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Pride and patriotism shine true
By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- The spirit of American patriotism ruled Saturday at the 92nd annual Founders Day celebration in Zephyrhills. American flags and red, white and blue bunting, beads and apparel could be found on almost every car, float and marcher in the parade that kicked off the daylong festivities. The owners of the Flower Shop of Zephyrhills even decorated their white Cadillac with red carnations and anthurium, blue delphinium, and white Fuji mums. Each hubcap displayed a patriotic bow. Five employees handed out beads of the same colors as they walked alongside the car. Kim Beabout, the new owner of the shop, said he always participated in parades up north and wanted to continue the tradition here. "It's fun and gives us good exposure," he said. Five belly dancers from Lakeland performed along the route. They call themselves the Arabian Nights Fantasy. "We are in this parade every year," said Peggy Crews, the group's spokeswoman. "Next weekend we'll be in the Lakeland parade." She said they enjoy traveling to Zephyrhills because the people are so appreciative. "Whether we hop, skip or smile, they think we are great," said Crews. A contingency from the Red Hat Society had a float in the parade. The Zephyrhills group of women age 50 or older, who wear red hats and purple clothing and have a goal to just have fun, call themselves the Red Czarinas of Zephyrhills. "No rules, just fun for the 1,500 chapters worldwide," said Ana Weber. Marion Ferguson is a member and she even brought her Yorkie dog to march in the parade. Babygirl wore a purple bandanna around her neck, and had a tiny red hat perched on her head. "She'll walk the whole route," said Ferguson. "She'll walk the legs off me." A truck with a red hat on the hood pulled their float. "I made it," said Alyce Martinez, the head Czarina. "We have one outing a month and we thought this would be fun. Our founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, who lives in California, said we are the first chapter to be in a parade." Most of the recreational vehicle parks in the area had floats or cars with their elected queens and kings riding in the parade. Don and Bea Spencer are the royal couple from Bahrs RV Park in Zephyrhills. They rode in a 1925 Ford woody. Behind them were Louis and Marie King, the park's elected prince and princess who rode in a 1957 King Midget. "This is a very enjoyable experience," said Bea Spencer, who wore a red robe and red and gold crown. She said the robe was ugly, as she flashed her flowery blouse beneath. "We are really having fun," said Don Spencer. On their decorated car flew the American flag and one from Maine, their home state. "Proudly she waves," said Bea Spencer. Nineteen members of the Hernando Pasco Hospice group also participated in the parade. They were all dressed in red, white and blue and some of the women even had flags painted on their cheeks. "This is a wonderful community event," said Dawn Woodward. "We always showed and felt our American spirit and pride, and now everyone is doing it." She said her group of volunteers wanted to be in the parade. "I'm proud of these guys," she said. On the back of their float were insignias including skydiving, Gore's dairy, Zephyrhills water and the Zephyr Egg company, what Woodward said was the core of the community. Throughout the day the founding fathers of Zephyrhills were celebrated with an arts and crafts festival, a classic car show, pie eating and hog calling contests and entertainment. Cynthia Craig, the executive director of Main Street, the event organizer, predicted the weather would be perfect. Blue skies, few clouds and warm temperatures provided a day the founders could have been proud of. -- Michelle Jones covers central Pasco community news. She can be reached at (800) 333-7505 ext. 4612 or (813) 909-4612. Her e-mail address is jones@sptimes.com.
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