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Sale, Expo To Offer Bargains, Music

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 30, 2007

DADE CITY - The Suncoast Harvest Food Bank and Pasco County 4-H are among organizations that will benefit from the Home and Community Educators fundraising yard sale that will take place in conjunction with the annual Pasco County Extension's Expo 2007 Florida Friendly event.

The event will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52.

This event represents the merging of two longstanding community events: an annual fundraising craft and yard sale, hosted by HCE volunteers; and yearly Master Gardeners open house, which features an array of informational exhibits and hands-on activities.

Six years ago, organizers combined these events to give the public an educational experience and the opportunity to help a variety of philanthropic organizations.

Young people can enjoy a 4-H gingerbread house workshop, and a Kids Bumper Sticker Design Contest sponsored by the extension office.

No admission is charged for this volunteer-run event, though guests are asked to bring a canned good or monetary donations for Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. This marks the first time that this fundraiser has included the food bank among its beneficiaries. Aside from food and money contributions, organizers will donate unsold clothes to Suncoast.

"Today food banks face a greater demand for donations, with lesser supply," said Betsy Crisp, HCE agent advisor of UF/IFAS - Pasco County Extension. "We're counting on the community to bring in food for people in need."

About the yard sale, a news release states "You never know what you will find there: There are always some real bargains." The extension expo also will offer exhibits and activities in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, and family and consumer sciences.

These events will include tours of a Florida-friendly garden, horticulture/Master Gardener demonstrations and exhibits, recycling and water-conservation tips, and other activities.

Live music and entertainment also will be offered at the event, which will feature guests Smokey Bear and the Marine Gang from MOSI.

A wildlife conservation trailer will be featured, and Pasco County Animal Services will present Disaster Preparedness for Pets. A blood mobile will be posted at the event, and the Pasco County Health Department will offer flu and pneumonia shots at a cost. Pasco County Utilities will offer recycling education.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office will feature its Missing Child Van and child identification kits.

Free refreshments will include hot dogs, popcorn and drinks.

Crisp encouraged participants to donate to the food bank. "That's what the holiday season is all about," she said. "We need to do what we can for those less fortunate."

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