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Lakewood Main Street celebrates a wee bit

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch was flooded with a sea of green as people came to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

People enjoyed Irish food and beer, live music, dance performances and kids games.

East County’s Ronda O’Keefe and Tara’s Debra Smith (above) dressed for the occasion.

“I love to see everybody getting together for St. Patty’s Day to celebrate their Irish roots,” O’Keefe said.

While O’Keefe comes from an Irish heritage, Smith said she’s only a “wee bit” Irish.

“But (on St. Patrick’s Day), everybody’s Irish,” Smith said.

Dual-purpose art

Barbara Kaplan of Rye Wilderness makes pottery that serves two purposes.

She sees her pieces as not only a spot of bright color in someone’s home but each piece also has a practical use.

Kaplan, who started making pottery 10 years ago, makes omelet dishes, brie bakers, spoon rests, egg separators and more.

“I want to make something functional and things that people will actually use,” Kaplan said. “They can put it out anywhere to add some color to the place, but it could also be used.”

Kaplan (above) showed her pottery work at the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch’s Spring Show and Sale.

“I’m not going to end up in the Smithsonian,” Kaplan said with a laugh. “Picasso doesn’t have to worry about me. Making pottery is just a way for me to relax.”

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