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Entertainment

Flapjack fest includes fun events, pancakes

This year's festival includes the popular Mr. Legs Contest and free pancake breakfast.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published November 3, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - Pancakes dripping with butter and syrup, hot coffee, and orange juice. What could make them better? They are all free.

The free pancakes will be served Saturday morning by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at the 28th annual Flapjack Festival. The event kicks off at 7 Friday night with the installation of Faith Jordan-Masella as honorary mayor of Land O'Lakes. Jordan-Masella ran unopposed this year, and proceeds from her race will benefit the chamber of commerce and the ABC Program, which assists Pasco County children through the school system.

She joked that given her busy schedule, she became a candidate in a moment of insanity.

"But it is a good opportunity for our Web business, Our Town FLA," she said.

Also, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday a talent show is scheduled at the Land O'Lakes Community Center on U.S. 41, where all the activities will take place. Entertainment will be provided by Stones Throw, Annie on Distortion and Soulfound beginning at 8 p.m.

Enjoy the free pancakes, served by community volunteers, from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday. Butter is donated by - who else? - the Land O'Lakes Butter Co. It has been affiliated with the festival since 1985.

The three-day event features a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday with Land O'Lakes' own purveyor of pork, Harry Wright, owner of Hungry Harry's Famous Bar-B-Que, serving as grand marshal.

The parade route begins on the south end of School Road and ends at the community center. It will feature 39 units of floats, bands, horses and marching flapjacks.

The event offers midway rides, 30 or more arts and crafts vendors, and 46 business booths and local entertainment.

At 9 p.m. Saturday the ever popular Mr. Legs Contest returns. The event features men, wearing disguises from the waist up, who compete for the title of best legs.

Pasco County's own James Taylor Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band will provide the entertainment from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Other entertainers scheduled are Hooked on Country Dancer, Premier Martial Arts, Orange Blossom Singers, Pineview Jazz Band and Chorus, Trio Band, Home Cooking Band and Soilter Band.

On Sunday the Suncoast School of the Arts, Arts in Motion, the Family Fun Magic Show, Contempo Dance, Mary Jo's Dance and Performing Arts Academy will entertain.

"There will be bigger and better midway rides than we have ever had before," said Kathy Dunkley, executive director of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. "This is a real community event, and we couldn't do it without our volunteers; they make everything happen."

WHAT: Flapjack Festival.

WHEN: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: Land O'Lakes Community Center, 5401 U.S. 41, north of State Road 54.

COST: Free admission, parking $3.

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:06:17]