Rain threatened to spoil the celebration, but the weather cleared just about time that festivities were set to begin at the Nation Celebration Independence Day Party at Connerton.
(Courtesy of Connerton)
The rain stopped around 5 p.m. — the time the July 2 event was scheduled to start, but then there was a light drizzle until around 5:30 p.m., said Joan Staut, marketing coordinator for Connerton, a master-planned New Town Community in Land O’ Lakes.
After the rain stopped, people began streaming into the community, and by the time the event was over, officials estimate that more than 5,000 turned out for the festivities.
People ranging from grandparents to babies, and all ages in between, clearly were enjoying themselves.
Some kids jumped around in bounce houses. Others slid down an inflatable slide. Some tested their skills in miniature golf. Others played carnival games.
Families, couples and friends sat around large round tables, under a giant tent, to eat meals they purchased from nine food trucks from Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally, and to listen to live music by Gottagroove. The Fraternal Order of Police, Pasco County Lodge 29 hosted the beer and wine garden.
People mingled, played games and relaxed, waiting for the fireworks to begin, and there was plenty of “oohs” and “ahs” from the crowd, as they went off, sending colorful bursts in the sky.
Numerous sponsors were involved in the event, including Benedetto’s, which sponsored the fireworks. Other sponsors included McDonald’s, Air Hawk Heating and Cooling, Wayne O’ Brien, State Farm Insurance, Greenacre Properties, Yellowstone Landscape, Mary Ann Carroll-Homeward Real Estate, Ierna’s Heating & Air Conditioning, and Medi-Weight Loss.
Connerton’s staff was pleased by the turnout and gratified by the expressions of appreciation they heard from people attending the event, Staut said.
Published July 13, 2016
