TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

$2,500 Raised For State Park

ADVERTISEMENT

By LOIS KINDLE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

Updated: 10/18/2007 10:22 pm

SUNDANCE - Last weekend, Little Manatee River State Park was turned into Sherwood Forest as a band of 93 merry men and women rode, hiked and paddled their way through the 10th annual Mystery Map Tour.

The fundraiser brought in about $2,500, which will be used to purchase an ice machine that will be available to park visitors and the community at large.

Following a map, participants encountered a variety of stations along the tour that included a black knight, castle and fair maiden, archery posts and jousting stations - all intended to recall the days of Robin Hood.

'We had someone come from as far away as Titusville,' said Cathy Moore, president of Friends of the Little Manatee River Park, the group sponsoring the outing. 'It went amazingly well. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.'

'We had a great time,' said Jeff Smith of Brandon, who with his wife, Cindy, won the hiking portion of the event. 'If the intent of the outing was to introduce people to the park and get them to return, I'd say it was quite successful. We will be back.'

Other winners were Eileen Burke and Kathy Duncan of Ruskin in the canoeing category and Betty Tricaico of Sarasota on horseback. Prizes were donated by the Canoe Outpost, feed and tack stores, and other area businesses.

The event included musical entertainment, face painting and other children's activities. A barbecue chicken lunch made by Friends' members Sebine Ludgen and Jackie Walker of Wimauma was served for $5. There was also a silent auction.

Moore was quick to point out the event wouldn't have taken place without the support of volunteers and sponsors.

For example, the Little Manatee Pony Club made and sold treats for horses and donated the proceeds. Boy Scout 661 of Ruskin worked the archery challenge and displayed arrowheads. And the Triple B Riding Club of Riverview and Myakka River Riders made props and set up stations. Other organizations, including the Sundance Fire Department, were on hand.

For information on the Friends' next event, the annual Poker Ride, which will be sometime in January, or to join the organization, call Moore at (813) 677-9291 or Brian Ruddeforth at (813) 634-2228.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT