TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Community Invited To Play In The 'Swamp'

ADVERTISEMENT

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: February 25, 2009

Flapjacks won't flip as a midway rises above the Land O' Lakes skyline this week, but organizers of the first-ever Swamp Fest are banking that area residents won't mind.

The inaugural event is designed to serve two purposes, organizers say. First, it will help raise money for the school's athletic programs. Second, it will bring a three-day festival to town to fill the void left by the Flapjack Festival's recent move to Dade City.

"We had such an outpouring of people who wanted to have something in Land O' Lakes," said Steve Carpenter, the booster club's vice president. "It is going to be such a great family event and hopefully we will be able to raise a good amount of money for the school and the booster club."

Swamp Fest will take place at Land O' Lakes High School, 30325 Gator Lane through March 1. Festivities will include a midway, an antique car show, local entertainment and plenty of fair food. Admission is free, but parking is $3.

Mike Connor, president of the booster club, said the event should help to raise much-needed money for the students and programs at the high school.

"We are in dire times and we need all the money we can get," Connor said. "We tried to make this a great community event."

Friday night will feature a Kid's Night with a magician, balloon art and prizes in addition to a baseball and softball game between Wesley Chapel and Springstead high schools.

Saturday the event tent will stay busy with local entertainment acts, including bands and dance troupes. The main attraction on Saturday is a WWE Superstars of Florida Championship Wrestling match at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for that particular event are $5.

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Antique Automobile Association will have an antique car show while in the Gator Stadium, Logan Payne from the Seattle Seahawks and Drew Weatherford from Florida State University will put on a football camp.

Students from several area high schools have signed on to volunteer to be a part of the event.

The festival will help the nonprofit booster club fund such things as updated equipment, uniforms and transportation for the school's athletic teams.

"Everything we raise will all go back into the school," Connor said. "We pay for things the school's budget can't cover."

Presale tickets for the midway are $12 for one day and are available at all area elementary, middle and high schools. Event hours are from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For information, visit lolswampfest.com.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT