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Novemberfest To Hold To Tradition

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

BRANDON - What began 38 years ago as a casual afternoon picnic for parishioners on the grounds of Nativity Catholic Church has evolved into one of the largest social events in Hillsborough County.

This year's Novemberfest, set for Wednesday through Nov. 18, is expected to draw 150,000 people to the grounds of Nativity Catholic Church and School at 705 E. Brandon Blvd.

Six-time chairman Ernie Garateix and Nativity's pastor, the Rev. Arthur Proulx, will kick off the festivities at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The festival will feature revered Novemberfest traditions such as the Battle of the Babies, a community talent show, food prepared by parishioners under a big top, homegrown entertainment and a midway featuring popular carnival rides - including Power Surge and Ring of Fire.

This year's Battle of the Babies on Nov. 17 will include a diaper derby and beauty contest. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and the contest begins at 12:05 p.m. Children from infancy to 24 months are eligible to enter the beauty contest, and a "prince" and "princess" will be crowned in four age categories, birth to 5 months, 6 to 11 months, 12 to 17 months and 18 to 24 months. Four finalists from each category will compete for the titles of Novemberfest "king" and "queen."

In the diaper derby, called The Chase, babies will crawl from a starting line to a designated finish point. They will compete in three age categories: 6 to 8 months, 9 to 11 months and 12 to 18 months.

The talent show is scheduled for Nov. 18, with registration starting at 11 a.m. under the big top. Registration is free but limited to the first 100 entries. Trophies will be awarded in two divisions: 12 years and younger and 13 years and older. Performance categories include dance, voice, drama, baton, gymnastics, piano and musical instruments. The show begins at 12:05 p.m.

Throughout the four days, a variety of local bands, singers and dancers will perform. A proven crowd favorite, Crystal Blue has performed classic rock and pop music at Novemberfest for more than 10 years. Also scheduled to entertain is Riverview High School teen idol winner Amy Bueno, as well as Ann Fazio, Melissa Brethouer, Mike Harville and Sophia Wolfe and a list of bands, dancers and baton twirlers. Kiddie Land, which operates rides for younger children, will return this year.

Back by popular demand are Novemberfest palate pleasers, including Philly cheese steak sandwiches, homemade pizza, ice cream sundaes, fish and chips, Dippin' Dots and more.

TIME FOR SOME FUN

WHAT: Novemberfest

WHERE: Nativity Catholic Church and School at 705 E. Brandon Blvd.

WHEN: 4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Nov. 17 and noon to 10 p.m. Nov. 18

DETAILS: Armbands for unlimited rides on designated dates and times are on sale before Tuesday for $16 and after Tuesday for $22. Proceeds from Novemberfest go to Nativity Catholic School and religious education programs in the parish.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?: For information, contact the parish stewardship office at (813) 657-9787, call the Novemberfest hotline at (813) 571-9397 or visit www.nativitycatholicschool.org

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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