Party on despite drizzle

A community group debuts its new stage with lots of entertainers during Spring Hill's 40th birthday bash.

By LOGAN NEILL, Times Staff Writer
Published September 24, 2007

Jacy Jarman, 3, rides on the merry-go-round with her newly won pig at the Spring Hill Community Association party.
	[David Degner | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [David Degner | Times] Bob Hope, 26, of Spring Hill sings at the community group celebration Sunday. After he finished his song, rain came in and delayed the final judging of Spring Hill Idol.

SPRING HILL - Standing next to the Spring Hill Community Association's brand-new outdoor stage Saturday, club president Ed Lawrence tapped his foot to the music of folksinger Teri Lyon while he scanned the ever-darkening skies.

Rain was certainly one thing that organizers of Spring Hill association's 40th birthday bash would have rather done without. Although the community party avoided most of the rain on Friday and Sunday, a drizzle kept Saturday's crowds small.

"No matter how much you plan and prepare, there's always something that's out of your reach," Lawrence said.

Still, the association received positive feedback from sponsors and vendors as well as the public, he said. "Except for the weather, there were very few complaints," Lawrence said. "I think that overall, people came and had a good time."

Youngsters had plenty to do: A dozen or so carnival rides whirled behind the association's Lake House community center.

For 4-year-old Crystal Malicotte, joy on a Sunday afternoon came in the form of a carousel pony. Her smile was ringed with the red stain of a cherry snow cone as she posed for her grandfather Pete Barrett's camera.

"It's the third time she's ridden today," Barrett said. "Something tells me she's going to sleep good tonight."

Adults tended to gravitate toward booths set up on a hillside, where local vendors hawked everything from tie-dyed clothing to cremation services.

The event also featured continuous live entertainment throughout the weekend, including a Spring Hill Idol contest, which netted Springstead High School junior Colleen Campbell a $500 top prize. Her classmate and friend, Ashley Schoendorf, earned runner-up honors.

Longtime Spring Hill residents Jean Milton and Alice Brickley said they enjoyed the event. Both said they wished the Spring Hill Community Association would sponsor more activities in the future.

"It's such a nice place for people to come to," Milton offered. "Maybe they could put together a concert series or something. "

According to Ed Lawrence, the association is planning to do just that. Beginning Oct. 26 the Lake House stage will host free monthly concerts similar to Brooksville's Bandshell Bash series.

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

[Last modified September 23, 2007, 21:38:40]