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Lutz looks forward to bigger Christmas
By JEREMY HAYES
Published December 11, 2005
LUTZ - This Tuesday will see a long-standing Lutz tradition upheld as the Guv'na performs her sole duty.
Liz Iaconetti, who holds the mock chief-of-state position this year, will stand at a microphone in front of the assembled masses of Lutz residents as she gives the command. "Let there be light" is the typical line. With that, the community Christmas tree is lit, and the Christmas season is officially under way.
The live tree, which has replaced a tree that was lost in 2000's drought, "grew 4 feet this year," said Auralee Buckingham, who organized this year's Christmas in the park. "The committee's having a hard time decorating it."
In fact, it would be nearly impossible for the committee to place the star on top of the 30-foot tree if not for the help of Kelly Himes. The vice president of Himes Electric Co. volunteered one of his bucket trucks, normally used to reach power lines, to help decorate the tree. Himes, who has lived in Lutz since 1968, is "just trying to do the community thing, helping out neighbors," he said. Other traditions have grown larger, including Christmas Card Lane.
The yearly rows of 4- by 8-foot lighted plywood Christmas cards, decorated by families and businesses, have increased in number to the point that they now nearly encircle both Bullard and Memorial parks.
Choirs from local elementary schools also make yearly appearances to sing carols. This year's event will feature more than 150 piping voices, from Lutz, Maniscalco and McKitrick elementaries, singing in 25-minute segments.
A favorite tradition will continue this year as Santa arrives in style, atop the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department fire engine, with his entourage of volunteer firefighters handing out candy canes to the kids.
The Lutz-Land O'Lakes Women's Club is sponsoring the event and will provide drinks, cookies and hot chocolate in conjunction with the Lutz Civic Association.
Lutz Christmas in the Park will be 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the train depot in front of the Lutz Branch Library at U.S. 41 and Lutz-Lake Fern Road. All activities and refreshments are free. Remember to bring a blanket and chair.
- Jeremy Hayes can be reached at 813 269-5302, or via e-mail at jchayes@sptimes.com
[Last modified December 10, 2005, 10:13:05]
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