Chasco Fiesta 2023

Welcome to the 2023 Chasco Fiesta

Welcome to the 2023 Chasco Fiesta™! Chasco Fiesta™ provides the venue for over 25 nonprofit groups to generate much-needed funds for the Pasco community. This year’s festivities will take place from March 24 through April 1. Over Chasco Fiesta’s™ nineday festival, more than 200,000 visitors will come to Sims Park to enjoy the excitement. Festivities kick off with the Lighthouse Coronation Ball on March 24, when King Pithla and Queen Chasco are crowned. The king and queen are chosen every year from dozens of nominees, all dedicated volunteers in local charities and nonprofit groups. The Lighthouse Coronation Ball benefits the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind. The following afternoon, March 25, features the amazing Meares Plumbing Chasco Fiesta™ Street Parade, one of the largest in Florida. Both the street parade and the Freedom Boat Club Chasco Fiesta™ Boat Parade share the same theme, “Celebrating Champions of Tampa Bay.” As always, there

will be some amazing music in the park. Country Night will feature David Nail and Drake Milligan.

Hailing from Missouri, Nail is a GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum singersongwriter whose early releases include I’m About to Come Alive, The Sound of a Million Dreams and I’m a Fire and Fighter.

Raised in Texas, Milligan took his smooth baritone and burgeoning songcraft to Nashville at the age of 19. Now 23, Milligan is making a name for himself in country music with timeless sounds and right-now energy.

Rock Night will feature Starship with Mickey Thomas and John Waite. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Thomas has established himself as one of rock music’s most

recognizable stars with No. 1 hit songs including We Built This , Sara and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.

John Waite got his start as the lead singer of The Babys, whose hits include Isn’t It Time? and Everytime I Think of Waite released his first solo album which was soon followed with a No. 1 hit and what is undeniably one of the all-time greatest pop/rock ballads, Missing You.

There will be a different genre of music every night during Chasco, ranging from Christian to Latin to Rhythm and Bluesmasters. You may want to be there every night! Please refer to the festival calendar for more exciting concerts. Other events include the popular car, truck and bike show, carnival, art show and the Native

American Festival. The Chasco Fiesta™ Native American Festival provides authentic Native American dancing and educational programs. Entertainment is throughout the nine days of Chasco. This year, the program includes World Champion Hoop Dancing, a Native American Music Award-winning singersongwriter and many other demonstrations and cultural dancing from different tribal backgrounds. Visit www. ChascoFiesta. com for event information.

So, are you ready to put the “fun” in fundraiser?

Welcome to the 2023 Chasco Fiesta™!

Cami Austin Chairman,

2023 Chasco FiestaTM

Welcome from the City of New Port Richey

On behalf of the city council, city staff and our residents and businesses, I would like to personally welcome you to New Port Richey. We are excited that you are joining us for our signature event.

The Annual Chasco FiestaTM provides a venue for 25 not-forprofit organizations to raise funds for their groups and has a unique way to give back to itself through its support of the various organizations that are represented.

This year’s Chasco Fiesta™ promises to be the best one yet, with the awesome 2023 Meares Plumbing Chasco FiestaTM Street Parade on March 25, the 2023 Freedom Boat Club Chasco Fiesta™ Boat Parade on April 1 and more music than you can possibly imagine the whole week. For a complete list of all the great Chasco Fiesta™ events, visit www.ChascoFiesta.com.

The music this year will include performances from Starship, John Waite, David Nail, Drake Milligan, Odyssey Road, Double Vision, The Embry Brothers Band, the Bearded Brothers Band, Peyton Monarch, Brother Brownlow, Monkeybone, Sanctus Real, Tim Timmons, Dia Viola, the Black Honkeys, Julie Black, Jam Jones, Aramis Sol Caribe, DJ Madrid and Black Horse Cavalry during nine days of entertainment.

I guarantee you will find music you will like during one or more of the nightly performances.

I would like to personally thank all the Chasco Fiesta™ sponsors and the thousands of volunteers who help make the Chasco Fiesta™ possible each year. Your efforts this year will make Sims Park the place to be every night from March 24 through April 1.

I would also like to thank our residents and business owners who come out and support this great community event. You are an important part of the success of the Chasco Fiesta™ each year.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the many upcoming Chasco Fiesta™ events over the next nine fun-filled days.

festival in Florida; and WHEREAS,

and

WHEREAS, Chasco Fiesta was founded in 1922 and is the oldest annual

WHEREAS, 2023marks the 101stanniversaryofthefirstChascoFiesta;and

WHEREAS, the Chasco Fiesta isafundraisingevent thatsupports over 20

Sincerely,

Rob Marlowe, Mayor City of New Port Richey

successful.

local and surrounding area organizations; and WHEREAS, the Chasco Fiesta’s boat and streetparades, car show, concerts,

carnival, and food are enjoyed by all; and WHEREAS, the sponsors and more than 700 volunteers make this event

Richey, do hereby congratulate the Chasco

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rob Marlowe, Mayor of the City of New Port

Fiesta

I encourage all residents to visit one of our city’s greatest events.

on their 101stanniversary in beautiful Downtown New Port Richey and

See the New King Pithla and Queen Chasco Crowned at the 2023 Coronation Ball

Enjoy an evening of black tie elegance at the 36th Annual Chasco FiestaTM Coronation Ball on Friday, March 24, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

Each year, the formal gala kicks off the festival with a full evening of food, entertainment and fun. A cocktail hour starts the soiree at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. The Ball, which is presented this year by the Musunuru family, lasts well into the night with live music, dancing and a charity auction. This year’s ball is going to be very glamorous.

Of course, the swanky event is about so much more than just dressing up and having a good time. It’s a way to say thank

you to the outgoing King Pithla and Queen Chasco – Mike Wells and Shelita Stuart –and to crown this year’s new royal couple, who are selected based on their dedication to the community.

“The purpose of the ball is first and foremost to celebrate those in our community who make such a large impact – either by leadership or years of service. It’s also to highlight the nonprofit organizations in our community,” said Jamie Mick, Coronation Ball chairperson and a former Queen Chasco herself.

During the ball, judges choose a new King Pithla and Queen Chasco from dozens of outstanding nominees who’ve been

submitted by their various community groups and not-for-profit organizations in

recognition of their volunteerism and hard work.

Proceeds from the Coronation Ball benefit the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind’s Early Intervention Program for Blind Babies, which provides services and training to visually impaired and blind babies, children and their parents.

Tickets to the 36th annual Chasco Coronation Ball are $125 per person. To purchase, contact Chairperson Jamie Mick at (727) 642-8041 or chascoballticket@ gmail.com. Or, go online at lvib.org/ball.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, call (727) 642-8041 or email chascoballsponsorships@gmail.com.

2022 Chasco Coronation Ball King Pithla and Queen Chasco, Mike Wells and Shelita Stuart

Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road presents Starship and John Waite

Chasco FiestaTM is proud to partner with Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road to present Starship featuring Mickey Thomas with special guest John Waite on the festival’s sizzling night of music on Saturday, April 1, in Sims Park.

Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled Starship throughout the ‘80s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Thomas has established himself as one of rock music’s most recognizable stars, with No. 1 hit songs including WeBuiltThisCity, Sara and Nothing’sGonnaStopUsNow, from the film Mannequin, which also was an Academy Award® nominee. Their hit It’s Not Over(’TilIt’sOver) became Major League Baseball’s theme in 1987. One can expect to hear hits from Starship and Jefferson Starship at Starship’s live performances, as well as

a few selections from Jefferson Airplane as a nod to both band’s beginnings. For more information, please visit StarshipControl.com.

Opening for Starship is special guest John Waite. Waite got his start as the lead singer of The Babys, whose hits include Isn’t It

Time? and Every Time I Think of You. After five albums with The Babys, Waite released his first solo album, Ignition, boasting the hit rock single Change, which was soon followed with a No. 1 hit and what is undeniably one of the all-time greatest pop/ rock ballads, Missing You. The song topped the international charts and today remains a radio staple around the globe. For more information, visit johnwaiteworldwide.com.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Reserved tickets are $25, $45 and $55, with a limited number of $79 VIP tickets also available. Tickets start at $20 for standing room only. Purchase tickets at rutheckerdhall.com or visit ChascoFiesta. com for more information. No coolers, golf carts or chairs allowed. The show will go on, rain or shine.

Starship with Mickey Thomas John Waite

Hits 106 Classic Rock Night features Double Vision, The Embry Brothers Band, Monkeybone, The Bearded Brothers Band

Chasco Fiesta’sTM Hits 106 Classic Rock Night will take place on Saturday, March 25 in Sims Park with bands playing from 3:30-11 p.m. Headliner Double Vision – a Foreigner tribute band – takes the stage at 9:30 p.m.

Boasting some of New York City’s top professional rock musicians, Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess, resulting in a legitimate tribute and authentic performance. Second to none at recreating the masterful songs Foreigner fans worldwide have come to love, Double Vision brings audiences an unforgettable experience with ear-to-ear smiles, singing, dancing and clapping along to some of the greatest hit songs from the ‘70s

and ‘80s, including Juke Box Hero, Hot Blooded, Cold As Ice, I Want to Know What Love Is, Urgent, Double Vision, Head Games, Feels Like the First Time and more! For more

information, visit doublevisiontheband.com.

Before Double Vision, Bay area favorites The Embry Brothers Band, Monkeybone and The Bearded Broth-

ers Band will be opening. The Embry Brothers Band plays a mixture of classic rock, country and southern rock and have been playing together for 25 years. They will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/embrybrothersband.

Playing from 5:30 to 7 PM, Monkeybone is the Bay area’s answer to fun! With three strong vocalists, the harmonies are rich and full and the music is tight and groovy. Playing songs from almost every genre and almost every time period, the energy from the stage quickly

gets everyone dancing, bobbing their heads and having a great time. For more information, visit monkeybone.rocks.

First up on Saturday and playing from 3:30 to 5 p.m. is local band The Bearded Brothers Band, a band with southern rock roots and a style all their own. No genre is safe when the Beards play. For more information, visit thebeardedbrothers.com. Gate entry fee is $5. Seating is provided. No coolers or golf carts allowed.

The Bearded Brothers Band

Double Vision: A Foreigner Tribute

The Embry Brothers Band

Monkeybone

Chasco Fiesta Country Night features David Nail and Drake Milligan

Chasco FiestaTM is proud to welcome David Nail and Drake Milligan for this year’s country concert, presented by the Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group, on Friday, March 31 in Sims Park. Hailing from Kennett, Missouri, David Nail is well-respected up and down Music Row. Some might even call him a “tour de force” as his songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. The GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum singer-songwriter’s early releases, I’m About to Come Alive, The Sound Of a Million Dreams and I’m A Fire and Fighter, ignited his reputation as an innovator and creative risk taker yet left Nail feeling restless. Through dealing with his own journey of mental illness and the feeling of needing to “rebel against what people expect you to be,” Nail began making his most “organic” work to date, David Nail & The Well Ravens, with Jason Hall and Andrew Petroff. That project liberated Nail and propelled him into

his next adventure. Writing solo for the next few months led to his debut solo independent EP Oh, Mother, a reflective piece of work. That release was followed by Bootheel 2020 and Bootheel 2021, projects dedicated to the

singer-songwriter’s hometown in the “boot heel” of Missouri. Nail has been releasing new songs, leaving behind any self-imposed restrictions. Nail will take the stage at 9 p.m. Find more at davidnail.com.

Co-headlining with Nail is Drake Milligan, who will take the stage at 7 p.m. Raised in Texas, Milligan took his smooth baritone and burgeoning songcraft to Nashville at the age of 19. Now 23, Milligan is making a name for himself in country music. Riding a growing wave of excitement, Stoney Creek Records is bringing neon thrills back to country music, with Drake’s full-length album debut set for release on Sept. 15. Named after the young Texan’s hometown, the project finds a next-generation traditionalist mixing timeless sounds and right-now energy. Find more at drakemilligan.com.

Gates for the country concert open at 6 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10-$60 and are available at RuthEckerdHall. com or visit ChascoFiesta.com for more information. Seating is provided. No coolers, golf carts or chairs allowed. The show will go on, rain or shine.

David Nail Drake Milligan

What’s Happening at the 2023 Chasco Fiesta

ChascoFiesta.com

Friday, March 24 – Gate Entry Fee $5

1 PM-10 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Beef BBQ

5 PM-11 PM – Native American Festival, Carnival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

6 PM-10 PM – Entertainment in the Park, Joy FM’s Family Night

6 PM-10 PM – Sanctus Real, Tim Timmons, Dia Viola

6 PM – Coronation Ball @ Spartan Manor

Saturday, March 25 – Gate Entry Fee $5

10 AM-10 PM – Native American Festival and Food Vendors

11 AM-11 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Beef BBQ, Carnival

1 PM – Meares Plumbing Street Parade Begins

1 PM-11 PM – Beer Trucks Open and Carnival

3:30 PM-11 PM – Hits 106 Classic Rock Night

3:30 PM-5 PM – Bearded Brothers

5:30 PM-7 PM – Monkeybone

7:30 PM-9 PM – Embry Brothers

9:30 PM-11 PM – Double Vision, A Foreigner Tribute

Sunday, March 26 – Gate Entry Fee $5

8 AM-2:30 PM – Car, Truck and Bike Show 11 AM-10 PM – Native American Festival and Carnival NOON-4 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Beef BBQ

1 PM-11 PM – Carnival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

1 PM-9 PM – Entertainment in the Park, Bay Area Showcase

1 PM-2PM – Black Horse Cavalry

2 PM-3 PM – Jam Jones

4 PM-5 PM – Brother Brownlow Band

5:30 PM-7 PM – Peyton-Monarch Band

7:30 PM-9 PM – Odyssey Road (A Tribute to Journey)

Monday, March 27 – FREE • NO ENTRY FEE

5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival, Carnival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

4 PM-10 PM – Native American Night

5 PM – Jim Sawgrass Southeastern Living History

6 PM – Lowery Begay Flute Demonstration

7 PM – CreeAtive; Native American Dancers

8 PM – Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle

$5 park entry all nights except

Monday, March 27 and paid events.

Chasco Fiesta has something for everyone to enjoy, from a Native American Pow Wow to the longest-running boat parade in Florida. Make sure to explore our website for a complete list of events.

Double Vision, a Foreigner Tribute

The Bearded Brothers Band

Monkeybone

Tim Timmons

Sanctus Real

Peyton-Monarch

Brother Brownlow

Jam Jones

Black Horse Cavalry

Odyssey Road A Tribute to Journey

Dia Viola

The Embry Brothers Band

Tuesday, March 28 – Gate Entry Fee $5

5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival, Carnival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

5:30 PM – Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s YPG Bowling Tournament

6 PM-10 PM – Happy Hour with the Black Honkeys

6 PM-7 PM – Peyton-Monarch Band

7:30 PM-9:30 PM – The Black Honkeys

Wednesday, March 29 – Gate Entry Fee $5

5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival, Carnival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

7 PM-9:30 PM – Latin Night

7-9:30 pm – Sol Caribe

7-9:30 PM – DJ Madrid

Thursday, March 30 – Gate Entry Fee $5

Noon – Registration starts, Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

1 PM – Shotgun start at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, contact Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce for details, call 727-842-7651

1 PM-10 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Chicken BBQ, Carnival

5 PM-11 PM – Native American Festival, Beer Trucks and Food Vendors

6 PM-10 PM – Entertainment in the Park, Rhythm and Bluesmasters

6:30 PM- 8 PM – Julie Black

8:30 PM-10 PM – Memphis Lightning Band

Friday, March 31 – Ticketed Event

1 PM-10 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Chicken BBQ

4 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival and Carnival

5 PM-11 PM – Beer Trucks and Carnival

6 PM-10:30 PM – Entertainment in the Park, Country Concert

7 PM-8:30 PM – Drake Milligan

9 PM-10:30 PM – David Nail

Saturday, April 1 – Ticketed Event

8 AM – Special Olympics 5K

8:45 AM – 1 Mile Family Walk

10 AM-2 PM – Art Show

10 AM-10 PM – Native American Festival, Carnival, and Food Vendors

11 AM-10 PM – West Pasco Sertoma Chicken BBQ

1 PM-11 PM – Beer Trucks and Carnival

1 PM – Boat Parade Begins

5 PM-11 PM – Ruth Eckerd On the Road Presents

7 PM-8 PM – John Waite

8:30 PM-10 PM – Starship w/Mickey Thomas

Sunday, April 2 – Gate Entry Fee $5

11 AM-5 PM – Native American Festival

$5 park entry all nights except Monday, March 27 and paid events.

Nine Family Fun Days of Concerts and Events in Downtown New Port Richey!

Memphis Lightning Band

Sol Caribe

DJ Madrid

Drake Milligan

David Nail

Starship w/Mickey Thomas John Waite

Peyton-Monarch

Black Honkeys

Julie Black

Sanctus Real, Tim Timmons and Dia Viola will perform at Joy FM Family Night

Contemporary Christian music fans can hear some of the genre’s finest at Chasco Fiesta’sTM Joy FM Family Music Night, presented by radio station Joy FM 91.5, on Friday, March 24, in Sims Park.

Headlining this year’s free event is Christian rock band Sanctus Real. The group is composed of Chris Rohman, Mark Graalman and Dustin Lolli. After 20 years of touring, 24 radio hits and full album sales exceeding 750,000, Sanctus Real cemented itself in Christian music. But in 2016, original members Mark Graalman and Chris Rohman parted ways with their lead singer. Dustin Lolli joined the band as lead singer shortly thereafter. Since then they have released three albums including This is Love, Changed and Unstoppable God, featuring songs such as Safe In My Father’s

Arms and Confidence. For more information, visit sanctusreal.com.

Opening for Sanctus Real is singer-songwriter Tim Timmons. After two decades of ministry Timmons shares, “For most of my life, I found myself working FOR God, and not WITH Him, which lead to my tired soul desperately searching for more. Saying, ‘Jesus, is this all there is?’” His latest single, You Never Let Go, is a prayer to remind us that He will NEVER, ever let us go. For more information, visit timtimmonsmusic.com.

Starting the night off is singer-songwriter and newcomer Dia Viola, whose 2021 release No One is “a song that will always be a constant reminder of faith and trusting in God.” For more information, visit Dia V Music on Facebook.

The Joy FM Family Music Night is from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are free. Seating is provided. No coolers allowed. There is a $5 park entry fee.

Sanctus Real

Dia Viola

Tim Timmons

Native American Festival Honors Native Cultures

Chasco FiestaTM began in 1922 as a fun way for New Port Richey residents to raise money for a community library. The festival took inspiration from the area’s indigenous people, who named the beautiful Pithlachascotee River and made this land their home.

A century later, Chasco FiestaTM continues to honor Native Americans with its popular Native American Festival, which takes place each day in Sims Park.

Every year, Native American tribes from all over the country gather to delight festivalgoers with their traditional costumes, crafts, music and fire dancing. They also share exhibits and perform thrilling demonstrations

that teach Native American culture and history.

See beautifully ornate headdresses, beaded jewelry, handcrafted moccasins and other authentic artifacts. Festivalgoers can also

from Native American vendors from all over the country. Check ChascoFiesta.com for showtimes each day. Friday, March

24 5 p.m. – Katrina

for Native American Festival

Monday, March 27 is Native American Night. See page 20.

Tuesday-Friday, March 28-31

5 p.m. – Jim Sawgrass

Southeastern Living History

6 p.m. – Lowery Begay

Flute Demonstration

7 p.m. – Aztec Fire Dancers

8 p.m. – CreeAtive

Native American Dancers

3 p.m. – Aztec Fire Dancers

4 p.m. – Katrina Fisher Plains Tipi Demonstration

5 p.m. – Alligator Wrestling and Reptile Show

6 p.m. – Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle

7 p.m. – CreeAtive Native American Dancers

8 p.m. – Aztec Fire Dancers

Saturday & Sunday, April 1-2 11 a.m. – Jim Sawgrass Southeastern Living History 12 p.m. – Aztec Fire Dancers 1 p.m. – Intermission 2 p.m. – CreeAtive Native American Dancers 3 p.m. – TBA

4 p.m. – Lowery Begay

5 p.m. – Jim Sawgrass

Southeastern Living History

6 p.m. – Aztec Fire Dancers 7 p.m. – TBA 8 p.m. – CreeAtive Native American Dancers

Aztec Fire Dancers

Have Fun at the 2023 Meares Plumbing & Electric Chasco Fiesta Street Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade? The Chasco FiestaTM Street Parade is one of the most popular events in Pasco County. More than 100,000 spectators turn out for the event annually, making it one of the largest street parades in Florida.

This year’s parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Holiday and sponsored by Meares Plumbing, kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. The parade starts on Grand Boulevard, moves around Orange Lake on Circle Boulevard and then finishes on Main Street near U.S. 19.

“As always, we look forward to the parade guests and having a huge turnout,” said Parade Chair Angel Cook.

To celebrate the 101st anniversary of the Chasco FiestaTM, the theme of the 2023 Meares Plumbing Chasco FiestaTM Street

Parade is “Celebrating Champions of Tampa Bay.” The parade will feature more than 100 exciting

units, with the newly crowned 2023 King Pithla and Queen Chasco waving to fans from atop

Street Parade Continued

their royal float. The Gulf Side Corvette Club will drive the parade route in their vintage hot rods. In keeping with the community spirit, several marching bands

from Pasco County high schools and middle schools will get everyone’s feet tapping, and local police officers and fire and rescue agents will also join the fun.

Paradegoers can also expect to see dancing groups, twirlers, clowns and Gasparilla pirate krewes from all around the Tampa Bay area.

The Freedom Boat Club Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade

Chasco Fiesta’sTM boat parade is a legendary event in the community. As the oldest boat parade in Florida, it has attracted generations of fans who thrill at the sight of dozens of festively decorated boats traveling down the Pithlachascotee River.

The 2023 Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade, presented by Freedom Boat Club and hosted by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, kicks off at Millers Bayou at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 1, and sails all the way to Sims Park. This year the parade welcomes the Friends of the Hacienda and Historic New Port Richey as its grand marshal.

Every year, the parade celebrates with a specific theme in mind. This year’s theme? “Celebrating Champions of Tampa Bay,” said Amanda Hart, club president for the Rotary Club of New Port Richey. Expect to see plenty of folks dressed in creative costumes on every boat.

You’ll find great views of the parade all along the river. One popular spot is the Main Street bridge, where folks can get a full view of the boats as they turn under the bridge toward Sims Park.

While it’s great fun watching the excitement on the river, it’s important to keep in mind that just like all of Chasco Fiesta’sTM fabulous events, the festival’s boat parade is a fundraiser. Each year, boat captains are challenged to organize teams in one of three categories – local business/profit, nonprofit/ school or individual/family – to compete for cash prizes.

This year’s prizes include a whopping $2,000 grand prize award to the best overall boat as well as three $1000 first prize awards, three $750 second prize awards and three $500 third prize awards.

Onlookers can also expect to salute the newly crowned 2023 King Pithla and Queen Chasco, who will wave to fans from one the parade’s boats. The festival’s King and Queen are chosen from dozens of nominees, all dedicated volunteers from community groups and not-for-profit organizations.

Best Overall Boat: $2,000 Grand Prize

Three (3) First Prize Awards: $1000

Three (3) Second Prize Awards: $750

Three (3) Third Prize Awards: $500

So, get ready for a day of nautical fun that’s good for the community!

Registration forms for the Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade are available online at ChascoFiesta.com. For more information, call (727) 859-6540 or email amanda@ blackjackmg.com.

Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade Route

Boat Parade Saturday, April 1

See Classic Cars and More at the Car, Truck and Bike Show

If you love vintage Chevys and souped-up hot rods, don’t miss the Chasco FiestaTM Car, Truck & Bike Show in downtown New Port Richey on Sunday, March 26. It’s the biggest annual car show in Pasco County.

Hosted by the Gulf Side Corvette Club for the 24th year, the show, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., features more than 350 vehicles – everything from vintage fire engines and antique motorcycles to today’s most tricked-out trucks.

The fundraising event is sponsored by a team of nine businesses: AETNA, Nature Coast Auto Glass, Wheel Craft,

AIM Family Chiropractic, Feola’s Service Center in Hudson, Ford of Port Richey, Creative Curbing & Moore, Yeti Construction and NAPA Auto Parts.

The popular car show features live music, door prizes and raffle drawings. Every year it raises thousands of dollars for local charities, says co-organizer Patrick Martucci. This year’s show has earmarked $5,000 to give to worthy groups.

Beneficiaries in 2023 will be Guardian Ad Litem, families of domestic violence, Pasco Kids

First, Ian’s Way, Baldomero Lopez Veterans’ Nursing Home, the Stand Down Project, Kiddie Up Ranch, two scholarships to

Marchman Tech., Christmas Angel Tree and The Angelus. We now have a major veterans charity in the “Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation.” We will dedicate this year’s show to them with the 50/50 proceeds going directly to them. They will have the “Krewe Of Forti” float and T2T representatives.

The show’s organizers will distribute 151 trophies in various categories, including a 5-foot trophy for Best of Show and 60 trophies in specialty categories like “Participants Choice,” “Best of Show Automobile” and “Best of Show Motorcycle.” For more information, contact Patrick Martucci at (727) 236-0959.

Native American Song and Dance Featured on Native American Night

Native American song and dance will top the list of entertainment at Chasco Fiesta’sTM Native American Night on Monday, March 27 from 4-10 p.m. in Sims Park.

Shelley Morningsong (N. Cheyenne) has recorded seven Native American contemporary albums and has emerged as one of New Mexico’s finest Native performers. Morningsong was the 2019 Native American Music Awards “Artist of the Year” and is a singer, songwriter and Grammy member.

Morningsong has played guitar since she was a child, when she also learned to play classical flute. Since then she’s mastered the Native flute, on which she performs skillful, heartfelt instrumentals.

Morningsong’s husband and musical partner Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha) adds a breathtaking and beautiful element to their performance with his traditional northern Plains-style dancing, storytelling and drumming. Fontenelle is part Omaha and dances in the northern Plains style to bring honor to his Omaha family. He has a lifelong history of dancing with his family dance group from Zuni Pueblo called the Zuni Rainbow dancers, started by his grandparents in the early 1900s.

Monrningsong and Fontenelle will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Lowery Begay will perform a flute demonstration at 6 p.m. Begay has been dancing, storytelling and playing the Native flute professionally for more than 15 years. Begay is from

the Dine’ (Navajo) Nations and was raised on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and Arizona. He grew up learning the traditional Navajo ways from his grandparents. Begay has been dancing as a hoop dancer and northern-style fancy dancer for

most of his life.

Begay competed at the World Hoop Dance contest every year at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and is currently ranked second in the world as a hoop dancer. He is the 2004 Schemitzun Hoop Dance Champion.

In 2005, Begay was part of a major production as a hoop dancer and fancy dancer called “Spirit: The Seventh Fire.”

Begay has had the opportunity to share his gift around the world traveling and performing in Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, England and the grand opening of the The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

The CreeAtive Native American Dancers and educators will perform at 7 p.m., representing the Cree and Dakota tribes.

Check ChascoFiesta.com for daily showtimes.

Native American Night Schedule

Monday, March 27

Monday is Native American Night. Performances will be on stage starting at 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

Lowery Begay

Flute Demonstration

7 p.m.

CreeAtive Native American Dancers

8 p.m.

Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle

Shelley Morningsong

Lowery Begay

Fabian Fontenelle

Have Fun at the Chasco Fiesta Carnival

The Chasco FiestaTM Carnival is one of the festival’s highlights every year. The family-friendly carnival is located at 6128 U.S. Hwy 19 in New Port Richey and features a magical midway filled with exciting games and amusement rides for fun-lovers of all ages, including a special area of safe rides for children.

Soar high into the sky on the carnival’s beloved Ferris wheel and test your skill and luck at one of the carnival’s many game booths. You can also enjoy scrumptious food and refreshments.

Tickets can be purchased for individual rides, and wristbands are available for unlimited rides.

This year’s carnival schedule:

Friday, March 24 5-11 p.m.

Saturday, March 25 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday, March 26 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday, March 27 5-11 p.m.

Tuesday, March 28 5-10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 29 5-10 p.m.

Thursday, March 30 5-11 p.m.

Friday, March 31 5-11 p.m.

Saturday, April 1 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Wristband Prices

Single tickets for $1.00

50 tickets $45

Unlimited Wristbands:

Monday - Thursday $25

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays $30

For more information, visit ChascoFiesta.com.

Compete in one of Chasco Fiesta’s many Charity Sports Events

Sports lovers, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to have fun while competing in a variety of tournaments and races at Chasco FiestaTM. In addition to the popular Special Olympics 5K and Fun Run, the festival also hosts the following charity sports events.

Bowling Tournament

The Chasco FiestaTM Bowling Social, sponsored by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, takes place Tuesday, March 28, at Lane Glo Bowl South in New Port Richey. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. with bowling starting at 6:30 p.m. Teams of four

Golf Tournament

Thursday, March 30

can register for $180. There is a theme contest where many bowlers will dress as their team theme. Your score is not as important as the fun you will have with friends and co-workers. The event sells out every year, so register early. For more information and to register, visit GreaterPasco.com.

Golf Tournament

Golfers, show off your swing at the Chasco FiestaTM Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Greater Pasco Chamber of

Race for Charity in the Special Olympics 5K Fun Run

tournament will be held Thursday, March 30, at the Seven Springs Golf and Country Club in New Port Richey. Registration opens at NOON, and the tournament begins with a 1 p.m. Shotgun Scramble. Teams pay a fee of $550 and the package includes greens fees, range balls and carts for four players as well as a goodie bag, dinner and your name on the Hole-In-One Sponsor sign. Proper golf attire is required. For more information and to register, visit GreaterPasco.com

On your mark, get set, go! Runners, get ready to compete in one of Chasco Fiesta’sTM most beloved charity sports events,the Special Olympics 5K Fun Run.

Sports lovers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the Special Olympics 5K Fun Run on Saturday, April 1. The event, which also features a 1-mile walk option, is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida Pasco County, a non-profit sports program for people with intellectual disabilities. Each year the

race attracts as many as 500 participants. Awards for top male and female finishers will be given in the 5K’s several categories. All participants will receive a finisher medal, goodie bag and event T-shirt.

The Special Olympics 5K Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. at the New Port Richey Recreation and

Aquatic Center. The 1-mile walk starts at 8:45 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $15-$25, and registration for the 1-mile walk is $5-$10. Preregister at ChascoFiesta.com.

Bowling Tournament

Tuesday, March 28

5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk Saturday, April 1