Pasco EcoFest Shows off Natural Charms of Pasco Parks

West Pasco County’s natural charms are taking center stage this November during a multi-day festival in two local parks.

The 3rd annual Pasco EcoFest, which focuses on eco-tourism and environmentally friendly living, is scheduled for Nov. 8, 9 and 10 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey and nearby J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

It’s accompanied this year by Pasco GeoFest, a geocaching event in Starkey Park Nov. 9 and 10. 

The festival, which is mostly free to attend, is a chance to show off West Pasco parks and natural spaces and the fun things that can be done in and around them.

Planned activities at this year’s festival include bird watching, kayaking, native plant walks, stargazing, a vintage car show, a fashion photo shoot that features glamor made of garbage, live music, educational talks and workshops, hoop and belly dancing and drumming.  

EcoFest’s slogan this year is “Grow Wild in West Pasco,” and there will be a number of gardeners on hand to show guests how to grow their own fruits, flowers and vegetables.

There will also be an Eco-Market showcasing local vendors and environmentally friendly businesses and services and workshops on health and a variety of other subjects. 

There's also treasure treasure awaiting geocachers at GeoFest. GeoFest will have a Hiker's Cache Hunt, Biker's Cache Hunt, Orienteering 101 Class, Four+ Challenge and Orienteering challenge where cachers try to find the mythic sword Excalibur

EcoFest is run by a staff of locals, manned by volunteers and hosted this year by Friends of the New Port Richey Library, which raises money for that library.

Find the initial schedules for EcoFest and GeoFest, in the accompanying article on Patch in the near future. You can also find out more information at the EcoFest and GeoFest websites.

EcoFest is currently seeking sponsorships. Any businesses interested in getting involved can contact event managers Kacey and Kira Atkinson at management@pascoecofest.com. 

Full disclosure: New Port Richey Patch is a partner in the EcoFest and GeoFest events this year and is helping out with the festival’s social media accounts.

If You Go:

What You’ll Find: Pasco EcoFest, a festival focusing on eco-tourism in West Pasco and GeoFest, an all-ages geocaching event.

When you’ll Find it: Nov. 8, 9 and 10, 2013

Where You’ll Find It:  Sims Park, located at the corner of Main and Bank Streets in New Port Richey, and nearby J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey. GeoFest is only at Starkey Park.

Cost: EcoFest is free to attend.