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Festival Plans Revealed

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 23, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - The University Area Faith-Based Coalition will hold its Fall Festival on Oct. 25.

The free event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Area Community Center complex with assistance from the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and other agencies.

Barbara Reichard, a Hillsborough County community resource deputy, is chairwoman of the event but was unable to attend the coalition's meeting Thursday. Community Resource Deputy Chris Brown presented the plans.

"We really want to reach out to the community," Brown said at the meeting at the community center, attended by about 20 representatives of churches, ministries and nonprofit organizations.

She said the event will include health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and entertainment such as dance groups. Organizers hope to have children's activities such as face painting, bounce houses and prizes including bicycles. They also hope to have free food and drinks available.

"Safe Kids a nonprofit organization will present a program on Halloween safety, as that will be the next week," Brown said.

Several companies and organizations, including Community Intervention Services, University Community Hospital and Junior Achievement, have agreed to be exhibitors. The organizers hope for more.

"We are looking for any services that can be provided to the community or to the kids," Brown said.

The coalition also discussed linking more with other groups in the community and working more with families in the area.

Coordinator Dale Felix said, "I really want to push the literacy and parent education piece this year."

For information about the coalition or participating in the festival, call Felix at (813) 558-5212 or e-mail her at dfelix@uacdc.org.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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