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Arts, crafts share show with fire

Among the creations of crafters and artisans at the Downtown Largo Main Street Arts and Craft Show will be a show on "fire head breaks."

By PETER SCHWEITZER
Published June 25, 2005

LARGO - At today's Downtown Largo Main Street Arts and Craft Show, there will be the usual crafters and artisans.

But this one will also feature men on fire.

Well, one, at least.

At 2 p.m., Carl Stone, owner of Carl Stone's Self Defense Unlimited, will hold a children and adult self-defense demonstration. He'll be doing one of his trademarks: the "fire head break," during which he will attempt to break bricks while his head is engulfed in flames.

Stone, who has been in martial arts for 45 years, said the fire head was a routine part of his show.

"The fire break is what got me noticed," he said. "It's something that attracts attention and helps me overcome fear. Fire breaks have been around a long time."

Stone's stunt will be only a part of the summer arts and crafts show, Downtown Largo Main Street's first. The 7-year-old nonprofit organization promotes the redevelopment of the downtown area through education, advocacy and marketing. It also encourages economic development through historic preservation.

Sixty-seven artisans and crafters and about 1,000 attendees are expected for the daylong event in Ulmer Park, according to Janice Chase, office manager of Downtown Largo Main Street, the principal sponsor of the event.

"We'll have crafters ranging from fine arts to redneck items. We've got everything," Chase said.

Craft booths will display a diversity of items for sale, such as wineglass charms, woodcrafts, sterling and crystal jewelry, oil paintings and hand crocheted rugs.

In addition to arts and crafts, local food vendors such as Nick & Willie's Pizza, the Sports Bar and M&D Kettle Corn will be on hand to sell refreshments.

The Woodlawn Church of God Youth Group in Clearwater will perform from 10 a.m. to noon. Their show will include an ensemble group and a solo performance. The group's dramatic presentations of Christian music include The Mask and Lord You're Holy.

Other performers include local artist Fran Smith, aka Boot Scootin' Fran, who will perform country and western as well as gospel music.

Downtown Largo Main Street's Arts and Craft Show will be today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ulmer Park. Parking will be at the School Board parking lot on Fourth Avenue. The event is free.

[Last modified June 25, 2005, 00:35:14]