Bagpiper Serenades In Downtown Plant City
The ethereal sound of Gemma Brigg’s bagpipe could be heard throughout downtown Plant City on Tuesday, thanks to a city-sponsored musical street performance program happening for the next two Tuesdays (Nov. 7 and 14) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Briggs played while walking from the Depot area to the west end of McCall Park, where she stopped at the small amphitheater and performed for the rest of the hour.
A different bagpiper will perform for each of the next two Tuesdays.
“The intent behind this program is to create a buzz in downtown, feature the performing arts, draw people in to see the performances and then have them take advantage of the restaurants, merchants and services our downtown has to offer,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.
It Was a Beautiful Night For a Hike
Plant City Parks & Recreation Department’s Environmental Lands Management Division hosted a night hike at McIntosh Preserve on Sat., Oct. 28. Led by Park Ranger Allen Merrill, participants were able to embrace the sounds of the night, take in the beautiful “Hunter’s Moon” night sky and experience the solitude of being immersed in nature for the nearly two-mile excursion.
While it was a quiet night, Merrill spotted a bobcat sneak across the path behind the group as they made their way along the trail. Participants were able to climb the observation tower and caught a glimpse of the setting sun as it disappeared over the wetlands.
Lydia Lindow frequents the park for a daily walk and went on the night hike to get a different perspective. “The preserve is my favorite park and it was amazing watching the moon rise through the trees,” she said. “The rangers were informative about the local wildlife that live there (snakes, birds and bobcat) and all the new features they’re adding to the park.”
Check out the Parks & Recreation webpage at plantcitygov.com/parksrec or follow it on Facebook for information about future events.
McCall Park Says Goodbye To Old Gazebo
The wooden gazebo in McCall Park has played host to many events over the years, but it came down last week, safety winning over nostalgia.
“It had deteriorated to the point that it was not suitable for use,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.
Penny Barstow, a longtime Plant City resident, said she’ll miss the old gazebo but as long as a new one is installed she’ll be happy. “I love McCall Park and always bring visitors here because I think it’s a gem,” she said. “As long as a gazebo is somewhere in the park it will be nice.”
A new gazebo is planned for the park. “We will grade and sod the area until the new gazebo structure is installed, which will be after the holidays,” said McDaniel.
In addition, McCall Park is lighting up with the installation of cascade and bistro/cafe lighting. The bistro/cafe lighting work is being performed by Signature Lighting & Electrical of Polk County at a cost of $20,695.24 with a tentative completion date of Oct. 31.
“Adding tree lights in McCall Park will enhance the experience for our evening visitors to downtown and the park,” said McDaniel. “We are very excited to bring this new visual element to the center of our beautiful downtown.”
Plant City Main Street Executive Director Dawn Hyatt said the improvements are an example of what can be accomplished thanks to the teamwork that happens between the City, Parks & Recreation Department and Plant City Main Street. “This is a chance for everyone here in Plant City and anywhere to come and see the proof is in the pudding of the transformation of downtown,” she said.
Hope Lutheran Announces 27th Annual Turkey Supper
Is it ever too early to eat a turkey dinner with all the fixings, especially when you don’t have to cook it? Visit Hope Lutheran Church on Sun., Nov. 5 between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and enjoy a meal consisting of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, slaw, corn, green beans, roll, dessert and beverage.
Hope’s members are ready to do all the food preparing; they just need eaters. Cost for the dinner is $10 (for adults).
“There’s no place in our community that you can go today, sit and enjoy a meal like this and walk away not able to eat another bite at such a tremendous value,” said Sr. Pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer.
Proceeds from the event will be used towards missions both inside and outside the community.
Meals will be available for takeout or dine-in and no advance ticket or reservations are necessary. For more information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.