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Festival Is Aiming For Fun And Unity

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: October 22, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - The free Family Fall Festival has exhibitors, activities, music, prizes and food.

Now the organizers of Saturday's event at the University Area Community Park say all they need are attendees, a few more cases of donated bottled water and some more helping hands.

Event chairwoman Deputy Barbara Reichard of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office told University Faith-Based Coalition members, organizers of the event, "We have a big thing now. We just need to get the people here. It would be a shame to do all this work and not get anyone here."

The event is designed to reach out into the multi-ethnic community west of the University of South Florida and focus on the different heritages and the importance of sharing their mutual beliefs. Organizers said although it is aimed at the University Area, people from all neighborhoods are welcome.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and has more than 50 vendors and exhibitors providing information about social services, apartments, local businesses and craft activities. They range from the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement to Kaleisa Tea Lounge. Also, 200 pumpkins will be available for families to decorate one to take home. Door prizes, including six bicycles, also will be given away.

Jeannette Palencia of Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institution said she secured several mobile vans to provide health screenings including blood sugar, blood pressure and information about memory loss and other conditions. Voter registration and driver's license updates also can be completed at the event.
William Sanders of Unlimited Gospel Expressions said multicultural entertainment will be provided from noon to 2 p.m. by the University Church of God Choirs in English and Spanish, Anakawona, a dance troupe, the Gospel Warriors and other entertainers.

Upon entering the festival, attendees can sign paper leaves and flowers on a "unity tree," an 8-foot by 8-foot display provided by the Tampa Baha'i Center.

Trudy Kensinger of the Baha'i Faith said, "We will have different people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds explaining the tree."

Free hotdogs, snow cones and popcorn will be available, but Reichard said more donations are needed for bottled water. Volunteers also are needed to assist in setup and cleanup.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

WHAT: A free event with music, crafts, information and food

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: University Area Community Park, 14013 N. 22nd St.

STILL NEEDED: Donations of bottled water and volunteers

INFORMATION OR TO HELP: (813) 558-5212

Tribune correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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