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Who's Backyard Champ?

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2008

LITHIA - This may be the one and only time your spouse's annoying habit of spitting seeds could become an asset.

Residents will compete in quirky backyard games, including pumpkin seed-spitting, washer tossing, pumpkin chucking and navigating a funky obstacle course to claim the title of World's Greatest Backyard Athlete.

The rivalry's not only friendly, it's for a good cause.

Competitors will raise money for the Life is good Kids Foundation, which supports charities for children facing challenges.

The World's Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition will be part of FishHawk Ranch's annual Pumpkin Festival set for 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Park Square, 16144 Churchview Drive, Lithia. The competition will take place from 3 to 4:15 p.m., with the awards presented at 4:30 p.m.

This is the third year Newland Communities has held the Life is good pumpkin festivals in eight communities in seven states, raising nearly $1 million for the Boston-based foundation.

The foundation's beneficiaries include HomeAid, one of the nation's leading providers of housing for the temporarily homeless, and Project Joy for children who have experienced violence or trauma.

Among the athletes participating in this year's FishHawk Ranch competition will be Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, who has raised $2,505 in pledges.

"The competition will be tough. The energy will be high. But I'm up for the challenge to raise money for kids facing unfair challenges and children and families who are temporarily homeless. Now, more than ever, they need our support," she said.

Rivals include Rick Harcrow, Newland's senior vice president, who has raised $1,139; George Shea, with $740 in pledges; and Anita Vlass with $625.

Residents can register to participate in the competition or pledge online at www.newlandpumpkinfestival.com.
Festival visitors also can look forward to a pumpkin-carving contest from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The lit Jack-O-Lanterns will be displayed at 7:30 p.m. A donation of $5 per pumpkin is required to participate.

From 2 to 2:45 p.m., the family pet will get into the act with a pet costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and whackiest costumes. The entry fee is $5 per pet.

The evening will continue with three pie-eating contests starting at 7 p.m. and a concert featuring the local band Blast! from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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