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© St. Petersburg Times, published January 24, 2002
Kumquats galore
Southern Living magazine paid tribute to eastern Pasco County's kumquat harvest in its January issue, pointing out the small citrus fruit's adaptability to chutneys, bread, pies, syrups, jams and cookies.
Saturday is the time to salute the fruit at the annual Kumquat Festival. While most of the kumquats are grown near St. Joseph, the festival takes place in downtown Dade City with kumquat specialty foods, a farmer's market, antique cars, wagon rides, kids' activities, a gospel sing, arts and crafts, kids' activities and more. There's a flapjack breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. and a 5K, 10K and family walk, beginning at 8 a.m. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
For information, call (352) 567-3769.
Tampa is expanding its Gasparilla tradition to include an alcohol-free family festival this weekend as a kickoff to the big doings Feb. 2. The Gasparilla First Watch is Saturday and includes a children's parade, fireworks and activities for the family.
Red Baron Pizza will sponsor a free child identification program at Bay-to-Bay and Bayshore boulevards from noon to 4 p.m. There also will be other family activities in the area, including bicycle safety clinics.
The children's parade kicks off at Bay-to-Bay and Bayshore at 4 p.m. and goes north to Rome and Bayshore. The fireworks over Hillsborough Bay begin at 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, all activities will move to Sunday.
All events are free. For information, call (813) 353-8205.