Media Release | October 18, 2024
City of New Port Richey
NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA. (Oct. 18, 2024) – The City of New Port Richey is set to host an event that’s been 100 years in the making.
Join one of Florida’s most walkable, waterfront, historic hometowns as they celebrate their centennial with a weekend of events and activities honoring the past, present, and future of New Port Richey. This exciting lineup of community events takes place Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 at Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey.
Shop from local vendors, jam out to local music, and don’t miss the signature event – the Centennial Drone Show presented by Mr. Friendly a.k.a. John Gilliss will light up the night sky Saturday. Plus, local schools, theaters, and other businesses are scheduled to participate throughout. For a full list of events, visit www.100NPR.org.
“We are extremely proud of our city on this monumental occasion,” said Debbie L. Manns, City Manager of New Port Richey. “Sims Park is at the heart of our beautiful downtown, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate 100 years of history and the opportunities that lie ahead in our next 100 years.”
The city is hosting events on both days. The following list of events has specific times and locations. All events are free admission to the public. Local vendors will have items for sale throughout Sims Park.
Leading up to the eventful weekend, participants can kick off the celebration early by partaking in the #100NPR Postcard Competition. Pick up your postcards from either New Port Richey Public Library or New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. Then, visit five different New Port Richey businesses and earn a stamp from each. Once you reach five stamps, drop off the postcard back to the New Port Richey Public Library or New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center to be entered for a chance to win limited-edition Centennial commemorative items. Last day to drop off postcards is Friday, October 25 at 4 p.m. Winner will be announced Sunday, October 27 at 12:45 p.m. in Sims Park.
Saturday, October 26 | 100 Years of New Port Richey: Past, Present, and Future
Events Located at Peace Hall:
- 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. History Project Dropoff 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. History Project Presentations
Events Located at Orange Lake:
- 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. “The Gene Sarazen Invitational” Miniature Golf Course Events Located at Sims Park: 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Opening Remarks by New Port Richey City Council Members and City Manager, Debbie L. Manns
- 2 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Music in the Park featuring students from New Port Richey Public Schools; African American Club of West Pasco Dance Troupe; Hernando Brass Choir; trop-rock and country musician Jeff Randall; Pasco County’s ‘Music Man’ John Timpanelli; bluegrass sensations Sandy Back Porch; and jazz-fusion artist Shadowfax.
- 8:15 p.m. Centennial Drone Show presented by Mr. Friendly a.k.a. John Gilliss Optimal viewing located inside Sims Park
Sunday, October 27 Centennial Picnic in the Park
Events Located at Sims Park:
- 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Centennial Picnic in the Park Family-friendly picnic in the park. Food available for purchase beginning at 11 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Presentation of the flag by the Honorable Gus Bilirakis
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Family-Friendly Field Day Activities Tug-of-war, tricycle races, egg-on-spoon races, burlap-sack races, three-legged races, dizzy-bat relay, and more!
- 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Dancing through the Decades Local dance troupes perform 100 years of popular dance styles from each decade, beginning with the 1920s, and through to the 2020s.
- 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Locomotion Dance Line
- 1:45 p.m. – 2 p.m. History Project, Postcard Competition, and Windows Through the Decades winners announced Participants can pick up their projects from Peace Hall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Music in the Park The Santana Experience
- This event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Mr. Friendly a.k.a. John Gilliss, Hennessy Construction Services, U.S. Water, and Waste Pro.
