By Gary Nager
As a primary media sponsor of the event, I am thrilled to be able to announce that the Rotary Club of New Tampa, in conjunction with five other local Rotary Clubs (New Tampa Noon, New Tampa Evening, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace and Tampa North), will host the tenth annual — and newly expanded (see below) — “Rotary PigFest,” the weekend of February 21-22, at the Primrose Park off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms.
For the first time ever, New Tampa Rotary president and Executive Chef of Private Chef of Tampa LLC Peter Gambacorta and his staff will kick off the Pigfest weekend (on Fri., Feb. 21) by preparing and serving four different types of wild game during the New Tampa Rotary (Morning)’s “Wild Game Dinner Under the Stars.”
Among the delicacies to be sampled that evening are Montana Elk with assorted mushrooms in a hunters’ gravy, mashed red skinned potatoes, with vegetables and salad; Venison Sauerbraten with Braised red cabbage and spaetzel; Wild Boar Bolognese over pasta with side salad; and Florida Gator Tail Chili and corn bread. Assorted wines and beers will be served in pairings with the menu items, as will some sweet desserts — all included in the price of only $50 per person. This will be limited to one seating of only the first 100 patrons.
Then, the tenth annual Rotary Pigfest itself will be held on Sat., Feb. 22, 1 p.m.-8 p.m. (with food service starting at 4:30 p.m.). The centerpiece of this event will again be the pig-roasting competition for cash prizes.
“At the last PigFest in 2012 (the plans for the 2013 event were cancelled before the date was even set), we had 9 teams competing for cash prizes and trophies,” says Gambacorta.”And, this competition will again be judged by local celebrities and overseen by the Florida BBQ Association.”
The cash prize for this year’s first place pig roasting team is $500, with $250 for second place and $150 for third.
Although samples of the BBQ created by the pig roasters are always available during the event, the six aforementioned Rotary Clubs will be providing a delicious Pulled Pork or Chicken Dinner for each attendee, with sides of beans and slaw.
“And, we again will be having top-name entertainment (see below) and adult beverages, soft drinks and water also will be served,” says Gambacorta, who adds that only 1,000 tickets at $25 per adult (only children under age 10 will be admitted for free) will be sold for the 2014 PigFest.
And, Gambacorta is proud to announce that the PigFest event is, “Going back to its roots this year, as we will bring back our famous ‘Reverse Raffle’ for numerous cash prizes (including a Grand Prize of $2,500), as well as a 50/50 contest and lots of great door prizes.” All net proceeds will be donated to the selected charities of each of the participating Rotary Clubs, as will as to the New Tampa Rotary Foundation.
Gambacorta says, “With your help, we can be true to the motto of Rotary International — ‘Service Above Self’ — and enjoy some wonderful food, great entertainment and the fellowship of Rotary.”
Among the entertainment already confirmed to appear are the CrabGrass Cowboys, Bob Thompson Vocals and the Freedom High Jazz Band, plus others to be named.
Tickets will be on sale online in late January and February, or contact your friends who are local Rotarians. We also are looking for local sponsors for the PigFest program booklets which will include — also for the first time — great coupons from local businesses.
For more information, please call Chef Peter at 380-4014, email peter@privatecheftampa.com or visit RotaryPigFest.com or NewTampaRotary.org.
Rotary Unveils Dog Park Plans
The same Rotary Club of New Tampa (morning) also has announced plans to fund and create the New Tampa Dog Park on a parcel of land located in the Tampa Palms area.
New Tampa Rotary president Peter Gambacorta says, “We want to create new parks in our area for the people of New Tampa to enjoy. First, a dog park, and then progress to a larger family park.”
The dog park is envisioned to include separate areas for small and large dogs, and have water stations and pooper scoopers. Benches and picnic tables also will be installed so that owners may relax while their dogs frolic.
The New Tampa Rotary has embarked on a fund-raising campaign to raise $25,000 for a New Tampa Dog Park. “We’re reaching out to dog lovers to ask them to support the creation of this wonderful new park,” says Joyce Gunter, New Tampa Rotarian and Chair of the New Tampa Dog Park Committee. “We are offering beautifully engraved commemorative bricks so that dog owners can forever memorialize their beloved pets along the walkway of the new Park.”
To purchase a brick or make a donation in support of the New Tampa Dog Park, contact Joyce Gunter at 528–1557 or email her at JoyceAnnGunter@gmail.com. The Rotary Club also is seeking major sponsors for the New Tampa Dog Park who would like signage opportunities inside the park.
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