October, 2015 (New Port Richey, FL) – Pasco EcoFest turns 5 years old this November and is celebrating with a renewed focus on education and stewardship of our unique local natural assets. Historically, this community supported event has been hosted in multiple locations across West Pasco. This year the entire event will be hosted at Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park over two days, Saturday and Sunday, November 21 & 22. It is free to attend.
A full schedule of walks, talks and demonstrations is planned for both days featuring some of the region’s top experts in their respective fields including well-known Urban Farmer, Jim Kovaleski from Freedom House Farm who will be joining the super panel that closes out the event Sunday afternoon. Other highlights include Prehistory, Paradise, & Permaculture – An Archaeological Perspective with renowned Anthropologist, Jungle Jay, a Native, Wild, Edible Plants walk with Andy Firk of Bamboo Grove Farm, an up close and personal history of Starkey Park with Frank Starkey, and a discussion and Q & A withState Representative Amanda Murphy. The West Pasco Audubon Society will be leading several birding walks and will be hosting the Birds of Prey Exhibit.
A full schedule of activities may be found here.
Pasco EcoFest makes learning fun with many Yoga, Acro Yoga and Aerial Silks workshops and a Chakra Healing workshop that are also free to attend. The EcoKids camp area is hosted by Soulshine Family Arts Center and will have hands-on activities for little EcoFesters. Visit for a schedule of kids activities. Grace Farrow, a Certified Lactation Counselor and owner of Loving Arms Lactation Counseling, will be hosting a breast feeding tent and oasis for mothers who need a break from the festivities.
An EcoMarket featuring locally made goods, information and service organizations will take place both days and will be located on the veranda of the Environmental Education Center.
This year event organizers have reserved the entire tent and cabin camping area for EcoFest guests who wish to experience a private overnight “camp out”. Tent and cabin reservations are being made through the event’s GoFundMe page and are available as benefits for top level donors.
Evening activities include a free concert with The Applebutter Express in the cabin campground common area, stargazing with Joe Colontonio of the West Pasco Astronomy Club and a drum circle, facilitated by Julius Mendoza (Didges Christ Superdrum, Tampa Taiko), and Flow (hoop dancers, belly dancers) around the community bonfire. The park will close to the public at 11:00 pm and will only be accessible to overnight campers until the following morning.
Sponsors include: Pasco County Parks & Recreation, Wright’s Nutrients, People Places, West Pasco Audubon Society, Leaning Tower of Pizza, Caposey’s Whole Works Restaurant, Vrana Consulting, Friendship Farms & Fare, Insurance Services of Pasco. JGI Insurance is the official Insurance Agent of Pasco EcoFest.
Partners include: Soulshine Family Arts Center and Westside Deli.
