Spring Jubilee Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Residents are invited to swing into spring at this year's Spring Jubilee, scheduled from March 31 to April 3 on the grounds of St. Stephen Catholic School, 10424 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview, off Boyette Road.

This year's director, Gene Batronie, said fairgoers can look forward to plenty of food, rides and entertainment at this year's Spring Jubilee, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

"We're doing some new things this year, such as an Easter egg hunt for the entire community," said Batronie. More than 3,000 eggs will be hidden around the jubilee grounds for children to find on April 3 at 11 a.m.

"We're really trying to think of things to bring out the entire community," said Batronie.

The entertainment tent will feature a performance by cover band, Luna Blue, which has performed at venues throughout the Tampa Bay area.

"We're best described as a Top 40 band," said band member Taylor Ard. "We do songs from the past 30 years, everything from Van Halen to Lady Ga Ga."

"It should be a great concert," said Batronie. "They have a good following."

Luna Blue, which frequently appears at O'Brien's Irish Pub and the Green Iguana, will perform April 1 from 8 to midnight.

Other bands, including the Code Blues Band of Riverview, which rocked the entertainment tent last year, and the Derek Williams Band, will perform as well. In addition, there will be performances the Progress Middle Magnet School Advanced Chorus, the Mulrennan Middle School Select Sound, the Mulrennan Middle School Bucket Band, the Riverview High School Chorus, the Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts dance team, Phillip Shore Elementary School, the Riverview High School Patel Show Choir, Rockestra from Music Showcase, the Music Showcase Glee Show Choir, Marjan Davey's Entertainment Reviel, the Riverview High School Idol Solo Show, the Central Florida Dance Alliance, the Tampa Bay Rhythmic, Leonard's Dance Studio and Judy's Dance Academy.

On Saturday, Spirit FM 90.5 Radio will do a remote broadcast from the jubilee grounds.

The jubilee will feature a midway with 32 rides from Arnold's Amusements including some of the most popular thrills rides as well as games. Fairgoers can purchase a armband for all the rides for $17 in advance or $20 the day of the event. Or fairgoers can purchase a mega armband for $50 for all four days of the festival.

In the food tent, fairgoers will find a variety of food prepared by St. Stephen Catholic Church volunteers, Beef O' Brady's and The Alley, in addition to a wine and beer garden. Food choices will include New Orleans-style crabcakes, barbecue, fish and chips, Philly steak sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, fries, Cuban sandwiches and ice cream.

As in past year's there will be chances to win prizes and cash. This year's raffle is for a grand prize of $2,500 cash. Other prizes include a 42-inch flat-screen television and a $500 gift certificate to King's Limo. There also will be a prize wheel and treasure box featuring smaller prizes.

Each year the Spring Jubilee planning committee chooses a different charity to benefit from the fair. This year's charities are LifeCare of Brandon and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Helping Hands program.

During the past nine years, the jubilee has distributed more than $40,000 to local charities.

Sponsors for this year's Spring Jubilee include Celestar Corp. James Rivard Pontiac, King's Executive Limo & Car Service, Barefoot, God Bless Scentsy, The Alley and DeCort & Kirkner Law Firm.

Hours are March 31 from 4 to 10 p.m., April 1 from 4 to 11 p.m., April 2 from noon to 11 p.m. and April 3 from noon to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.springjubilee.com.