Two Sections, 44 Pages of Community News
NEW! Brandon/Winthrop
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October 2017 1 5
Y E A R S
O F
Volume 12, Issue 10 P U B L I S H I N G
Brandon ’86 Rotary Club Presents Annual Seafood Festival At Camp Florida
By Kathy L. Collins
P O S I T I V E
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C O M M U N I T Y
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Nativity’s 48th Novemberfest Returns With Midway, Music & More
By Amanda Boston
Novemberfest is back for its forty-eighth year of fun and family festivities. The time-honored event takes place from Wednesday, November 15 through Sunday, November 19 at the Nativity Catholic Church. Every year
With smiles and thumbs up, these children are enjoying the perks of Midway’s unlimited ride armbands.
Novemberfest is a major fundraiser for Nativity Catholic School and a long time tradition for the Brandon community.
Novemberfest draws close to 40,000 people as it transforms the parish grounds into a carnival-like atmosphere featuring Midway rides, games, tents of tasty treats and family-friendly entertainment. Nativity Catholic School’s new principal, Mary Myers, reflected on the school’s largest fundraiser. “I am so impressed by the fellowship and shared responsibility that the school and parish have demonstrated together in appreciation and support for our communities’ youth initiatives, which are the main benefactors of our Novemberfest event,” said Myers. Novemberfest is open Wednesday and Thursday from 410 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m.-12
Midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 Midnight and Sunday from 12 Noon to 8 p.m. As always, the admission, parking and entertainment are all free. Brand-new to this year’s entertainment is ‘Battle of the Bands.’ On Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m., several youth groups will perform on Center Stage to compete for the title of best band. Then on Thursday
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In This Issue ECHO CELEBRATES 30 YEARS .............PG 3 CRIME BEAT .......................................PG 6 FREE PAINT JOB CONTEST .................PG 8 HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES ..................PG 14
LOCAL EVENTS................................PG 28 SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 42 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 38
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The Marlene Brandon ’86 Adkinson, presiRotary Club dent-elect of will hold its Brandon ’86 26th Annual Rotary Club and Brandon chair of the Seafood Seafood Festival. Festival on “This is our signaSaturday, ture fundraising November 4 event that has from 11 a.m. raised money for The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club to 3 p.m. at the needs of local invites the community to come Rotary’s charities for over out an enjoy a day of food, fun Camp Florida and fellowship at its 26th Annual 25 years,” added Brandon Seafood Festival on located at Adkinson. Saturday, November 4. 1915 Camp For those Florida Rd. in who wish to become Brandon. The cost to sponsors, there are attend is $20 per many sponsorship levadult with an advance els starting at just $100. purchase ticket or In addition, area busi$25 per adult at the nesses can apply to be door. For children a vendor at the event. ages 12 to 17, tickets For more information on are $10. Children becoming a sponsor or under 12 can get in for $1 or a donation vendor, please contact Adkinson at madof canned goods. The price includes all kinson@autoclubgroup.aaa.com or call you can eat and drink. 765-9546. The Brandon Seafood Festival feaBrandon ’86 Rotary Club is a service tures southern fried fish, shrimp, hush organization that meets every Friday at 7 puppies, coleslaw, hamburgers and hot a.m. at the Rotary Event Center located dogs. In addition to the all you can eat at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Guests buffet, families can enjoy a pie eating are welcome to attend. “Rotary is about contest, human foosball and more. A local Friendship, Fellowship and Community. DJ will provide music throughout the day. We work together to solve local commuAll proceeds from the event benefit nity issues, provide humanitarian aid and international and local charities including to promote goodwill and peace. Rotary is the Outreach Clinic, ECHO, Everyday comprised of local business people who Blessings and Rotary’s Camp Florida. believe that mutual service is the best Last year, the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club way to create thriving businesses and was able to donate $9,000. societies,” said Adkinson. “Brandon ’86 Rotary Club has been Tickets to the Brandon Seafood working hard to make this a great event Festival can be purchased at www.branfilled with fun and great food,” said donseafoodfestival.com.
Ph: 657-2418
Photo By HCSO
Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee receives his retirement credentials from newly appointed HCSO Sheriff, Chad Chronister during Gee’s retirement reception. Gee has served the agency for nearly four decades, including the past 13 years as Sheriff.
Expires 11/30/17