Prepare for the 2012 Chasco Fiesta

Chasco Fiesta, the annual multi-day festival that is a long-running tradition in New Port Richey, is set to once again bring the fun downtown this year.

This year’s festival is two days shorter than last year’s: It was 11 days last year but will be nine days this year.

Some of what was offered last year has been cut, but new amusements have been added.

A Native American Night event, which featured a performance from musician Arvel Bird last year, has been cut. The fiesta's Native American Pow Wow and festival has been condensed into one weekend, instead of being stretched over two held last year. Gone is Dancing under the Stars.

If you’re a fan of Chasco’s carnival and street and boat parades, no need to fear. They’re still around.

Chasco still has that community event "feeling to it," said Kristen King, executive director of Chasco Fiesta.

New to the schedule is “A Grateful Nation,” a salute to veterans, King said

A Youth Music Showcase has been added and will include students from local schools.

Also new is a pet adoption fair that will tap rescue organizations like the SPCA and others in Florida.

“It will be something for the kids to do, but hopefully we can help out the animals," King said.

In addition  to being a community event, Chasco bills itself as providing a venue for nonprofits to raise funds and attention for themselves.

Chasco needs more volunteers this year than it has in the past. Read King’s blog on the subject and other posts about this year’s fiesta.

Here’s the full schedule for the Chasco Fiesta festivities from the Chasco website. For specifics, go to the individual event pages, which can be accessed on the Chasco calendar.

Chasco Fiesta Carnival (Near Sims Park, on Bank Street)

Midway rides and amusements for the family. Runs the duration of the Fiesta.

Hours:  

• Friday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Native American Pow-Wow and Festival (, right off Main Street in Downtown New Port Richey near the bridge)

The spotlight on Native American dancers, culture and crafts starts  Friday.

Hours: 5 p.m. Native American Vendors open

5:30 p.m.  Warrior on Horseback presentation

7 p.m.  Grand Entry of Dancers

Adult competition

9 p.m.  Event closes

Lighthouse Coronation Ball (6 p.m., Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey)

For the 27th year, the titles of King Pithla and Queen Chasco will be given to nominees who demonstrate commitment to their communities. Nonprofits and community groups nominated their candidates in February. Last year’s winners were Judith Koutsos and Chuck Grey.

Contemporary Christian Music Night (Sims Park, New Port Richey 6 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.)

Headlining this show is Mark Schulz, a singer and songwriter of Kansas, whose song “Letters from War”  was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2003,  according to his press release.

2012 Chasco Fiesta Street Parade (1 p.m. Main Street, New Port Richey)

This is the big annual parade downtown. Chasco calls it the second-largest street parade in the Tampa Bay area and is projecting a crowd of 80,000 people. The event is organized by the Holiday Rotary.  

Main Street Mile 12:30 p.m. 5520 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

A race just before the Chasco Fiesta Street parade. All finishers receive a Chasco Main Street Mile Medal. Registration cost: $25. Contact Deanxc@hotmail.com for registration info.

Native American Pow Wow and Festival

10 a.m. Native American Vendors open

11:30 a.m. Warrior on Horseback presentation

1 p.m. Grand Entry of Dancers

Junior and Teen competitions, exhibition and audience participation

5:30 p.m. Warrior on Horseback presentation

7  p.m. Grand Entry of Dancers

Adult Competitition

9 p.m. Event Closes

Rock ‘N’ Roll Tribute in the Park (Afternoon through night in Sims Park)

3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Franc Robert and the Box Car Band

7 p.m- 8-30 p.m. Circle Sky

9 p.m.-11 p.m. Seven Bridges Ealges Tribute Band

There will also be a Flea Market and Arts & Crafts Village on Circle Boulevard in New Port Richey on Saturday and Sunday and a Children’s Village in Sims Park on Saturday.

Car, Truck and Bike Show (8 a.m. -2 p.m. Orange Lake, New Port Richey)

Registration 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

All-Day Rock Concert in Sims Park (See Chasco website for schedule)

Native American Pow Wow and Festival

10 a.m. Native American Vendors open

11:30 a.m. Warrior on Horseback presentation

1 p.m. Grand Entry of Dancers

Second round of competition for teens and adults, audience participation and possible tie breakers

4 p.m. Warrior on Horseback presentation

5 p.m. Announcement of Winners

Youth Music Showcase (5 p.m-9 p.m., Sims Park)

* Music acts from students at local schools.

Chasco Bowling Tournament (5:30 p.m., Lane Glo Bowl South, 8631 Old County Road 54)

* Cost $140 per team if you registered after March 1. Single bowlers welcome. Contact: Paul Friedlander (727) 641-0575 / paulf@mmdept.com,Dan Sullivan dan@westpasco.com or Angel Cook angel@tampabayins.com

Bluegrass in the Park (6 p.m.-10 p.m., Sims Park)

Bluegrass concert featuring band Backwater from the Withlacoochee area.

A Grateful Nation (6 p.m.-10 p.m.)

• The Sand Soldiers of America presents a tribute to veterans of the American military. The evening will include a presentation by the Honor Guard with Special Guest, 1st Sgt. William Bodette, U.S.M.C., and a performance by the ultimate Journey tribute band, Odyssey Road. Local musician Julie Black is to open.

Blues Masters  (5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Sims Park)

Concert featuring Steve Arvey and The Shawn Paige Blues Band, which open for Southern Hospitality.

Chasco Fiesta Golf Tournament (11:30 a.m. registration, 1:30 p.m. shotgun scramble, Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway, Trinity)

See Chasco website for registration information.

True Oldies Night (6 p.m.-11 p.m., Sims Park)

Tickets cost $5 at the door.

Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade (1 p.m., on the Pithlachacotee River, starts at Millers Bayou and ends at Sims Park) The theme this year is great inventions.

Best place to watch is on the Main Street bridge.

Chasco Country Concert (5:45 p.m., Sims Park )

Concert featuring Little Texas and performances by Lo Cash Cowboys and Desert Rain Band.

Advance tickets: $10 for General Admission, $20 for Golden Square
Day of show: $15 for General Admission, $25 for Golden Square.

Suncoast Sprint (8 a.m., Sims Park, New Port Richey)

A 5k race along the Pithlachascotee River. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m. Find more information here.

Chasco Fiesta Softball Tournament (Time unavailable, Veteran’s Memorial Park at 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson.)

Men’s N.S.A. Class “E” 16 team Charity Tournament. See Chasco page for cost and prize information.

Pet Adoption Fair (10 a.m.-3 p.m., Orange Lake)