Florida to host Family Fun Fest this Sunday

Florida-Bring your friends, bring your family. It is going to be a fun time in Florida this Sunday as the village hosts its seventh annual Family Fun Festival. Mouth-watering food, terrific entertainment, and great games are sure to highlight this annual event. "Fun fest is always a great day for people to meet their neighbors," said Mayor James Pawliczek. "It's an economical way to spend the day in the village." Pawliczek said it's not only current residents who enjoy the festival. Lots of peole who used to live in the village make sure to come back for this family day. Florida's own Jimmy Sturr will end the day as he performs with his orchestra at the stage on Main Street. Sturr is a life-long resident of the village. He will perform many of his famous polkas and some big band music from 7 until 9 p.m. "Jimmy is great," Pawliczek said. "He never misses this." Nat the Cat will be the master of ceremonies. There are lots of activities planned for the day. The annual Lions' bed race is set to begin at 3 p.m., with Main Street closed to all traffic beginning at 11:30 a.m.and continuing until the event is complete at 9:30 p.m. Four bands will be performing continuously throughout the day. Pawliczek anticipates a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000 people. The mayor also said there will be free kiddie rides set up at Seward High School. For those not too interested in the rides, 60 vendors will fill Main Street, pedaling everything from crafts and novelties to lots of food. Oh, the food. The food is one of the high points of the Family Fun Festival. Mrs. T's famous pierogies, sausage and peppers, gyros, pizza, chicken, and other ethnic dishes are just some of the fine foods that will be available Sunday. "There will be something for everyone," proclaimed the mayor. The Fun Festival is a revitalization of the village's annual picnic that began over 30 years ago and was held annually for about six years. A few years back, a small group of residents suggested resurrecting the picnic, sort of as a big block party for villagers. The idea caught on and has been a successful event for the village ever since. Cross your fingers--the event has never been completely rained out, said Pawliczek. "The fun fest will happen rain or shine," he stated, noting there will be undercover sites available if the rain should come. The Florida Fun Festival will start at 2 p.m.