It's time to sharpen those knives and get the grills smokin' - at least for these contestants. ...more

January 7, 2009

AVON PARK — "This week's going to be crazy" said Rebecca Perry as she started reaching into an old tractor's steering column. On and off for the past 11 months after school, four students repainted the tractor's body and bolted on several parts, finding a few hours after school between their studies as well as their "animal" raising. They were almost done Wednesday afternoon, 10 days ahead of next Saturday's tractor ride. Brandon Cooper and Randy Richardson helped connect some wires on the tractor. Perry, with her hands covered in black grease from handling its parts, left to take care of her pigs but shortly came back with her mom, Sally Perry, and two bags of McDonald's food. Sarah Richardson, the group's "historian," was finishing a scrapbook of the project. After all this work, they'll only use the tractor once. ...more

February 8, 2008

Wow! Saturday night we had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Flywheelers "Christmas in the Village." We both could not believe the wonderland of lights that the Flywheelers and their volunteers created. Besides all the Christmas displays, live entertainment, antique tractors and cars decorated with lights, there were hot dogs, cider, eggnog, coffee and homemade cookies all supplied by the Flywheelers. From the front gate, you are transported on trams through their antique village and into the different areas of the park to see the displays. The last dates to see this heart warming presentation are Dec. 14 and 15. Admission is an unwrapped toy, canned food or a cash donation. All proceeds go to local charities and local food banks. It is well worth the drive to their village in Fort Meade. For all who need a little holiday spirit and those who already have it, this is a must. ...more

December 11, 2007

AVON PARK — From head to toe – black International Harvester cap, chambray shirt, blue jeans and black work shoes – Wilson Holloway looks the image of a hardworking farmer. Holloway stands casually, but confidently, right arm resting atop his red restored 1954 I.H. Farmall tractor on beautiful day with mostly clear skies. ...more

October 6, 2007