Lutz was awash in red, white and blue, during the community’s Independence Day celebration.
Tributes to Old Glory showed up on T-shirts, hats, shorts and skirts. There were patriotic socks and headbands, too.
Runners took part in a 5K or a one-mile fun run, and bakers showed off their skills in a cake and pie contest.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)
Entries in the baking contest included cakes from 10-year-old Maddox Foreman, a veteran competitor and his 3-year-old sibling, Raider, entering for the first time. There was a Samoa cookie cake, too, baked to honor the late Ron Gashler.
Other points of interest included a flag raising, conducted by members of Boy Scout Troop 12, with a quartet of North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol marching in precision —lending a dignified air. Cristine Hundley added to the day’s patriotic theme through her rendition of The National Anthem. After the parade, Greg Gilbert was sworn in as the new Lutz Guv’na.
The real stars at this celebration were the people.
They put up with sweltering heat to march or ride in the parade, or lined the route to cheer them on and to chase after beads, candy and other swag tossed generously to the crowd.
They were there to enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July in Lutz, a community that takes the word “community” seriously — especially on Independence Day.
Published July 13, 2016
