The 2018 Chasco Fiesta is here! There are a large number of events, kicking off with concerts EVERY NIGHT (click here for band times and information) in Sims Park starting on Friday, March 9th. Check back with NewsPortRichey for updated schedules and event information.
Quick links to get you started here:
Concert Information
Street Parade Information
Boat Parade Information
BBQ Information
Native American Festival Information
Golf Tournament Information
Bowling Tournament Information
Buccaaneers Charity Drawing
Volunteer
STREET PARADE
The Chasco Fiesta Street parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. This year is it sponsored by Whiskey Joe’s of Port Richey.
It begins winding its way through downtown New Port Richey at Gulf Drive and Grand Boulevard and moves north around Orange Lake then west on Main Street ending at US 19.
This nearly three-hour parade has everything from marching bands, local commercial floats and floats representing krewes throughout the Tampa Bay area. Entries from West Pasco’s many nonprofit organizations also join in the fun of this good old-fashioned community gathering on a big scale.
Organizers for the event, which includes the the Rotary Club of Holiday, are excited to showcase the amazing talent of Pasco County’s own high school and middle school marching bands. Mitchell’s band, the largest marching band that Pasco has ever had, consists of 250 marchers. They are one of 20 bands highlighted in this year’s parade. Also, on the Gold medal sponsor float will be the Air Force “Big Blue” country band performing for the onlookers in this three-hour annual spring parade. The street parade is one of the most anticipated events during Chasco in New Port Richey.
WEST PASCO SERTOMA BBQ
The West Pasco Sertoma Club serving its famous BBQ in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. You don’t want to miss this!
Tickets are now available by contacting Jeff Montgomery, Chairman at (727) 457-4140 for the pre-event price of $9. Tickets will be $10 at the door. Tickets are also available at Master Mechanics in downtown New Port Richey or contact Steve Thompson at (727) 849-2343. George’s Wholesale Tire has been the club’s ticket sponsor for many years, and they are offering a $5 off any service coupon on every ticket.
This is the West Pasco Sertoma Club’s 47th BBQ. From 1980 to 1995, the club held the Guinness World record for the largest number of people served barbecue at a single event. The club will be serving BBQ chicken and ribs. Beer and wine will also be served both days. Serving schedule is as follows:
Beef & Ribs
Fri., March 9 – 12 noon to 10 p.m.
Sat., March 10 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun., March 11 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chicken & Ribs
Fri., March 16 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat., March 17 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beer and wine will be served from 5 p.m. to
11 p.m. week nights, and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Chasco Fiesta, one of Pasco County’s largest events and takes place in and around the West Pasco area. Its purpose for more than 90 years has been to present a community-minded heritage event for the entire family while also helping local nonprofits raise money.
Chasco Fiesta began in 1922 as a fundraiser for the local library in New Port Richey, and over the past ninety years has transitioned into more than just a local fundraiser. It has become a catalyst to some of the biggest fundraisers for multiple not-for-profit organizations in Pasco County and has a reach and impact throughout the entire Tampa Bay area. It’s also free and open to the public.
To make an event of this size work smoothly many volunteers are needed to lend a hand. There are a variety opportunities to help, such as at the information booth as a greeter or selling concert tickets and event t-shirts. Also needed are people to assist with event set up and take down, arranging barricades, grounds operations, beer sales, back stage coverage, and overall event safety.
To volunteer for Chasco Fiesta 2018 contact Tina O’Daniels, volunteer coordinator, 727-809-1816, odaniels.tina@gmail.com.
MUSIC IN THE PARK EVERY NIGHT!
Groups and bands ranging from Rock n’ Roll to the Oldies and Country music will perform in Sims Park every evening in downtown New Port Richey. Chasco visitors will be greeted with talent from some of the best musicians in the local and regional area. Most evenings the music is free and open to the public at 6 p.m. each evening.
On Friday, March 9 it’ll be Joy FM Family Night with Over Flow Worship, then on Saturday, March 10 Classic Rock featuring Foghat. On Sunday, March 11 it’ll be the Bay Area Showcase that will include Black Honkeys and Soul Circus Cowboys.
Monday evening, March 12 also in Sims Park is A Night on Broadway, and on Tuesday, March 13 it’ll be all Bluegrass in the Park featuring Larry Giles.Wednesday, March 14 is Rock & Jazz Under the Stars with Mama’s Batch and Sean Chambers, Thursday, March 15 it’s the Rhythm & Blues Masters with Shawn Paige Band, Julie Black and Damon Fowler, and Friday, March 16 is Oldies Night featuring the Atlantic City Boys.
The Fiesta closes out with its annual Country Concert this year on Saturday, March 17 featuring Runaway Jane with special guests, James Barker Band & Levon. Tickets for this night are $25 and $35 and can be purchased online. More details about each group and tickets can be found athttp://www.chascofiesta.com/music.html.
NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL IN SIMS PARK
The Chasco Fiesta will present this year’s Native American Festival throughout the entire event from March 9 through the 17th in the northwest corner of Sims Park. Usually held only on the weekends, the organizers wanted to feature Native American culture and crafts everyday. It is being sponsored by Sentry Mini-Storage Inc.
Schedule will include:
Friday March 9 – Sunday March 11
Native dancers
Reptile (including gators) with a display and show
Hawaiian dancers (with fire)
Vendors
Monday March 12 – Wednesday March 14
Two encampments join the Plaines display
Demonstrations and history program
Cherokee finger weaving and pottery
Southeastern Creek encampment and history
Thursday March 15 – Saturday March 17
Native dancers, Aztec dancers…and more.
CHASCO FIESTA BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The Chasco Fiesta Bowling Tournament, hosted by the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group, is organizing the annual tournament for Tuesday, March 13 at Lane Glow Bowl South (8631 Old County Rd. 54, 34653) in New Port Richey. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 pm. This event is presented by the Suncoast Credit Union.
Fees for a team is $160; individuals $40. It’ll include raffles, a spirit table, and desserts. Spectators are welcome. For more info contact the West Pasco Chamber office at (727) 842-7651 or e-mail liz@westpasco.com.
SERTOMA FOUNDATION HOLDS DRAWING FOR BUC TICKETS
The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is holding a chance drawing that will be held during Chasco Fiesta in March. The tickets offer a chance to win two NFL Buccaneers Club Level season tickets. This offer of club level season tickets is valued at $4,100 and includes two pre-game and eight home games. Package also includes reserved stadium parking and other amenities. The drawing will be held at Chasco Fiesta on Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
Tickets are $75 each and only 150 will be sold for this drawing. Other stadium member amenities will include access to several training camp practices, comfortable seating, preferred parking, children’s activities, concierge service, premium concessions and two full-service sports bars. The winner also has an opportunity to meet players, coaches and the general manager and enjoy the Lower Galley Pre-game Atrium Buffet … and that’s just a few of the benefits of winning Club Level season tickets.
All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hearing Help Fund that is supported by the Sertoma Foundation. CHHF encourages drivers who are renewing their license or motor vehicle registration to “check the box” for CHHF and add a dollar or more to their fee. That amount, then, is donated to Sertoma through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Debra Golinski, Executive Director of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, is personally asking the community to step forward. “Help us assist hard of hearing babies, children, and adults to hear the world around them so they can succeed personally, academically, and socially. Let your friends and family know about this great opportunity to win Buccaneer season tickets so we can help others.”
To purchase tickets now, call the Foundation office at (727) 312-3882.
CHASCO FIESTA GOLF TOURNAMENT
The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will once again be the host of the 2018 Chasco Fiesta Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Suncoast Credit Union, on Friday, March 16. The17th annual tournament will be held at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club (3535 Trophy Blvd., 34655) in Trinity.
They anticipate a full field of 36 teams and want to make sure that all interested golfers have space for a team at this year’s event. For an application go to:http://www.chascofiesta.com/golf-tournament.html . Or contact Liz Misemer at the Chamber’s office at (727) 842-7651 for details. Tournament registration begins 11:30 am. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
A $500 golf team package includes: greens fee, cart, lunch, goodie bag, dinner, door prizes, and a hole sponsor sign. Proper attire is required and no metal spikes on shoes.
Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade
The New Port Richey Rotary Club hosts the 2018 annual Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade on Saturday, March 17. The parade begins at Hooters on Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey at 1 p.m. It meanders south on the Cotee River arriving at Sims Park around 1:45 p.m. Boat entries include businesses, schools, nonprofits, organizations, individuals or families.
Each year the judged boats are decorated according to a specific theme. The parade’s theme for 2018 is “Going for the Green.” Any green theme is acceptable: St. Patty’s Day, recycling, golf, or even Kermit. Co-chairing the Boat Parade are Rotary members Tim Wilfong and Amy Finoti Marin. This year’s sponsor is Travis Mears Plumbing.
The committee is looking for high school alumni, boat and yacht clubs, businesses, individuals, and waterfront communities to participate. It hopes to grow the parade to at least 50 boats or more. It’s a fun event and a time-honored tradition of the Chasco Fiesta. Also the annual Chaco Fiesta boat Parade continues to be organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey.
Ten cash prizes ranging from $200 to $1,000 will be given to winners at a Rotary awards luncheon meeting at the Spartan Manor on March 28. Judging is based on theme, spirit, originality and use of decorations. All this will be explained in detail at the Hooters Captain’s party on March 15.
Interested boaters are urged to register now or contact the Boat Parade Committee for further questions. Registration forms are available online at ChascoFiesta.com. For more information, call 727-859-6540 or email Rotarian Amanda Hart at amanda@blackjackmg.com.
Judges for this yea’s boat parade are: Steve Persall, Skip Maslowski and Mayor Rob Marlowe.
Categories judged include:
$1,000 Grand Prize – Best Overall Boat
Profit/Business Category: 1st Place ($500), 2nd Place ($300), and 3rd Place: ($200)
Non-Profit/Schools Category: 1st Place ($500), 2nd Place ($300), and 3rd Place: ($200)
Private/Family/Individual/Group: 1st Place ($500), 2nd Place ($300), and 3rd Place: ($200)
Many individuals and companies throughout the community play significant roles in the organization of the annual Chasco Fiesta. A special thank you goes to our Presenting Sponsor Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group. Gold Medal sponsors for the 2018 Chasco Fiesta include Publix, Tampa Bay Times, City of New Port Richey, Visit Pasco/Pasco County, Schmitt, Inc. and U.S. Water Service Corporation.
ABOUT CHASCO
Chasco Fiesta, one of Pasco County’s largest events, is slated to take place March 9-March 17 in and around the West Pasco area. Its purpose for more than 90 years has been to present a community-minded heritage event for the entire family while also helping local nonprofits raise money.
Chasco Fiesta began in 1922 as a fundraiser for the local library in New Port Richey, and over the past ninety years has transitioned into more than just a local fundraiser. It has become a catalyst to some of the biggest fundraisers for multiple not-for-profit organizations in Pasco County and has a reach and impact throughout the entire Tampa Bay area. It’s also free and open to the public.
Many individuals and companies throughout the community play significant roles in the organization of the annual Chasco Fiesta. A special thank you goes to our Presenting Sponsor Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group. Gold Medal sponsors for the 2018 Chasco Fiesta include Publix, Tampa Bay Times, City of New Port Richey, Visit Pasco/Pasco County, Schmitt, Inc. and U.S. Water Service Corporation.
Highlight events for CHASCO 2018:
March 9
Chasco Fiesta Memorabilia Show
WP Historical Society
Orange Lake
March 9
Annual Coronation Ball
Spartan Manor
March 9-17
Chasco Fiesta Carnival
March 9-17
Native American Festival
March 9-11
West Pasco Sertoma Club’s BBQ
March 10
Children’s Village, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
March 10
Chasco Fiesta Street Parade
1 p.m.
Classic Rock Night featuring Foghat
5:30 p.m.
March 11
The Gulfside Corvette Club Car, Truck & Bike Show
Orange Lake, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 13
Chasco Bowling Tournament
March 16
Chasco Fiesta Golf Tournament
March 9-17
Music in Sims Park every evening
March 17
Special Olympics
New Port Richey Rec Center, 8 a.m.
March 17
Meares Plumbing Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade
1 p.m.
Cotee River/Sims Park
Country Concert Night featuring: Runaway June and
the James Baker Band
5:30 p.m.
March 16-17
West Pasco Sertoma Club BBQ
March 17
Chasco Fiesta Memorabilia Show
WP Historical Society
Chasco Fiesta at a Glance:
The 2018 Chasco Fiesta will be held March 9 through March 17 in and around historic downtown New Port Richey. Chasco Fiesta offers nine days of activities and nine nights of entertainment (most of them free), including: Rock and Roll, Classic Rock, Bluegrass, Blues, Oldies, and Country. For a complete list, visit our website at www.chascofiesta.com or call (727) 842-6055.
