Plaza presents patriotic 'palooza'

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Merchants in Lake Osprey Plaza are kicking off the Fourth of July with a party of their own.

Lucky Pelican Bistro & Fish Market and the Lake Osprey Cabaret have teamed up for the first Pelican Palooza event, which will start at 5:30 p.m., July 3.

“This year, we wanted to celebrate the beginning of the summer and Independence Day and give our clients a chance to take a break without breaking the bank,” Lucky Pelican owner and event co-organizer Jim Poitrast said.

Held in the parking lot of Lake Osprey Plaza, the free event will include a waterslide and other activities for children, a ventriloquist, live music, comedy performances and even a chance to play video games on a giant 14-foot screen after dark.

“It’s more of a family thing from 5-8 p.m., and then 18 or older after that,” Poitrast said.

Attendees can sing along to Beatles songs performed by The Glass Onion Band, enjoy listening to Thom Parks on the guitar or the smooth jazz sounds of TFoxx. The Funny Divas will provide comic relief starting at 8:30 p.m. as will the Cabaret’s own Jack David.

The Lucky Pelican will be featuring a special Southern-style seafood buffet with delicacies such as crab, jambalaya, fried catfish, crawfish and barbecue at the Lucky Pelican for $20 for adults and $10 for children, excluding drinks.

Additionally, some vendors will be on site to sell goods such as dog treats.

At a time when many families may be opting to stay home for the Fourth of July holiday, Poitrast said he hopes the party will provide a budget-friendly alternative for East County residents.

“This is a much more neighborhood setting,” Poitrast said. “(We want people to feel like they) can stay all night.”

Co-organizer Jack David said he hopes to make the party an annual event or to offer more events like it at the plaza in the coming months.

David also said he hopes the party will show Lakewood Ranch residents there are a wealth of shopping and dining options in Lakewood Ranch, including businesses in Lake Osprey Plaza.

“It’s a great concept,” David said. “I think it will bring a lot of people from Lakewood Ranch to see what we have to offer.”

Poitrast agreed.

“We enjoy throwing a party,” he said.

Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Contact Pam McTeer at [email protected].

Pelican Palooza
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., July 3
WHERE: Lake Osprey Plaza, 6273 Lake Osprey Drive
INFORMATION: Jim or Beth Poitrast, 907-0589, or Jack David, 726-2566