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State Park To Add Holiday Events

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: September 3, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Brand new holiday events are coming soon to lure more visitors to Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park. Late night events will offer spooky fun during Halloween in the Woods in October, organized by the Salt Springs Alliance park booster group.

In December, the first Holiday Nights Under the Stars will let people shop for Christmas gifts while strolling along a trail decorated with lights.

First up, however, will be the one-mile Night Owl Classic. The fun run through the woods at the coastal state park will take place at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, park manager Toby Brewer reports.

The 5K Creature Feature race will follow at midnight along the park trail.

Participants must have a working flashlight or headlamp.

The cost is $15, with a discount price of $12 for advance registration. A registration form is available at www.saltspringsalliance.com>. Or call the park office at 727-816-1890 and request a form.

The two late-night events will expand upon the annual Halloween in the Woods festivities Oct. 24 and 25 in a part of the park behind Sears at the Gulfview Square mall in Port Richey.

The Halloween event, 6 -10 p.m., will feature spooky trails, games, food, hayrides, pony rides, lots of candy and prizes. A costume contest for children under age 12 will take place Oct. 25. Admission will be $2 for adults and $1 for children under 12.

The alliance is still recruiting volunteers and sponsors to help with the event, Brewer said. People interested in helping can attend a meeting tonight, Wednesday, at 7 p.m.

The free Holiday Nights Under the Stars will be held 4 -10 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6, also in a part of the park behind Sears at the mall.

Arts and craft vendors will set up their goods for holiday shoppers as they stroll along a lighted, decorated trail.

"We are looking for vendors and those interested in singing or playing during the event," Brewer said. Call the park office at 727-816-1890.

Other events include a Guided Walk at the Scenic Drive trailhead at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Ken Tracey of Audubon will be leading the free walk.

Designated Interpretive Paddle will offer a guided kayak and canoe trip on Saturday, Oct. 11, from the park's launch area t 9120 Old Post Road. The two-hour DIP water tour costs $15. Rental boats are available at local kayak stores.

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