The idea of bringing a community together to have fun, while raising money, is nothing new.
Swamp Fest, an annual event, has been doing that for 11 years, in Land O’ Lakes.
Festivities begin with a preview evening on Oct. 31. The festival runs through Nov. 3.
The event raises money for area schools, nonprofits and community, as well as benefiting businesses. It is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club, and it is held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
The booster club’s proceeds go for such things as new weights in weight room, a new sign for the high school off U.S. 41 and other items that are not part of the regular school budget, but benefit all of the school’s athletes, said Doug Hutchinson, Swamp Fest coordinator and former booster club president.
Highlights of the event include 24 rides, food, games and entertainment. There also will be a salute to veterans on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.
This year, Hutchison said, the carnival operator will be bringing a few new rides.
“We’re going to get a bigger Ferris wheel. We’re going to get what’s called a Mega Drop; it’s a ride you go up in and they drop you rapidly,” Hutchinson said.
Festival-goers also are in for a treat when it comes to the entertainment, Hutchinson added.
“On Friday night, we’ve got a group called The Big Bong Theory,” he said. The band played last year and were well-received.
“They play a nice mix of music,” Hutchinson said.
“On Saturday, we’ve got Stonegrey. Everybody loves Stonegrey. We weren’t able to get them last year because they had booked up before. This year, I called early, early, early,” Hutchinson said.
Other acts scheduled during the festival include performances by Show on the Road, Nicole’s Dance Academy, Suncoast Dance Academy, Karl and Dimarco Dance, Beyond Chaotic, and Pine View Dance & Cheer.
Pre-sale tickets for Swamp Fest, at a discounted price, are available now.
For details on the entertainment schedule and other information about the festival, visit LOLswampfest.com.
11th annual Swamp Fest
When: Oct. 31, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 1, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Nov. 2, noon to 11 p.m., and Nov. 3, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Cost: Pre-sale tickets are on sale now at these locations in Land O’ Lakes: Land O’ Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane (in the commons area during lunch); Sanders Elementary School, 5126 School Road; Pine View Middle School, 5334 Parkway Blvd.; and Sugar & Spice Daycare, 3508 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Tickets also can be purchased online, or on site. Tickets purchased online will be available at a will call booth.
Details: Swamp Fest features rides, games, food and live entertainment.
Info: Visit LOLswampfest.com to get entertainment lineup and other details.
Published October 30, 2019
