By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
UPDATE!! Since publication, organizers have added carnival rides, which will be located on the west side of the Pitlachascotee River near the boar ramp.
!!UPDATE!!! Due to a medical issue, Dave Mason has had to cancel his upcoming tour and will not be performing at Chasco Fiesta. The band Firefall will be a featured band, along with the Fabulous Thunderbirds
Chasco Fiesta, March 28 – April 5 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | $5 Admission Nightly | Free Admission, Monday, March 31 | Dave Mason Concert $35 – $50 | Country Concert $20-$45
It’s that time of year and once again New Port Richey will be host to 9-days of festival fun.
Oft touted as the city’s “signature event” the fun gets started with a Coronation Ball to honor a king and a queen and the opening of the traditional Native American Festival in Sims Park.
That’s where most of the events will take place, with others such as the Chasco Fiesta street parade and car show spilling over to the downtown area.
Fest goers can count on live music each night with varying gate admission from free gate admission on Native American Night, $5 for most nights and up to $50 if you plan on taking in the Dave Mason/Fabulous Thunderbirds concert which only you know and I know, is likely to be a popular draw.
Add to that the traditional West Pasco Sertoma BBQ, Boat Parade, 5-k run, vendors of all sorts and more happening in the park.
Scroll down for more info and links to ticket purchases and such or visit the Chasco Fiesta website.
Highlights
FILE PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
- Native American Fest, March 28 – April 5. Native American Night, Monday, March 31 – free entry to the park. Fire Dancers, Native American Dancers, Indigenous Music Performances, and Stories.
- Dragon Boat Races, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, March 29 on the Pithlachascotee River along Sims Park
- Chasco Fiesta Street Parade, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, starting on Grand Boulevard and weaving around Orange Lake to Main Street.
- Truck and Bike Show, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30 in downtown NPR
- Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade, 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4 on the Pithlachascotee River starting in Port Richey to Sims Park in downtown NPR
Music In the Park
Live music highlights include
Native American Day, an evening of culture and inspiration featuring Native American Grammy & NAMA Award-Winning Artist Bill Miller, 5 p.m., Monday, March 31. Free Entry. From the promo – Bill Miller is not just a performer; he is a storyteller whose music bridges cultures and generations. A member of the Mohican Nation, Bill’s soulful voice and masterful flute playing have touched hearts around the world.
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience – Firefall with special guests, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Friday, April 4 | $35-50. Click here for tickets at RuthEckerdHall. (Note: This show was supposed to feature Dave Mason, who had to recently cancel his tour due to a sudden illness.
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience – Country Concert with The Frontmen with opening band, The Embry Brothers, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5. $20 – 45. From the promo – The Frontmen bring together three of country music’s most recognizable voices—Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar), and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas). With 30 No. 1 hits and over 30 million albums sold, their music has been the soundtrack to countless memories for over three decades. Click here for tickets via Ruth Eckerd Hall website.
- Family Spirit Night featuring Rachael Lampa, and the D28 Band 5 p.m. Friday, March 28. $5 | Free for children 12 and under.
- Classic Rock Night, 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29 with Jam Jones, a funk and rock band led by American Idol finalist Curtis Gray, followed by tribute bands The Petty Experience and Odyssey Road. $5 | Free for children 12 and under.
- Bay Area Showcase featuring Chicago tribute band, Pieces of Eight, Crossfire Creek and Forever Foreigner, starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30. $5 | Free for children 12 and under.
- Black Honkeys, Tuesday, April 1. $5 | Free for children 12 and under.
- Blues Master Night with Julie Black, Memphis Lighting, and Alex Lopez, Thursday, April 3 | $5 | Free for children 12 and under.
Pasco Coverage
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