Families and participants enjoyed the sixth annual pumpkin decorating contest in downtown High Springs on Friday. The event, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, brought out community members for Halloween fun and treats. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SRINGS – Halloween in downtown High Springs was a blast as the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe rolled out the orange carpet for its sixth annual pumpkin decorating contest! The event was packed with spooky spirit and plenty of dazzling, imaginative pumpkins that delighted the crowd.

The contest featured multiple age divisions and highlighted both individual talent and community participation. Little ghouls and goblins stole the show in the Children 6 or Younger category, with Taelynn Perry, Tinleigh Perry, Sammy Wicks, and Jameson Parry all taking home top honors.

In the Youth 7–12 group, Rayve Boyle snatched First Place, Hannah McCullough grabbed Second, and Hudson Huffman earned a spooky Third.

The 13 or Older division saw Brianna Oswald rise to First Place, Renee Cox come in Second, and Julie Tapia-Ruano claim Third.

Local organizations and businesses also joined the fun. Serendipity earned recognition in the City Business category, the High Springs Police Department was named top City Department, and Air America received honors for Best Presentation of High Springs.

The Kiwanis Club extended thanks to participating businesses and organizations that helped support the family-oriented celebration. “This spirited fundraiser helps support children and families across Alachua and High Springs,” the club shared.

Event sponsors included Alachua County Today, Ross Ambrose, Great Outdoors, Pink Flamingo, Prime Conduit, Prohibition Pizza, Waste Pro, High Springs CRA, Steak Out, The Florida Creamery, Theme Works, American Air, Campus USA, Decades on Main Street, High Springs Brewery, Jason’s Jewelry, LaTour Eye Doctor and The Mantle.

The Kiwanis Club noted their appreciation to every volunteer, business partner and community supporter who contributed to the event’s success.

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Gleaming chrome, polished paint, and hometown pride filled Northeast Railroad Avenue as more than 100 cars and motorcycles lined the streets for the High Springs Lions Club’s 4th Annual Bike and Car Show on Oct. 25./Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – Sunshine, perfect weather, chrome, and community spirit filled Northeast Railroad Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the High Springs Lions Club hosted its 4th Annual Bike and Car Show, drawing 101 participating entries and spectators from across the region.

More than just a showcase of restored classics and creative builds, the annual event served a charitable mission — raising funds for the Florida Diabetes Camp, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children living with diabetes.

Registration for entrants was $25. The event included music, door prizes, and a lively 50/50 raffle. In a touching show of generosity, the winner of that raffle donated her winnings back to the cause.

The day’s awards reflected both craftsmanship and community spirit. Among the most prestigious honors was the John B. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes not only vehicles built before 1962 but also the owner’s stewardship and enthusiasm for the car hobby. Judges, including the Sullivan family and the Lions Club, selected #33 Alex Fardales and his 1955 Chevy Belair as the 2025 recipient.

The Best of Show Award, chosen by representatives of the Florida Diabetes Camp, went to #40 Terry Hoyt for his 1961 Chevy Impala, a crowd favorite gleaming under the autumn sun.

In memory of longtime enthusiast Ed Decker, the Under Construction Award went to #22 Logan Butler for his in-progress 1966 Buick Skylark.

Adding a seasonal twist, the Halloween Award honored #18 Tim Mills and his 1996 Rat Rod, which brought a spooky flair to the lineup.

The High Springs Chamber’s Club Participation Award went to the Gainesville Street Rods, whose members turned out in impressive numbers. Meanwhile, young attendees helped select the Top Truck Kid’s Choice Award, presented to #8 Chris Forback for his beautifully restored 1946 Chevrolet truck.

Top Entries

Judges also recognized the Top 20 cars and Top five bikes overall. Standouts included:

Top 20 Cars (selected highlights):

• #13 John Hoehn – 1957 Chevy 3100 Truck
• #28 Clint Wilson – 1966 C10 Chevy Pickup
• #55 “Gator” David – 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu
• #49 Don McCullen – 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
• #66 Darryl Crumpton – 1967 Chevy Camaro

Top 5 Bikes:

• #14 Rick Testa – 1910 Harley Replica
• #79 David Croenne – 2009 Harley Rocker C
• #70 Jeff Knight – 2012 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• #1 Gene Resmondo, Jr. – 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King
• #74 Allen Newborn – 1969 BSA Motorcycle

As the trophies were handed out and engines cooled under the afternoon sun, organizers reflected on another successful year of giving back. With every polished chrome fender and revving engine, participants helped support the Florida Diabetes Camp, ensuring that children living with diabetes can experience summer adventures filled with confidence, friendship, and fun.

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~ The following is a press release provided by Alachua County. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County invites the community to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans at the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville).

 Alachua County Veteran Services will host the celebration, in partnership with the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee and local veteran and nonprofit organizations.

 This free, family-friendly event features live music, inspiring speakers, and activities for all ages. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with music and family activities, followed by a formal program at 11 a.m. honoring those who have selflessly served our nation.

 Highlights include:

 Dedication of a new Veterans Memorial flagpole

• First responder aircraft displays and a skydiving performance
• Live band performances and drill team demonstrations
• Military and historical displays
• Guest speakers honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice
• Veteran resources and services from the Malcom Randall Veterans Health Administration
• Special appearances by University of Florida mascots Albert and Alberta

 “Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together and express our gratitude to those who have served,” said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Olajuwon White. “This celebration is not only about honoring their sacrifices, but also about connecting veterans and families with the support and appreciation they deserve.”

 For more information, contact Olajuwon White at 352-264-6740 or alachuacountyvet@alachuacounty.us.

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Smiles filled the Legacy Multipurpose Center as volunteers, families, and young athletes gathered for a recent Limitless Legends soccer session, an inclusive sports program founded by Amanda Guevara, a pediatric physical therapist. The group meets monthly to ensure every child — regardless of physical ability — can experience the joy of the game./Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – On most days, the gymnasium floor of the City of Alachua’s Legacy Multipurpose Center echoes with the familiar sounds of basketballs bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and volleyballs spiking across the court. But one Sunday each month, those sounds take on a new rhythm — one filled with laughter, encouragement, and the unmistakable joy of achievement.

That’s when the space transforms into the home of Limitless Legends, a growing inclusive soccer program where every child — regardless of physical or cognitive ability — has the chance to play, participate, and belong.

Founded in 2024, Limitless Legends was born from the idea that sports should be accessible to everyone. The program offers children and young athletes with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy the “beautiful game” of soccer in a safe, supportive environment tailored to their needs.

The organization was founded and is led by Amanda Guevara, a pediatric physical therapist with 12 years of experience and a lifelong soccer enthusiast who decided to merge her two passions — helping children and playing soccer — into a single community effort.

“All children are invited regardless of their physical level,” said Guevara. “Wheelchair or ambulatory, we make it accessible for everyone.”

Guevara’s approach combines her clinical background with the heart of a coach and mentor. She ensures that every participant, whether they kick, roll, or push the ball forward, experiences the thrill of the game.

During the most recent session, families, volunteers, and young athletes gathered at the Legacy Multipurpose Center for the Limitless Legends Showdown.

Volunteers — many of whom have returned month after month — assisted players with positioning, movement, and ball control, ensuring that every child remained part of the action.

Each event blends skill-building and fun with an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. For many participants, it’s the first time they’ve been able to take part in an organized sports activity designed to accommodate their abilities rather than limit them.

Volunteers are always needed — and everyone, no matter their experience level, is welcome to help create a field where all players can shine. Those interested in joining or volunteering with Limitless Legends can contact Guevara at dmpedspt@gmail.com.

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