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Fairgrounds fun on the Fourth

Sparklebration features many activities for the whole family to enjoy: Hula Hoop contests, inflatables and the 10-member Hernandez family.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published July 5, 2006

DADE CITY - With dark clouds threatening the festivities, people still found ways to celebrate the Fourth of July with an All-American party at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on Monday.

Sparklebration, sponsored by the Pasco County Fair Association, offered something for just about everyone's tastes.

New this year was an apple pie baking contest and apple pie, watermelon and hot dog eating contests.

For the children there were five inflatables to bounce on, ice cream and cotton candy to eat and face painting and painted tattoos to decorate their faces and arms.

Jason Carter, 5, of San Antonio had a Spider-Man mask painted on his face, while Travis Burkes, 6, also of San Antonio, had a Batman and Superman insignia painted on his arms.

"I like them both," Travis said of the two superheroes.

Although there were only three entries in the apple pie baking contest - after all, it was only the first year - more than 30 had signed up for all the eating contests by 5 p.m.

John Smith from Land O'Lakes was eager to eat some hot dogs.

"I've worked all day and I'm hungry," he said. He figured he could eat at least 10 to 15 in three minutes.

Winners in the pie bake were Carol Reeves, with her All-American apple pie in the extra category and Sherri Bailey for the double crust category. Both women are from Zephyrhills. Judges were Stephanie Black, owner of Garden Delight restaurant in Dade City and Lisa Cramer, her chef.

The other contests were contested later in the evening, so no results were available at press time.

Inside the Dan Cannon Auditorium, entertainment and cool air welcomed the visitors.

Kicking off the entertainment was the Sammy Glass Family from Decatur, Tenn. They sang and played the national anthem while the flag was raised outside by an honor guard, and a group of sky divers jumped out of an airplane onto the field.

Robert Loring, from Toys for Tots, had a table set up to kick off the Marine Corps Christmas Toy Drive. Three retired Marines joined him at the table.

Tom Graef, one of the Marines, said the Fourth of July was meaningful to him because of the men and women who died for this country's freedom.

Mixing with the celebrants were Miss Sparklebration, Jennifer Jordan, 17; Teen Miss Sparklebration, Brianna Lupo, 14; Junior Miss Sparklebration, Stephanie Banaszak, 13, and Little Miss Heart of Florida, Harley Redditt, 13. The recently crowned young women were appearing at their first event since winning their titles.

Jennifer Jordan said the holiday was a time to remember our freedom.

"I think about the Middle East and the soldiers who are fighting to protect our freedom now," she said. "I honor and acknowledge them."

Brianna Lupo said she was proud to be an American.

Dressed in red, white and blue were the 10-member Hernandez family from Dade City. They were part of the entertainment lineup and would be singing and playing the piano and guitar. There were also cloggers and Ashley Shannon, a country singer on the schedule.

Fireworks were scheduled for 9 p.m.

[Last modified July 5, 2006, 00:17:00]