LUTZ – The Citizens for the Old Lutz School are celebrating the 28th year of Christmas at the Old Lutz School.
This year’s theme, Christmas Nutcrackers, honors Phyllis Hoedt, who passed away Oct. 1.
Hoedt was instrumental in saving the Old Lutz School House from being torn down in 1975 and registering it as a National Historic Landmark. She shared her nutcracker collection of several hundred pieces each year to decorate for the event. This year, the GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club decorated a display with some of her collection.
Lutz Museum has been turned into a gorgeous display of nativities, from the collection of Ben and Beth Nevel. Wally Hoedt, son of Phyllis, has a room packed full of trees, firefighter memorabilia, and trains running through villages. Jason Burnett has shared his Lego collection.
The tree room will display trees from area organizations and schools.
A pump organ from the late 1800s will be in the tree room. Student volunteers will play the organ from time to time, as well as perform Christmas carols on open nights.
After a stroll through the Old Lutz School, refreshments can be enjoyed while visiting with neighbors, some reminiscing about their days as students in the historic building.
Each night, a movie will be projected in an outdoor tent.
Donations of non-perishable food items and toys will be collected and donated to Christian Social Services for the organization to share with those in need.
The event takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 26 at 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz. There is no charge to attend except for the Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14. Tickets cost $4 for children (cash preferred) and includes a donut, juice, a craft and a visit with Santa.
Donations are accepted to help continue to preserve the Old Lutz School.
On the web: facebook.com/oldlutzschool
