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Entertainment

Ethnic fest puts aroma of fun, food in the air

The 14th annual event at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church guarantees rides, games, good food and big crowds.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published October 21, 2005

SPRING HILL - A walk through the food court at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church's annual Ethnic Festival is sheer olfactory heaven. The aroma of sizzling Italian sausage, streaming Polish galumpki and hot Greek gyros blend into an enticing global potpourri that is inviting to every food lover.

Which is why church parishioners and about 250 volunteers are making plans for yet another huge crowd for this weekend's 14th annual festival, which runs today through Sunday at the church grounds on Spring Hill Drive.

"It seems to get better every year," said Obie O'Brien, who is co-organizer of the event with Tony Delvecchio. "It's a combination of everybody in the community coming together with love. It's a huge amount of fun for everybody, whether you're a grownup or a kid."

For the younger set there is the midway with nearly 25 amusement rides and games. For bargain hunters, there are tables of treasures at "Second Hand Rose," a cross between a garage sale and a flea market. And, of course, there is the food court, where for a reasonable price one can sample European and American food.

In addition, the free festival will offer nonstop entertainment with a special appearance Saturday by Marcels lead singer Richie Merritt (Blue Moon, I'll Be Forever Loving You) as well as an array of craft and artisan displays.

Proceeds from the event will support several youth and elderly ministries at the church, and for general church projects.

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 352 848-1435.

WHAT: Ethnic Festival of Spring Hill.

WHEN: Activities get under way at 5 p.m. today. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday events begin at noon and will run until about 9 p.m.

WHERE: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 13485 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

COST: Admission and parking are free.

INFORMATION: Call 688-0663.

TODAY

5 p.m. Daniela Serricchio

6-7 p.m. Just Dance

7-8 p.m. Providence

8-9 p.m. Mickie Taylor

9-10 p.m. Richie G

SATURDAY

11 a.m.-noon Richie G

Noon-1 p.m. Tina's Dance

3-4 p.m. John Leggio's Dance Center

5-6 p.m. Tap & Dolls

6-8 p.m. Direct Effect

8-9 p.m. Richie Merritt

9-10 p.m. Direct Effect/Stan Prinston

SUNDAY

Noon-1 p.m. Lucy Werner

2-3 p.m. Di Anna's Dance Express

4-5 p.m. Serena's Dance

5-6 p.m. Passion

7-8 p.m. Stan Prinston

8 p.m. Closing ceremonies and Richie G

[Last modified October 21, 2005, 02:15:38]