by SARAH NACHIN
HERNANDO SUN
On Saturday October 26, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central held its second annual Nature Coast Seafood Festival.
Festival at Linda Pedersen Park on Hernando Beach. As the club’s annual fundraiser this has become a large event for the county. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Brooksville and Spring Hill were on hand to help out with activities scheduled throughout the day.
As a service organization, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central will fund money directly back to the community. Donations made through their foundation can serve local community needs, and it is hoped that monies raised from this festival will help much needed projects in the future, explained Nicola Barlow, President of Spring Hill Central.
Sixty-five vendors participated in the event. These included food trucks selling everything from seafood to hamburgers. The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, along with local businesses, political organizations and nonprofits were there also. Several financial institutions, chiropractors, crafters and even a produce stand were represented. They were all there to promote their causes, products and services.
There were plenty of activities for the whole family. A special area was set aside for children where they could play in bounce houses. They could also participate in a Halloween costume contest. Grownups could get a complimentary massage, buy fresh produce, purchase jewelry, candles and assorted crafts. They also had an opportunity to win a cruise, a T.V. and other prizes in various raffles. Two bands – Shawline and Springer kept the crowd entertained.
A number of businesses helped to fund the event. Body Mechanix Acupuncture, as well as Family Chiropractic and Crystal Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Brooksville were major sponsors. Other sponsors included Accuform, MSC, Davis Family Hearing, Suncoast Credit Union, Coffee News, Cadence Bank, Hernando Sun, Office Depot, WXJB 99.9 FM, Radio Station Hits 106, Sir Speedy Printing, Oak Hill Hospital and Bonefish Grill.
Body Mechanix Acupuncture was in charge of the judging for the costume contest. The winners were Joshua McCall, John Hagopian and Cody Blehm.
Seventeen year-old Jaden Vinarao echoed the feelings of many of the people who attended.
“The best part of the festival was having fun with my family and friends and the food. The lobster was especially good,” Jaden remarked.
With the cooler weather and the holidays coming, we will be seeing more of these fun-filled outdoor events. Be sure and pick up a copy of Hernando Sun to find out the schedules for these activities.
