By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
September 15, 2023
The city will be giving off a retro feel as some 40 + local businesses roll out bottles of red and white for New Port Richey Main Street’s Roaring 1920s Wine Stroll on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Those who plan to go are encouraged to don festive attire – think sequinned flapper dresses and gangster duds – as they walk their way to the various businesses offering a pour in the little city that way back when was once planned to be the Hollywood of the East.
Get your ticket and pick up a commemorative glass, have your picture taken for the costume contest, check out the business’ 1920s decor and historic architecture, and enjoy live entertainment that includes a three-piece band, vignettes at the Richey Suncoast Theatre and various street performers making the rounds. While at it, you can also take advantage of extended shopping hours and perhaps make plans to come back for a night out or a longer stay.
A lot of enthusiasm has been generated for this event, said promotions co-chair, Chris Klein, noting that advanced ticket sales and business participation are better than expected.
“Every day it seems there’s a new business signing on,” she said.
There are a few days left to purchase advance tickets which are $25. Click here for advance tickets. Tickets can also be purchased for $30 on the evening of the event at four check-in sites.
- The Dented Keg at 5500 Main Street (Cash & Credit)
- The Hacienda Hotel, 5621 Main Street (Cash Only)
- The Arcade, 5811 Main Street (Cash Only)
- Three Quartz Moon, 5840 Main Street
- ** ALL TICKETS ARE PENDING PROOF OF ID. Proper proof of identification in the form of a current driver’s license upon check-in is required.
(NOTE -Do come see us at the Hacienda, where What’s What New Port Richey will be representing by handing out water at a special Hydration Station.)
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
The Wine Stroll billed as “New and Improved”, builds on previous wine stroll events and is one of two signature galas New Port Richey Main Street will be hosting over the coming months. It is also the first to be held under the leadership of new director, Tina Gordon, who has a long career working in mortgage lending.
Gordon, a mom of two adult children and grandmother of two, moved to Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey in August of 2020 with her husband of 31 years, Tim, after 25 years of living in Hillsborough and Duvall County.
“I grew up with a Main Street,” said Gordon who was raised in Los Gatos, California. “I just love the nostalgia of Main Street.”
The non-profit New Port Richey Main Street is a Main Street America™ Accredited program and is one of more than 1,200 working to build stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
The Roaring 1920s Downtown Wine Stroll hits two buttons in a program that boasts four points – economic vitality, design, organization and promotion – according to the national website.
Since coming on board as a program director in July, Gordon has been working to build partnerships with downtown businesses, city officials, and potential investors who all have an interest in seeing the city thrive.
“It’s given me the opportunity to get to know more people – more business owners and residents,” said Gordon, who regularly posts photos of her visits on NPR Main Street social media.
“My passion is to help with what businesses need whether it be grants, conversations with the city (officials) or recruitment of new businesses.”
About 65-70 core volunteers serve on various committees for Main Street, she said, but more are welcome to come on board. Volunteers are especially needed to work on the economic vitality committee and organizational committee.
While the city provides a $25,000 grant per year, fundraising is an integral part of the Main Street program, Gordon said, not only in hosting promotional events such as the Roaring 1920s Wine Stroll and upcoming Taste of New Port Richey but also for special projects that help to beautify the city in a way that will make others want to visit and come back.
“We want New Port Richey to be a destination location that people love to come visit and stay awhile,” she said.
Some future projects might include shade canopies, landscaping and repairing the fountain in the Arcade on Main Street that has been out of service for quite some time.
NPR Main Street also hosts regular Lunch and Learn events with the next one featuring a talk with Mayor Chopper Davis on Oct. 5 at the Hacienda Hotel, and another with City Manager Debbie Manns scheduled for Dec. 7 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre.
One new stint has promotions committee co-chairs, Chris Klein and Dylan Gamez hosting the New Port Richey Main Street Podcast which is recorded at Mullins Music and has featured local businesses such as Rose Mohr of Rose’s Bistro off Main, and Darby McFarland of Four Corners Footwear as well as Angela Sarabia, a new board member with the Richey Suncoast Theatre and Andi Figart and Jessica Meredith who shared information on the offerings at the NPR Public Library.
“We are here to support the businesses in various ways and that’s what I’m here to do,” Gordon said. “I don’t always know the answers but I’m here to find them and track them down.”
IF YOU GO
The NPR Main Street Roaring 1920s Wine Stroll will be held from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, September 21 in downtown New Port Richey. The cost for advance tickets is $25 | Evening of $30. For ticket information through eventbright, click here.
- For information on NPR Main Street visit nprmainstreet.com or on Facebook.
- For information on the NPR Main Street podcasts, click here.
