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Tarpon to hold Patriotic Picnic in the Park

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: May 31, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - There will be no rockets red glare or bombs bursting in air in the night sky over Tarpon Springs this Fourth of July.

Independence Day, however, will not go unnoticed here as the city plans to replace expensive pyrotechnics with a Patriotic Party in Craig Park.

Commissioner Robin Saenger says the city is creating a new tradition, having an old-fashioned Fourth of July. The fireworks will not be missed, she says.

City commissioners recently ask staff to come up with an alternative to the city's traditional fireworks display. The bill for the 2008 fireworks show was estimated at $22,500.

City officials opted to spend that money on getting the city's emergency radio broadcasting service back on the air.

Acting City Manager Mark LeCouris said a stroke of good luck will allow the Patriotic Party to be held at no cost to the city.

Global Towers, an operator of antenna towers for wireless communications, recently assumed the lease on a tower in the city from another company. The firm agreed to sponsor an Independence Day picnic to the tune of $5,000, LeCouris told commissioners at Tuesday night's work session. The gift will enable the city to present a party in Craig Park from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

In a memo Margie Prichard, a city recreation supervisor given the task of planning the party, envisioned the event as an old-fashioned Independence Day community gathering.

The outing, according to Prichard, will include events such as a bubble gum blowing and watermelon seed spitting contests, sack races, hoola hoop contest and most patriotic costume contest. Various local entertainers, a band, and city talent show winners will be showcased on the bandshell stage and a band will perform. Volunteers from city government are being sought to participate in the dunk tank. There were not, however, many volunteers at the City Commission work session.

Picnic foods and drinks will also be available in Craig Park. The recreation center in the park will be open, featuring a slide show by mountain climber Laura Ross, highlighting her successful climb of Mount Everest.

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