Lutz K-8 students parade as book characters Oct. 30

Lutz K-8 School students will dress as their favorite literary characters and march through campus Friday, Oct. 30, starting at 7:50 a.m.

The annual Book Character Parade spans the entire school, from pre-K through eighth grade. Each student picks a character from a book they've read, builds or buys a costume around that character, and carries the book during the procession. The school's announcement spells out one firm rule: costumes must depict a book character. Scary or gory Halloween costumes are not allowed, out of concern for younger students on campus.

Homemade and store-bought costumes are both welcome. Groups of two to four students may enter together.

The school, led by Principal Dr. Phillips, encouraged families to get creative with their costumes while sticking to the book-character theme. Students will need to change back into school uniforms after the parade.

Prizes in four categories

A Book Character Parade Committee and teachers will judge costumes in four categories: Most Creative, Funniest, Most Realistic Character and Best Group. Winners will be selected in three divisions: primary (pre-K through second grade), intermediate (third through fifth grade) and middle school (sixth through eighth grade). Each winner receives a prize.

What families should know

The parade route begins inside the building at 7:50 a.m. and winds through part of the school before reaching the front entrance, where families can watch. The school asks parents not to stop children for photos along the route. The procession moves slowly enough for spectators to snap pictures without interrupting the line, according to the announcement.

That's a detail worth noting for families juggling morning drop-off: arrive early and stake out a spot at the front of the school.

Lutz K-8 School is part of Hillsborough County Public Schools. Families with questions can call the school at (813) 949-1452.