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State Park decorated with thousands of lights and hundreds of luminaries - Join the

Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Fort Cooper State Park Nights of Lights

Wildlife Park Opens Gates for Manatees

Christmas Celebration hosted by the Friends of Fort Cooper, Inc. The park volunteers have

Marking the start of manatee season, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife

decorated the park with thousands of lights and hundreds of luminaries. Stroll along the

State Park has opened the spring gates to allow wild manatees to enter the spring bowl for

walkways taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Bring the children for a visit with

the third year. The gates will remain open during manatee season into spring of 2013. Park

Santa. Celebrate the holiday season with live entertainment and complimentary refresh-

Manager Art Yerian noted, “With the onset of cooler weather it is important for wild mana-

tees to have access to the warmer spring waters. On cold mornings it is not unusual to see

December 7 and 8: Lights, luminaries, Santa, entertainment and refreshments

dozens of wild manatees in the main spring including many females with calves.”

(while supplies last). December 9: Tranquility Night; lights and recorded music. Admis-

Pet Photos With Santa to benefit Hospice of Citrus County

sion: A donation of canned goods or a new unwrapped toy for Citrus United Basket.

Barkaritaville, located at 3892 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills (same plaza

The park is located 3 miles south of downtown Inverness Hwy. 41 turn left on

as New England Deli and Café) will present “PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA” to be held

Eden Drive then right on Old Floral City Road – the park is one mile on the right.

on Saturday, December 15 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. There is a suggested $5 donation per

Benefit Polker Run for Am. Legion Post 237

photo (5x7 photo) . All pets must be on a leash. All donations will benefit patients and

American Legion Post 237, located at 4077 N. Lecanto Hwy., will host a benefit

families served by Hospice of Citrus County. For additional information on the Barkari-

Poker Run on Saturday, January 26, 2013 with proceeds going to support American Cancer

taville “Pet Photos with Santa” fundraising event, or to make a reservation, please contact

Society Moffitt Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Research and patients and families served by

Barkaritaville at 352.513.4829.

Hospice of Citrus County.

Marketplace Vendors wanted:

A $10 entry fee per rider will include a poker hand and a meal at the end of the run.

It’s almost here-- the annual Florida Manatee Festival comes to Crystal River

Registration begins at 10:00 am at American Legion Post 237 in Beverly Hills. Last bike

January 19 and 20, 2013. That means two days with twelve to fifteen thousand people mill-

in will be 4:30 pm when food will be served. For additional information on the American

ing around in a good mood, looking for ways to spend money and we want them to spend it

Legion #237 Poker Run, call 352.746.5018 or John Roby at352.341.5856..

Sunday Sampler at Dunnellon's Depot

The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce makes improvements to the Manatee

The Sunday Sampler offers music lovers the opportunity of being entertained by

Festival every year to make it more successful and attract more people. Marketplace booths

two up and coming acts, CARLY BAK and TOO MANY SMITHS on December 9, 2012 at

are an integral part of the festival. It’s an economical way to meet face to face and sell the

2:30 p.m. in the historic Dunnellon Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon, FL.

benefits of your business RIGHT NOW. Two days of interacting with people from all over

TOO MANY SMITHS consist of Ocala’s Linda and Glen Smith. They met at the

the county and beyond. Spaces are filling quickly and we want YOU to be there. Mar-

Will McLean Festival eight years ago and have been performing together ever since at many

ketplace booths are an economical $240.00 for the two day festival; if you are a Chamber

Florida Folk Festivals and venues around the state. This will be their first performance at

member, the cost for a marketplace spot is only $185.00.

the Sunday Sampler. Donation is 10 dollars at the door and includes complimentary snacks

Friends, Fashion & Fun

at intermission. Funds help support artists who educate through writing and singing about

For a glimpse of new spring fashions come to the Ladies of the West Citrus Elks

Florida. For information call 352-489-3766.

annual fashion show. The show is on Friday, January 25, 2013, with the doors opening at 11

am. This year’s fashions are provided by Bealls department store in Crystal River. Along

with the fashions, there will be a wonderful luncheon provided by Chef Ken with gift bas-

kets and oodles of door prizes.

Tickets are $20.00 and you can call Anne 382-1848 or Pat 382-3151 for informa-

tion or to purchase tickets.

Proceeds from this event will benefit local charities and will be held at the West

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Citrus Elks Lodge, 7890 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd in Homosassa. Come and join us for a

beautiful afternoon of fashion and fun!

253 Hwy 40 W. • Inglis, FL



Half Price Book Sale at Dunnellon Public Library

1/4 mile west of Hwy. 19

Friends of the Dunnellon Sale

 Public Library Christmas Book  Half-Price Sale All

In a Hurry? Call Ahead (352) 447-2406

Store-widewillDec.22nd. 

items   run until 



w! email news to: news@thenewscaster.com

Open M,W,Th 11a-12mid, F-S til 1am • Closed Tues.

Everything Made to Order



Fresh-Made Salads: Antipasta, Chicken, Chef & Shrimp

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Specials, Homemade Soups, Chowders & Chili

 

Steaks & Seafood Pasta Dishes with Homemade Sauces

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

Hand-Pressed Hamburgers Cooked Your Way





    

Pizza, Calzones & Oven-Baked

      

      

Saturday: Prime Rib after 4 pm

       

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials

          

                   

                