LAST WORD

Although I’m from Dade City, I had taken the annual Little Everglades Steeplechase for granted. The event, which draws some 15,000 people to our quaint little town, showcases some of the world’s finest steeplechase race horses. In addition, there are Jack Russell terrier races, a carriage parade and a hat contest.

Yet, despite what my mother calls a "unique" collection of hats that I’ve amassed over the years, I never really experienced the Steeplechase until last year.

As a "newbie" to the event and not really wanting to look or sound like one, I studied up on my terminology. I had a great time dropping phrases like "Timber Topper" and "Bad Actor" to some of the folks in my tent.

Even though steeplechase racing has been around since the 1750s, Little Everglades Steeplechase was held in Dade City for the first time in March of 2000. This was good news for me, because it meant that I couldn’t possibly be the only local who didn’t know much about what was going on.

In my tent, there were plenty of bets flying around for the high-dollar purses. But not being much of a wagering enthusiast, I popped around to check out the other festivities taking place on the Little Everglades Ranch.

Impressive as the horses were, I really enjoyed the terrier races. And a lot of others agreed, as I had to fight my way through the crowd to get a closer look. Who would have thought that a lure attached to a piece of string would cause such excitement—even among dogs?

I also strolled through the Vendor Village to see the artists and craftspeople displaying their fine jewelry, pottery, wood carvings and glasswork. Another impressive sight was the Carriage Parade, in which Frisians, Grey Norwegian Fjords and Caspian ponies pulled coaches, wagonettes and miniature beer wagons.

I also noticed that there was plenty of entertainment for children, with activities that included a rock climbing wall, pony rides and face painting.

No matter where I was on the grounds, I could always tell when a race was about to begin as the buglers would sound their horns with "Call to the Post." Then I would find a nice spot along the track to watch. One of the most memorable moments for me was feeling the vibrations under my feet as the thoroughbreds thundered by me.

All in all, I had a great first experience. And as the 2008 races are just around the corner, I’ve already begun to look for my hat. I mean, it’s all about the hat. Am I right, ladies?

This year’s Little Everglades Steeplechase will be held Sunday, March 9th in Dade City. Tampa Bay Buccaneer Rond?Barber will be the honorary chair for the 2008 event, which raises funds for Quantum Leap Farm, Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and Diabetic Charitable Services. For more details, visit www.littleevergladessteeplechase.org or call (352) 521-3661.