By B.C. Manion
They’ve been gathering, once a year for 25 years, to celebrate their ties to this community called Lutz.
They bring their covered dishes and pay a small price of admission to join in fellowship at the annual pioneer picnic, an event which brings together people who have deep roots in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.
The gatherings are always special because they offer a chance to relax, reminisce and recall those simpler times in a community where houses have replaced orange groves, and cars zoom down a multi-lane highway on what was once a dirt road where wagons rolled.
This year’s event is slated for Oct. 8 at the red brick Historic Lutz School, at the northeast corner of US 41 and Fourth Avenue. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those joining the party are asked to bring two covered dishes. Lunch tickets will be $5 each for adults and $1 for children ages 8-12.
This year one of the speakers will be Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida. She and her mother, the late Elizabeth Riegler MacManus co-authored “Citrus, Sawmills, Critters & Crackers: Life in Early Lutz and Central Pasco County.” An update of the book is due out soon.
Elizabeth Riegler MacManus was the original founder of the annual Pioneer Descendants’ gathering.
Jim Dennison, a local historian and geneologist also will be on hand and many others are expected to share stories and music at the event.
The two main organizers for the potluck are Cliff Denison and Annie Carlton Fernandez.
It’s a get-together they both thoroughly enjoy.
Like many Lutz residents, Denison has a deep connection with the community and its people.
“It really is a beautiful place,” he said. “The old-timers are just tremendous people. There is a great camaraderie, and love, I would say.”
Fernandez, who was born at her grandmother’s house in Lutz, said the older generations are trying to encourage greater participation by younger family members.
“We’re trying to keep the tradition alive,” she said.
For more information about the event, call Fernandez at (813) 784-4471.
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