Carnival's goals: fun and funds for United Way

The back-to-school event will feature face painting, clowns and lots of food, along with chances to compete in Hula Hoops, watermelon eating and water balloon-throwing contests.

By JOY DAVIS-PLATT

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 2000

SPRING HILL -- Fun and games will help kick off not only the school year but also the United Way's 2000 fund drive.

A back-to-school carnival is planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lakewood Plaza at 4365 Commercial Way.Attractions will include face painting, clowns and contests for Hula Hoops, watermelon eating and water balloon throwing.

Volunteers are integral to an annual fundraiser such as this one, said Michael Hardin, who manages the Publix at the plaza and helped organize the event.

"Volunteers are really driving this thing," said Hardin, who is a member of the Hernando County United Way's board of directors. "It's something they started a couple of years ago and it's really grown into something special."

Spring Hill Fire and Rescue is scheduled to have its smokehouse demonstration set up, Hardin said. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hernando County Sheriff's Office will hold a bicycle safety demonstration.

There also will be a lot of food, including hot dogs, popcorn, watermelon and sodas.

Although the United Way fund drive does not begin until September, Hardin said the carnival is a good way to turn the public's attention toward a worthy cause. This year's goal is to raise $500,000 to benefit 21 Hernando County agencies.

The event is free. For more information, call 597-8500.

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