By Kyle LoJacono
The Lutz Independence Day Celebration is set for July 3 at Bullard Park next to the Lutz Branch Library despite past uncertainty from the Hillsborough County government.
“Things will go like normal,” said Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr, one of the event organizers. “All the festivities are set to go for the Lutz and surrounding communities to come and enjoy.”
The uncertainty came from the Hillsborough Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department’s policy to charge groups who use county buildings, but that fee has been waived for the annual Lutz celebration. The department operates Bullard Park, the Lutz Train Depot and the Lutz Community Center.
“That parade and celebration in Lutz is what we consider a core community event and therefore all the normal park fees to use the park don’t apply,” said department spokesman John Brill.
The 2010 event is the 63rd time the community has put on the celebration, according to Eleanor Cecil of the Lutz Civic Association.
“It really is a great community event,” Carr said. “My family have gone every year since we moved here seven or so years ago. I’m hoping we have a big crowd to take in the festivities.”
The event will begin with a 5K (5 kilometers or 3.1 miles) race starting at 8 a.m. at the community center.
“It’s a community center run,” said race director Terry Donovan. “It’s really nice because you get to run right by all the houses on (W.) Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane. The community is literally just all around you.”
There will be male and female divisions in various age groups. The usual 1-mile fun run for kids is at the same time, but that race will have age and gender divisions for the first time this year.
Those interested in running the race can sign up by visiting www.active.com, by calling Donovan at (813) 949-6659 or by going to Vanns Auto Shop in Lutz across from the community center and filling out a registration form. The 5K is $15 if people register before or $20 the day of the race. The fun run is $8 for those who sign up early and $10 on July 3.
Opening ceremonies will include a flag ceremony following the race at about 8:30 a.m. and the parade will start at 10 a.m. The parade’s theme this year is “Lutz Supports Our Troops.”
“We had a committee that included people like myself and members of the (Lutz-Land O’ Lakes) Women’s Club and the (Lutz) Civic Association,” Carr said. “When we came up with the idea for the theme everyone immediately voted for it…The Fourth of July is when a lot of people remember veterans and soldiers and we wanted to show our support for the troops as a town.”
The Lutz Patriots will have a float in the parade, which will end around noon.
Area vendors will be selling food and other Independence Day related items throughout the event. The patriots will also have a booth to collect donations to send to the troops, as will Treats for the Troops, an organization started by Land O’ Lakes resident Karin King. King sends cookies and other treats to active soldiers serving out of the country.
Other events at the celebration include a cake contest, awards for the best float and the next Lutz Guv’na will be announced after the parade. Those in contention for the yearly position are J.R. Roche, Laurie Jennings, Stephanie Ensor and Colin Cook. The candidate who has raised the most money for area charities during the last few months will claim the title.
“For me it’ll be bittersweet,” Carr said. “It’s been tough realizing my time as Guv’na is coming to an end. It’s been terrific meeting so many people and being able to do so many things in the community.”
While the celebration can go on as scheduled, those organizing the event are still looking for volunteers to help with set up and clean up. In the past Hillsborough offered help with such duties with its special events team, but that group was cut during last year’s county budget crunch.
“We are absolutely still looking for volunteers, especially to help at the kids craft station,” Carr said. “We also need some people to monitor trash cans to make sure they don’t overflow. All those people have to do is take the bag out, tie it off and put a new bag in. Someone else will pick it up.”
Those interested in volunteering at the event should call Carr at (813) 453-5256 or e-mail her at .
