By Kyle LoJacono
Market in the Park was an annual staple at Bullard Park in Lutz for more than a decade and the community tradition is returning as Market at the Old Lutz School Oct. 2.
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club puts on the event, which started 10 to 12 years ago, according to event co-chairwomen and club member Phyllis Hoedt. The event was canceled last year because of the fees that were imposed by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department to use department property like Bullard Park.
“It was always a good time and I’m happy we can bring it back,” said Christy Rogers, the club’s second vice president. “We have room for 75 vendors and hopefully we have a full house.”
The event is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Old Lutz School. Parking is free.
Some of the things that will be sold at the market are jewelry, crafts, produce, antiques and other flea market items. The women’s club will also sell hot dogs and desserts. Those interested in being a vendor, which costs $20 per booth, should call (813) 948-2090 or (813) 949-1937 by Friday, Oct. 1.
“We wanted to bring the event back to raise some money for good causes,” said current club president Edwina Kraemer. “Money raised from selling vendor spots will go to the club and then to more than 200 groups like the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, veterans groups, Moffitt Center and others. The money from food we sell will go to the Old Lutz School.”
Rogers said the vendors get to keep all the money from selling their products. She added that the money raised for the old school will probably go to replacing the windows in the building.
Sandy Sumner, who has lived in Lutz for 11 years, sold Avon products at three of the markets when it was still at the park and is pleased the event has returned.
“It’s a great event to have,” Sumner said. “There are so many things going on with a lot of people coming out and having a good time. I do some business in Land O’ Lakes and a lot of the people from up there I know used to always come out, so it’s more than just a Lutz event.”
Besides Avon makeup and skincare products, Sumner will be selling shirts and purses.
The women’s club will not just be selling food. They will be selling their cookbook with all types of recipes.
“You can put your finger in any page and find something great,” Kraemer said. “We’ll have samples of some of the desserts for people to try at the market.”
In addition, some of the money raised by the women’s club will go to Glenda Wilson’s campaign for Honorary Mayor for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
Kraemer is very happy with bringing back the Lutz tradition after its one-year hiatus mainly because it can help bring the community together.
“Hopefully people will come out and have a good time with their neighbors,” Kraemer said. “You’ll be able to find something nice for yourself and your friends and family while helping the Old Lutz School.”
Market at the Old Lutz School
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2
Where: the Old Lutz School in front of Lutz Elementary
Vendors: call (813) 948-2090 or (813) 949-1937
Parking: free
