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State Park Decked Out With Christmas Decorations

Photo from Salt Springs Alliance

The Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band will be among performers at the new Holiday Nights under the Stars event Dec. 5 and 6 at Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park.

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: November 19, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Thanksgiving may still be eight days away, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.

Volunteers have begun putting up decorations for the park's inaugural "Holiday Nights Under the Stars" on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6.

"We are planning an arts and crafts bazaar complete with kiddie games, pony rides, food, live music and hayrides," Linda Tracey, president of the Salt Springs Alliance volunteer group, said in a press release.

"All this under the stars and through the decorated trails," Tracey added. "We hope to make this a signature event."

Spectators will enter at the park location on Salt Springs Road behind Sears at Gulf View Square mall.

Admission will be free. Event times will be 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, Dec 5, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

More than 30 local artists and craftsmen will display their wares along the palm and palmetto trail decorated with holiday lights and scenes. Jewelry, paintings, photography, poinsettias, woodwork, carvings and more will be on sale for shoppers.

For a small fee, families can take a hayride or children can enjoy pony rides. A kid's game area will offer prizes.

Come to the South Pole, Wood Toy Division and admire the toys made and donated to charity, Tracey reports.

Music lovers will be treated to ongoing live music from several local artists such as the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band from Tampa. Some 14 bands are expected to play. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music.

If all that starlight and fresh air causes your appetite to kick in, it can be satisfied with hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, cookies, cider, hot chocolate and more, all sold by the Salt Springs Alliance, the citizens support organization for the park.

A few vendor spots are still available until Nov. 30. For more information call 727-816-1890 or go online to www.saltspringsalliance.com and click on the "Holiday Event" button.

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