Chasco Fiesta 2025
March 28 through April 5
Downtown New Port Richey and Sims Park with live entertainment featuring
April 4
April 5
Welcome to the 2025 Chasco Fiesta
Welcome to the 2025 Chasco Fiesta™!
Chasco Fiesta™ provides the venue for several local nonprofits to generate much-needed funds for the Pasco community. This year’s festivities will take place from March 28 through April 5. Over Chasco Fiesta’s™ nineday festival, more than 250,000 visitors will come to Sims Park to enjoy the excitement. Festivities kick off with the Lighthouse Coronation Ball on on Friday, March 28, 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. Saturday, March 29, is the date of the Dragon Boat races and the Meares Plumbing & Electrical Chasco Fiesta™ Street Parade, one of the largest in Florida. The following Saturday, April 5, is the Flagship Bank Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade. Both the street parade and boat parade
themes are “Cinema & Symphony:100 Years of Music in Movies.” As always, there will be some amazing music in the park.
Starting the festival off on on Friday, March 28, Rachael Lampa headlines at the Spirit FM Family Night. Also performing will be the D28 Band.
The following Friday, April 4, Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road presents Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with special guests The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Dave Mason returns to touring in 2025 with Let It Flow, which isn’t just the name of a song, but it’s his philosophy in life. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a producer, Mason has always put forth that great songs come from a state of being quiet enough to hear the flow
of the music before it ever hits the page.
On Saturday, April 5, The Frontmen take to the country stage. The Frontmen – comprised of Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and two former lead singers, Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) – are country music’s hottest new supergroup. Opening for The Frontmen will be The Embry Brothers.
There will be a different genre of music every night during Chasco, ranging from Christian to classic rock to R&B. You may want to be there every night! Please refer to the festival calendar for more exciting concerts. Other events include The Burkett Ace Hardware and Burkett Handyman services Gulfside Corvette Club car, truck and bike show, an 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 2025 Chasco Fiesta™!
Cami Austin Chairperson, 2025 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 Fiesta™ provides a venue for many not-for-profit 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 2025 Meares Plumbing & Electrical Chasco Fiesta™ Street Parade on March 29, the 2025 Flagship Bank Chasco Fiesta™ Boat Parade on April 5 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 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Frontmen (featuring Tim Rushlow, Larry Stewart and Richie McDonald), The Embry Brothers, Rachael Lampa, D28 Band, Julie Black, Alex Lopez Xpress and Memphis Lightning, The Black Honkeys, The Petty Experience, Odyssey Road, Pieces of Eight, Crossfire Creek Band, Forever Foreigner, Freebird and
The DooDads 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 28 through April 5.
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.
Sincerely,
Chopper Davis, Mayor City of New Port Richey
WHEREAS, Chasco Fiesta was founded in 1922 and is the oldest annual festival in Florida; and WHEREAS, theChascoFiestapayshomagetotheNativeAmericanIndians; and WHEREAS, 2025marks the 103rd anniversaryof thefirstChascoFiesta; and WHEREAS,the Chasco Fiesta is afundraising event thatsupports over 20 local and surrounding area organizations; and WHEREAS, the Chasco Fiesta’s boat and streetparades, car show, concerts, and food are enjoyed by all; and WHEREAS, the sponsors and more than 700 volunteers make this event successful. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby congratulate the
See the New King Pithla and Queen Chasco Crowned at the 2025 Coronation Ball
Enjoy an evening of black-tie elegance at the 38th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball on Friday, March 28, at Spartan Manor inNew 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 hosted by the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, lasts well into the night with live music, dancing and a charity
auction. This year’s ball is going to be very glamorous.
recognition of their volunteerism and hard work.
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 – J. David Wright and Becky Bennett – 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.
2024 Chasco Coronation Ball
Queen Chasco Becky Bennett and King Pithla J. David Wright
During the Ball, judges will 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
Proceeds from the Coronation Ball will benefit the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind’s Early Intervention Program, which provides services and training to visually impaired and blind babies, children and their parents.
Tickets to the 38th Annual Chasco Coronation Ball are $150 per person. To purchase, contact Chairperson Jamie Mick at 727-642-8041 or chascoballticket@gmail.com, or visit lvib.org/ball.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, call 727-642-8041 or email chascoballsponsorships @gmail.com.
with Special Guests
Coronation or are
Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road presents Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam
Chasco FiestaTM is proud to partner with Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road to present Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with special guest The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. in Sims Park. The concert will be presented by J.D. Parker & Sons.
A man like Dave Mason never leaves touring. Yet, at 78, there are no guarantees, so now is the moment to experience a legend! Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic artist live, and may these 2025 performances become treasured memories that last a lifetime. Mason returns to touring in 2025 with Let It Flow, which isn’t just the name of a song, but
The FabulousThunderbirds
performs deep cuts and classic favorites that have been loved by legions of fans for more than half a century. Fans can expect a unique concert experience as all songs are interwoven with Mason’s rich storytelling of a history that encompasses over five decades in rock ’n’ roll.
performances. Mason has been described as a guitar gunslinger, and what you’ll witness firsthand is a man dedicated to preserving the vitality of music, staying genuine and faithful to the spirit of excellence.
incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band, and we’re much higher energy than we were before.”
June 2024, includes nine new songs and features Bonnie Raitt, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Keb’ Mo’ and more.
Anyone who’s listened to Mason’s music, or has seen him in concert, knows that he’s playing because he loves it. He is authentic. You wouldn’t know that he’s shy and introverted by nature if you’ve seen his powerful
it’s his philosophy in life. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a producer, Mason has always put forth that great songs come from a state of being quiet enough to hear the flow of the music before it ever hits the page. He has devoted his life to developing a deep sense of inner listening and the gifted capacity to bring it all to life. Audiences don’t want to miss this legendary artist as he
Rachael Lampa
Headlines at Spirit FM Family Night
Contemporary Christian music fans can hear some of the genre’s finest at Chasco Fiesta’sTM Spirit FM Family Night, presented by radio station Spirit FM 90.5, on Friday, March 28, in Sims Park.
Headlining this year’s free event at 9 p.m. is singersongwriter Rachael Lampa. Lampa has seen music industry success since she was 14 years old with multiple No. 1 hits, seven albums, TV appearances and years of touring with the top Christian and mainstream artists. At what seemed like the height of her career at the age of 20, Lampa walked away from her record deal with both a feeling of burnout and a sense of curiosity after spending most of her teen years on a tour bus. Over the next few years, the Colorado native-turnedNashvillian continued to release music independently, appeared on NBC’s “The Sing-Off”with
Rachael Lampa
other Nashville artists and toured in a more “out of the spotlight” way as a background singer with Jordin Sparks and later with Hozier.
Lampa’s No. 1 song, “Perfectly Loved,” is a song inspired by both her inner-healing journey and her work in prison ministry with a nonprofit that was founded and is run by her family, called People Loving Nashville. This has become a theme for many of her new songs, including “Wild Ones” and her upcoming release “Somebody To You.”
Lampa’s driving passion is to elevate the stories of those around her, using soul-filled music to help her access hearts in a way nothing else could.
The Spirit FM Family Night will feature family music from 6 to 10 p.m. with Local Band opening the show at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. D28 Band will perform contemporary Christian hits. Gates open at 5 p.m. Seating is provided. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine. $5 gate entry fee.
For more than 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.”
“We started as a straight blues band,” co-founder, vocalist and harmonica player Kim Wilson said. “We now
Wilson’s musical journey started in Goleta, California. At 17 he began playing the harmonica. At the same time, Wilson began singing and was deeply impacted by Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmie Rodgers and Muddy Waters. In search of other musicians who shared his love of the blues, Wilson headed to Minneapolis, before moving to Austin, Texas. It was there that he met Jimmie Vaughan and they founded the T-Birds in 1974.
The band’s recent album, “Struck Down,” released in
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $79 and include a premium seat and two beers. Reserved seats are $55, $45 and $25. General admission tickets are $20*. Tickets are available at Ruth Eckerd Hall by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting rutheckerdhall.com. Tickets will also be available day-of-show at the ticket office at Sims Park. Seating is provided. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine. *No seating included.
Chasco FiestaTM Country Night features The Frontmen
Chasco FiestaTM is proud to welcome The Frontmen for this year’s country concert, presented by F.I. Grey & Son and Coast Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Mazda. The Frontmen will perform on Saturday, April 5, in Sims Park.
The Frontmen have 30 No. 1 hits, have sold 30 million albums and have been the soundtrack to every Friday night honky-tonk, first kiss and broken heart for the last 30 years. Fans sing the words to every song in every set – and while many people have yet to know their name, just about everybody can sing their songs.
The Frontmen – comprised of Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and two former lead singers, Richie McDonald (of Lonestar), and Tim Rushlow (of Little Texas) –is country music’s hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio. Nightly, they take sold out audiences on roller coaster of ’90s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new and original songs that are unmistakably The Frontmen today!
The group recently put their massive catalog of hits to
work, including “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “Amazed” and “God Blessed Texas,” on tour with Alabama and kickstarted the Harley-Davidson crowd in Deadwood, South Dakota, at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“The thing about the three of us is we are better together than each of us was by ourselves,” McDonald said. “The beauty of the show is that people can come and just sit there for two hours and go, ‘I sang along with every single song. I loved every one of them.’”
the ’60s and ’70s, like The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, where multiple lead singers like Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley have separate careers but join to together to create a sum bigger than its parts.
Kicking off Country Night with their high-energy sound, The Embry Brothers Band brings a fresh blend of modern country and Southern rock.
The Frontmen will perform on Saturday, April 5, in Sims Park at the Chasco FiestaTM.
The Frontmen’s magic formula harkens back to some of the biggest rock groups of
Gates for the country concert open at 6 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. Reserved seats are priced at $45 and $25. General admission tickets are priced at $20.* Tickets are available at Ruth Eckerd Hall by calling 727-791-7400 or visiting rutheckerdhall.com. Tickets will also be available day-of-show at the Chasco ticket booth entrance on Bank street. Seating is provided with reserved tickets. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine. *No seating included.
Big Fun for Little Festival-Goers at the
The Chasco Fiesta™ Kids Zone is shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure! With hands-on activities, exciting games and interactive experiences, kids will have plenty of ways to exercise both their bodies and minds while having a blast. The kids zone will be in Sims Park in New Port Richey March 28-April 5. Check for daily times on pages 12 and 13.
Hits 106 Classic Rock Night features
Odyssey Road, a Journey Tribute Band
Chasco Fiesta’sTM Hits
106 Classic Rock Night will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the Sims Park Amphitheater with bands playing from 5-10 p.m. The headliner is Odyssey Road, a tribute to Journey.
energy that made Journey one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
With spot-on renditions of classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,”
Get ready for an unforgettable night of arena rock anthems as Odyssey Road takes the stage, delivering the legendary sound of Journey with unmatched precision and passion. This powerhouse band recreates the soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs and electrifying
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Wheel in the Sky,” Odyssey Road brings audiences on a musical journey through decades of timeless hits. Their dynamic stage presence and flawless musicianship make every show feel like an authentic Journey concert experience. Do not miss this incredible tribute to one of rock’s most
iconic bands – Odyssey Road will have you singing, dancing and believing all night long! Odyssey Road takes the stage at 9 p.m.
At 7 p.m. experience the
ultimate Tom Petty tribute with The Petty Experience, the South’s premier homage to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Based in St. Petersburg, this world-class
band delivers more than just a concert – they offer a fullscale show complete with audience interaction, authentic stage props from Petty’s tours and guest artists on violin and trumpet. With a repertoire exceeding 60 tracks, including hits from the Heartbreakers, the Traveling Wilburys and Petty’s favorite artists, The Petty Experience ensures an unforgettable performance that captures the essence of Southern rock. Don’t miss the chance to relive the magic of Tom Petty’s music with The Petty Experience!
At 5 p.m. experience the dynamic energy of Jam Jones, a funk and rock band that will bend your mind and lift your soul. Featuring “American Idol” finalist Curtis Gray on vocals, this diverse group delivers high-energy performances that range from energetic funk and rock ventures to heart-twisting love songs.
Gate entry fee for Classic Rock Night is $5. Seating is provided. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine.
What’s Happening at the 2025 Chasco Fiesta
Jam Jones
Rachael Lampa
TUESDAY, APRIL 1 • GATES OPEN 5 PM Gate Entry Fee $5 (Children 12 and under free)
5 PM-8 PM – Kids Zone
5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival
6 PM-10 PM – Happy Hour with The Black Honkeys
6:15 PM – Jeff Randall & The Rusty Ole Phlockers
7:45 PM – The Black Honkeys
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 • GATES OPEN 5 PM Gate Entry Fee $5 (Children 12 and under free)
5 PM-8 PM – Kids Zone
5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival
6:30 PM-10 PM – Classic Rock Continues
6:30 PM – The DooDads
8:30 PM – Freebird, A Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
THURSDAY, APRIL 3 • GATES OPEN 5 PM
Gate Entry Fee $5 (Children 12 and under free)
12:30 PM-6:30 PM – Golf Tournament at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club presented by Asphalt Paving Systems
5 PM-8 PM – Kids Zone
5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival
6:30 PM-10 PM – Rhythm and Blues Masters Night
6:30 PM – The Julie Black Band
8 PM – Alex Lopez Xpress/Memphis Lightning
FRIDAY, APRIL 4 • GATES OPEN 5 PM
$20 General Admission
5 PM-8 PM – Kids Zone
5 PM-10 PM – Native American Festival
7 PM-11PM – Rock Concert Night: Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road presents Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam
7 PM – Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam with special guests The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Saturday, April 5 • GATES OPEN 10 AM
$5 Admission until 4 PM
$20 General Admission after 5 PM
10 AM-8 PM – Kids Zone
10 AM-10 PM – Native American Festival
1 PM-3 PM – Flagship Bank Chasco Fiesta™ Boat Parade
7 PM-11 PM – Country Night
7 PM – The Embry Brothers Band
9 PM – The Frontmen – Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas), Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar) and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart
$5 park entry all nights except Free Day – Monday, March 31 and Ticketed Events (April 4 and 5)
The Black Honkeys
Julie Black
Alex Lopez Xpress
Memphis Lightning
Jeff Randall & The Rusty Ole Phlockers
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.
See beautifully ornate headdresses, beaded jewelry, handcrafted moccasins and other authentic artifacts. Festival-goers can also purchase eye-catching arts and crafts, as
Otter Oliver of CreeAtive Native American Dancers
Every year, Native American tribes from all over the country gather to delight festival-goers with their traditional costumes, crafts, music and fire dancing. They also share exhibits and perform thrilling demonstrations that teach Native American culture and history.
well as other merchandise, from Native American vendors from all over the country. Seating is provided. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine. Check ChascoFiesta.com for showtimes each day.
Schedule for Native American Festival
Have Fun at the 2025 Meares Plumbing and Electrical Chasco FiestaTM 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 & Electrical, kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. 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 103rd
anniversary of the Chasco FiestaTM, the theme of the 2025 Meares Plumbing & Electrical Chasco FiestaTM Street Parade is “Cinema & Symphony: 100 Years of
Music in Movies.” The parade will feature more than 100 exciting units, with the newly crowned 2025 King Pithla and Queen Chasco waving to fans from atop 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.
Parade-goers can also expect to see dancing groups, twirlers, clowns and Krewes from all around the Tampa Bay area.
Tee Up at the Chasco FiestaTM Golf Tournament
Golfers, show off your swing at the Chasco FiestaTM Golf Tournament on Thursday, April 3, 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. A standard foursome is $550. The package includes greens fees, range balls and carts for four players as well as a goodie bag and dinner. A super ticket team is $650.
Have a chance to win two cars in the hole-in-one challenge from Ford of Port Richey and Castriota Chevrolet. Proper golf attire is required. For more information, visit ChascoFiesta.com.
Golf Tournament Thursday, April 3
To sign up, call the Chasco office at 727-777-5446. The Chasco FiestaTM Golf Tournament is presented by
Celebrate Chasco Fiesta’s Second Annual Dragon Boat Races
The Chasco FiestaTM will host its Second Annual Dragon Boat Races on Saturday, March 29, on the Pithlachascotee River. Boats will launch from the Sims Park boat ramp in downtown New Port Richey at 8 a.m.
This dragon boat format will be a knockout style competition in 10-paddler boats with teams racing 250 meters in two lanes on the canal in downtown New Port Richey.
The race will include community and corporate teams that will race for fun and as a fundraiser for Chasco
FiestaTM Sport racing or club teams that train regularly and participate in multiple events in a season may also race.
The racing classes include Club Mixed, Club Open, Club Women, Community Festival Mixed and Corporate Festival Mixed.
Entry fees for a 10-paddler team are $975 – corporate, $900 – community/nonprofit
and $800 – club/visiting team. The races are organized and boats will be provided by Pan Am Dragon Boat, which was founded in 2010 by longtime serial dragon boat entrepreneur Mike Kerkmann.
It’s time to get excited for the Chasco FiestaTM Dragon Boat Races! Come and celebrate all the food, fun and entertainment that is happening on race day here in our quaint little Gulf Coast town. The Chasco FiestaTM is a weeklong riverfront event featuring a boat parade, oodles of entertainment and
now its very own dragon boat festival.
For more information, visit chascofiesta.com/event/chascofiesta-dragon-boat-races/.
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 31, from 5-10 p.m. in Sims Park.
Lowery Begay will perform flute music and stories at 5 p.m. Begay has been dancing, storytelling and playing the Native flute professionally for more than 15 years. Begay is from the Diné (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 competes at the World Hoop Dance contest every year, and is currently ranked second in the world as a hoop dancer. He is the 2004 Schemitzun Hoop Dance Champion.
Lowery Begay plays a Native American flute.
In 2005, Begay was part of a major production as a hoop and fancy dancer called “Spirit: The Seventh Fire.”
Begay has had the opportunity to share his gift around the world, performing in Japan and throughout Europe.
At 6 p.m., Chasco Fiesta™ attendees
will be treated to “The History of New Port Richey as Told by the Spirit of the River,” a captivating theatrical journey through time. Attendees will be guided by the mystical Spirit of the River as she unveils the legends, people and moments that shaped New Port Richey. This is an enchanting blend of history and storytelling that brings the heart of West Pasco to life.
At 7 p.m. Mareva Tahiti Polynesia will bring energy and excitement to the Chasco FiestaTM as they perform a variety of traditional and modern Polynesian dances.
At 7:30 p.m. the CreeAtive Native American dancers and educators will perform, representing the Cree and Dakota tribes.
An Evening with Bill Miller Live starts at 8 p.m. Bill Miller is a Native American musician and storyteller. A
Experience the Magic of New Port Richey’s History!
The West Pasco Historical Society proudly presents “The History of New Port Richey as Told by the Spirit of the River,” a captivating theatrical journey through time. Step into the stories of our city’s past, guided by the mystical Spirit of the River as she unveils the legends, people and moments that shaped New Port Richey. Do not miss this enchanting blend of history and storytelling that brings the heart of West Pasco to life. Presented by the West Pasco Historical Society, preserving and celebrating our local heritage. March 31, 2025 @ 6 p.m.
three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Miller is a recording artist, performer, songwriter, guitarist and world-class Native American flute player of Mohican heritage.
Entry is free on Native American Night. Seating is provided. No coolers, bags, chairs or golf carts permitted. The show will go on, rain or shine. Check ChascoFiesta.com for daily showtimes.
Native
American
Night Schedule
Monday, March 31 Monday is Native American Night. Performances will be on stage starting at 5 p.m.
5 PM – Lowery Begay, Flutist & Storytelling
6 PM – River Spirit Play presented by the West Pasco Historical Society
7 PM – Mareva Tahiti Polynesia
7:30 PM – CreeAtive: Native American Dancers
8 PM – An Evening with Bill Miller Live
Bill Miller is a Native American musician and storyteller.
The Flagship Bank Chasco Fiesta
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 “Cotee” River.
The 2025 Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade, presented by Flagship Bank and hosted by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, kicks off at Millers Bayou at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5, and sails all the way to Sims Park. This year the parade welcomes The Frontmen as its grand marshals. The Frontmen is comprised of Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and two former lead singers, Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas).
Every year, the parade celebrates with a specific theme in mind. This year’s theme? “Cinema & Symphony: 100 Years of Music in Movies.” 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 $1,000 first-place awards, three $750 second-place awards and three $500 third-place awards.
Onlookers can also expect to salute the newly crowned 2025 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.
Boat Parade
Best Overall Boat: $2,000 Grand Prize
Three (3) First-Place Awards: $1,000
Three (3) Second-Place Awards: $750
Three (3) Third-Place 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.
Boat Parade Saturday, April 5
Chasco FiestaTM Boat Parade Route
Hosted by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey
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 and Bike Show presented by Burkett Ace Hardware and Burkett Ace Handyman Services. The show takes place in downtown New Port Richey on Sunday, March 30. It’s the biggest annual car show in Pasco County.
Hosted by the Gulf Side Corvette Club for the 26th year, the show, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Grand Boulevard, features more than 350 vehicles – everything from muscle cars, vintage fire engines and antique motorcycles to today’s most tricked-out trucks.
The fundraising event is sponsored by a team of businesses: Nature Coast
Auto Glass, Wheel Craft, AIM, 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, said coorganizer Patrick Martucci. This year’s show has earmarked $5,000 to give to worthy groups.
Beneficiaries in 2025 will be Guardian Ad Litem, families of domestic violence, Pasco Kids First, Ian’s Way, Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home, the Stand Down Project, Kiddy Up Ranch, two scholarships to Marchman Tech, Christmas Angel Tree and The Angelus.
Another beneficiary is the veterans charity, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Chasco FiestaTM 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
Interested in showing your vehicle?
Register in advance at gulfsidecorvetteclub.com and get a free event T-shirt. Cars and trucks registration — $25 | Motorcycles — $20 You can also register on the day of the show for just a few dollars more.
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-ofShow Automobile” and “Bestof-Show Motorcycle.” For more information, contact Martucci at 727-236-0959.
