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Event Recreates Sherwood Forest

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By SUSAN M. GREEN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2007

Updated: 09/24/2007 10:23 pm

WIMAUMA - Robin Hood probably never had a map to guide him through Sherwood Forest, but participants in the Little Manatee River State Park's annual Mystery Map fundraiser will get one as they ride horses, paddle canoes or hike through obstacle courses based on 12th-century England.

Cathy Moore, president of Little Manatee's Friends of the Park, said organizers of the event, in its 10th year, were inspired by budget cuts that affected park operations to choose Robin Hood as their theme. She noted that the outlaw was famous for giving to the poor.

'If it weren't for volunteers down there, that park wouldn't even be functioning,' Moore said.

Proceeds from the event, scheduled for Oct. 13, will go to the park. Recently, the Friends organization has provided money to repair park employee vehicles, buy a copy machine and install vending machines, Moore said.

The fundraiser, staged by Friends of the Park and Canoe Outpost, will test participants' archery skills and pit them against Robin Hood's right-hand man, Little John, in a battle of staffs.

Participants will receive a map and instructions to perform a variety of tasks and overcome fun obstacles.

'We're going to have a Black Knight on horseback, and they're going to encounter him in the forest,' Moore said.

'Robin and his men played on superstitions to scare off their enemies,' she said. 'Some things will be kind of eerie and spooky.'

Each participant will receive a map with instructions to perform fun tasks or overcome obstacles. Each performance will be timed and compared with the time posted by anonymous participants who tackled the course in advance. Competitors whose times most closely match the 'mystery time' in their category win prizes, and speed might not be the deciding factor, Moore said.

Prizes will be donated by feed and tack stores, Canoe Outpost and other businesses. First prize usually is a $75 to $100 value, with lesser amounts awarded for second and third place, Moore said.

In past years, the event has drawn about 100 participants, mostly horseback-riders. The Friends organization would like to encourage more hikers and people in canoes or kayaks, Moore said.

Besides raising money, the event is intended to boost public awareness of the park's value, particularly in the midst of Hillsborough County's population boom.

'The way things are growing, if we don't take care of these places more, where are we going to go?' Moore said, noting that activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding require lots of open space. 'All we're going to have is this concrete jungle.'

The cost for participation is $20 per person. The park's entrance fee will be waived for people who report to the event field west of the park's main gate at 215 Lightfoot Road, Moore said. Signs will be posted to identify the site. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and participants will start competing at 9 a.m.

For those who want to visit the park but not compete in the map event, organizers have lined up musical entertainment, face painting and other children's activities. A barbecue chicken lunch will be available for $5, along with hot dogs and other refreshments.

Organizers are collecting donated items from feed and tack stores, restaurants, Medieval Times of Orlando and other businesses for a silent auction.

Making presentations will be Jeanie Curphey of Parrish, a horse trainer certified in John Lyons techniques, and horse massage therapist Mary Blaisdell of Riverview.

Curphey will discuss her recent experience participating in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. Trainers who participated were to use compassionate methods to introduce wild horses to halters and trail riding.

Representatives of Seminole Feed will bring scales so riders can weigh their horses.

Other local organizations, including the Sundance Fire Department, will be on hand.

For information, call Moore at (813) 677-9291, Canoe Outpost at (813) 634-2228 or the park at (813) 671-5005.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Mystery Map fundraiser

WHERE: Little Manatee River State Park, 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma
WHEN: Oct. 13, with registration starting at 8 a.m.

COST: $20 per person

INFORMATION: Cathy Moore, (813) 677-9291; Canoe Outpost, (813) 634-2228; or the park, (813) 671-5005

Reporter Susan M. Green can be reached at (813) 865-1566 or sgreen@tampatrib.com.

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