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Fest features belles, cloggers, games

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2009

PLANT CITY - The young and the old will be celebrated Saturday at a combined event.

The 32nd annual Pioneer Heritage Day, sponsored by the East Hillsborough Historical Society, will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in and around the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The Arts Council of Plant City will stage its annual Children's Fun Festival at the same place and time.

The pioneer day and children's festival were combined in 2007.

The festivities will include food vendors, entertainment, square dancing, clogging, bake sale, arts and crafts, a Civil War display and more. About 30 Southern belles will promenade at 10 a.m.

There will also be a model train and railroad exhibit, kids' games, artists' exhibits, camera and photography exhibits, oldest citizen award and more.

"Those who choose to might want to try your hand at quilting," said Historical Society President Shelby Bender, "just like grandma used to do. But whatever your interest, you will find something to your liking as you stroll back through time."
Pioneer Heritage Day traces its roots to the late 1800s, when an Old Timers Picnic was held at Alderman's Ford Park south of Plant City. In later years, it was moved to Gilchrist Park, where spectators sat on orange crates.

Later, the name was changed and it moved to the red-brick former school. The building is one of the city's oldest, opening in 1914 and serving as a school until it was donated to the city in the 1970s.

The 15th annual Children's Fun Festival will include 14 free activities for children, said Sharon Everidge, one of the organizers. "They will include makeovers from Tip To Toe Nail Salon, moon walks, slides, the Southern belles and more."

Jackie's Dance Theatre, Clogging Connection, Masters Four, the Strawberry Square Dancers, Rene Miller, Frank Thomas and other entertainment groups will perform on the outside stage.

"The Buckshot Cloggers from Fort Lonesome will be here to dance on the outdoor stage," Bender said. "They are an award winning team that has become very popular in the area."

Bender will dedicate a framed state flag that will hang within the community center in memory of Mary Lee Barnes Harrell. Harrell was a lifelong member of the East Hillsborough Historic Society, and a co-chair at the founding of the Quintilla Geer Bruton Archives Center on the ground floor of the community center.

The Rotary Club of Plant City Daybreak will hold a rummage sale and will be serving food during the event.

"We will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst and beverages," said Marlene H. Sanchez, an event planner for the club. "All the money we raise will go to local projects sponsored by the club."

The East Hillsborough Historical Society will also have its annual yard sale, Trash & Treasures, open during the event.

"There will be hayrides, and fun for everyone," Bender said.

Somer Harvey, a high school student and highly ranked Girl Scout, will lead a walking tour in the historic downtown district during the day.

Much of the proceeds benefit the restoration of the community center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For information, call (813) 757-9226 or e-mail qcenter@tampabay.rr .com.

IF YOU GO

Entertainment on the outdoor stage at Pioneer Heritage Day and Children's Fun Festival

9 a.m.: Music with Masters Four

9:15 a.m.: Florida Strawberry Festival queen and court

9:30 a.m.: Masters Four

10 a.m.: Southern belle stroll

10:30 a.m.: Buckshot Cloggers

11 a.m.: Jackie's Dance Theater performers

Noon: Masters Four

12:30 p.m.: Strawberry Square Dancers

1 p.m.: Clogger Rene
Miller

1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Frank Thomas, cracker musician

2:30 p.m.: Vocalist Bianca Swilley

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 731-8161.

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