apple competed in pageantry from 2007 to 2014. She won five local titles during that span, including Miss Largo and Miss Pinellas; she also finished in the top 10 in Miss Florida voting in 2014.

Being Miss Pasco ranks among her favorite pageant experiences, Apple said.

“It was fun. It was definitely a surprise, of course, winning, but it was fun,” she said.

Aside from the crowns and ribbons, Apple cherishes the lasting relationships she built through pageantry.

“You get to meet so many great people with competing,” Apple said. “Some of the girls I competed with I’m still friends to this day; we hang out with each other. One girl, she used to call it the “Miss Florida Sorority,” because you got to see a lot of the same people.”

She enjoys running into the contestants. “It’s always so fun to see where life has taken them,” she said.

Apple also appreciates the scholarships she won through pageantry, and the professional development offered along the way.

Said Apple, “The great thing about pageantry is just how much confidence that you earn and the public speaking.

“It definitely has opened doors and given me opportunities to share what I’ve learned.”

Ultimately, Apple wants to become a professor and teach online full-time, while having the flexibility to pursue acting and modeling.

The former Miss Pasco clearly enjoys the latter, but acknowledged show business “is all over the place” and “comes and goes” in terms of being able to maintain a steady income.

Sometimes, she said, “I’ve had something every single day for months and then other times nothing for six months, so it just really kind of depends.”

That said, some of her most gratifying experiences have come through commercials and infomercial work — including a gig for Thermacell mosquito repellent, in which she pretended to be bitten by mosquitos while hiking.

“They’re so much fun,” she said. “The overreacting and everything, it’s always neat to see that.”

Apple noted she’s sometimes taken aback when she sees herself on late night television, plastered across a billboard, or pictured on the back of a bus.

She recounted seeing her likeness in a Walmart print ad for Fruit of the Loom’s thermal wear. “It was kind of weird walking through Walmart and you’re like, ‘Hey, that’s me on the package,’ she said.

Then, she purchased “like 50 pairs” of the brand’s thermal wear in the store. “The person at the checkout counter was probably like, ‘What is wrong with you?’” she said, poking a little fun at herself.

Apple clearly considers her pageantry experience as being beneficial to her life, and she offered some words of advice for anyone aspiring to become Miss Pasco.

“Just go for it,” Apple said. “Even if you’ve never competed in a pageant before, even if you’re a pageant queen and have always done it — you will learn a lot about yourself, you will learn a lot about how much you can push yourself and put you outside of your comfort zone.”

Published July 31, 2019

Laker/Lutz News captures seven Florida Press awards

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The Laker/Lutz News brought home a total of seven reporting and photography awards from the Florida Press Association 2018-2019 Weekly Newspaper Contest.

Staff photographer Christine Holtzman, and freelance contributors Richard K. Riley and Fred Bellet accounted for five of those awards.

The Laker/Lutz News received seven awards at the Florida Press Association 2018-2019 Weekly Newspaper Contest at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club on July 12. Attending the luncheon, from left, were Kevin Weiss, Kathy Steele, B.C. Manion, Brian Fernandes and Christine Holtzman. They were accompanied by Diane Kortus, owner and publisher of The Laker/Lutz News. (Diane Kortus)

Holtzman won first place feature photo for an image she captured of a young girl from Land O’ Lakes, eyeing a giant bubble.

“This entry  has everything I want to see in a pic,” the judge wrote. “Focal point into bubble is spot on. The colors pop. Her concentration is on point. What’s not to love? Great job. Seriously perfect photo.”

Holtzman also won second place for a collection of photos, which included a sunset over an East Pasco pasture, a couple dancing at a Latin Festival, a color war at a Lutz church, a blessing of the pets at a Dade City church and the little girl with the bubble.

Riley won first place photo series for a wide selection of images he captured at the Pasco County Fair.

“These photos bring a reader right into the heart of the fair. The lights, the games, the rides and entertainment. Nice variety,” the judge wrote. “Special kudos on the delayed exposure and the sunset shots. Beautiful photos that are clear and crisp, and really tell a story.”

Bellet won second place photo series for images he captured of ukulele players enjoying a jam  at Ukulele Brand’s in Land O’ Lakes. The judge appreciated “the sheer joy of these photos,” and added, there were “some great angles coupled with interesting subject matter.”

Bellet also won second place in the sports photo category for his image of a jubilant reaction after a championship victory secured by Academy at the Lakes.

Staff writers Kathy Steele and Brian Fernandes teamed up on a series of stories about the Ridge Road Extension to win a third place in the roads and transportation category. The judge noted the reporters’ “extensive coverage” on the topic.

Staff writer Kevin Weiss also claimed a third place in the education feature category for his story entitled, “This summer camp offers insights into solving crimes,” based on a summer camp offered for youths by Saint Leo University in St. Leo.

The competition drew a total of 1,386 entries from 56 weekly newspaper. Experienced editors and publishers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York judged the entries.

The awards were presented on July 12 during a luncheon at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

Published July 17, 2019