New Port Richey, FL (March 26, 2017) – On parade day a walk through Sims Park assails the senses with any number of yummy things to eat:  jambalaya, corn dogs, ice cream floats, BBQ beef and pork, hot pressed Cubans, jerk chicken, and kettle corn. Selling Sabrett’s hot dogs and cold drinks were Suzann and Rick at Joe’s Hot Dogs just outside Sims Park.

Sims Park was full of kids on the splash pad having the time of their life, vendors with balloon and festival gewgaws for sale. Commercial vendors with info about travel, wireless, printing advice, health care and newspapers were everywhere.

One booth had Sgt. Rosario, USMC. He’s stationed in the area as a recruiter and looked fine and fit in his uniform, complete with white hat and gloves. At the Chasco Fiesta Market was Sicanni playing his ethereal “music for the soul” using a variety of pan flutes.

The Chasco Fiesta parade had a sunny blue sky day to travel down Grand Boulevard, around Orange Lake and onto Main Street finalizing at US 19.  The sound of  “beads, beads, beads” was the continuous chant of enthusiastic parade spectators as floats, fire trucks and Clydesdale horses make their way through downtown. The “Second Time Arounders” do not disappoint with their flair and flash of marchers, music, and flag twirlers. Earlier it was the Marine Corps March Band with 55 members that amazed the crowd.

On New Port Richey’s float city manager Debbie Manns and Deputy Mayor Bill Phillips had a grand time waving at friends and flinging beads.

Chasco’s carnival with a huge ferris wheel, gondola ride and loads of cute kiddie rides was packed on Saturday. Then after the parade it was time for some beer and BBQ and there was plenty of that at the West Pasco Sertoma tent. They’ll be serving BBQ again next weekend.

The night before on Friday was the annual Lighthouse for the Blind’s Coronation Ball, and this year’s winners were surrounded with hundreds of attendees toasting the new Chasco Fiesta King and Queen of 2017.  Police Chief of New Port Richey, Kim Bogart, nominated by Leadership Pasco is this year’s King Pithla and Angel Cook, nominated by the Network Professional is Queen Chasco.

This annual heritage event is organized by the Chasco Fiesta committee, Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and many volunteers to make sure this nine-day event runs smoothly. Tina O’Daniels sends out a “huge thanks of appreciation” to all her.

Many individuals and companies throughout the community play significant roles in the organization of the annual Chasco Fiesta. Gold Medal sponsors for the 2017 Chasco Fiesta include Gold Medal Sponsors: Publix, Tampa Bay Times, 72HRPRINT.com, City of New Port Richey, Visit Pasco/Pasco County, Covanta, Barrett Harding Insurance and U.S. Water Service Corporation.

Highlight events coming up this week:
March 24 – April 1 Chasco Fiesta Carnival
March 30 – April 1 Native American Festival
March 26 – The Gulfside Corvette Club Car, Truck & Bike Show
March 28 – Chasco Fiesta Bowling Tournament
March 31 – Chasco Fiesta Golf Tournament
April 1– Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade