Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Entertainment
Caribbean Christmas sprinkles spice on July
Activities and food with a Caribbean flavor highlight the Saturday event in Dade City.
By MICHELLE JONES
Published July 28, 2005
DADE CITY - Wear tropical attire and come early to celebrate Christmas in July in downtown Dade City.
"There's a special gift for people who arrive first," said Sally Burns, executive director of Downtown Dade City Main Street.
This year's theme is Caribbean; the flair of the islands comes to Dade City.
In addition to wares at all the quaint shops around the historic courthouse and on surrounding side streets, sponsors offer fun activities for all ages.
Beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., Santa Claus, dressed in tropical attire, will take requests from children in his Summer Cabana on Pasco Avenue. Children will receive free color prints of their visit with the jolly old elf.
A live mermaid from Weeki Wachee, fishing boats to check out and even purchase, tropical plants and a butterfly garden will all add to the atmosphere.
People can test skills on a rock climbing wall, and children can play games and take part in activities in a kids zone. Vendors will sell island food, including Jamaican beef and chicken patties, coco bread and coconut water, jerk wings, Caribbean pork sandwiches, Jamaican peas and rice, conch chowder and conch fritters, kettle korn and flavored ice.
Stores for perusing or shopping will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
De Lei'ed Parrots, a trop-rock band will be in concert from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. on the lawn at the historic courthouse. The group plays oldies, reggae and island music.
In the kids zone, activities include face painting, Hula Hoops, a conga line, fishing games for toddlers, a moon walk and train ride.
Free hair braiding and nail art can be obtained at the Islands Spa and Salon. People are invited to bring lawn chairs, beach towel and shade umbrellas.
"There will be serious shopping and summer holiday fun for everyone," Burns said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Christmas in July by Downtown Dade City Main Street.
WHEN: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Dade City around the historic courthouse, Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue.
COST: Free.
[Last modified July 28, 2005, 01:10:15]
Share your thoughts on this story
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
