2017 Chasco Fiesta Shows and Shops: What To Know Before You Go

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – From its very beginnings, Chasco Fiesta has been more than just an ordinary festival and parade.

Several events run in conjunction with the festivities, including ones that predate the format Chasco Fiesta began when it became an annual event in 1947. Whether it’s the Native American Festival or the Chasco Fiesta Market Arts & Crafts Village, there are plenty of activities outside the midway.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to the 2017 Chasco Fiesta shows and shops:

Children’s Village

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta Children’s Village will take place Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in Sims Park in New Port Richey. Families and children are invited to participate in arts and crafts activities before the annual Chasco Fiesta Street Parade. There will also be face painting and other family-friendly activities, in this event sponsored by the Junior Service League.

Chasco Fiesta Market and Arts & Crafts Village

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta Market and Arts & Crafts Village will be open on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 in Sims Park. The event is hosted by the Anclote High School JROTC. Local artists, crafters and vendors will be on hand to sell their wares and give demonstrations. Because the festival prohibits duplication of name-brand products by its vendors, the Chasco Fiesta Market offers an eclectic marketplace without being redundant.

Car, Truck & Bike Show

The 19th Annual Chasco Fiesta Car, Truck & Bike Show will take place Sunday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to noon at Orange Lake at the east side of Sims Park. The event, hosted by The Gulf Side Corvette Club, will feature more than 300 participants and is expected to have approximately 4,000 spectators.

There will be 125 trophies awarded during the show, including 60 specialty car and truck, 24 specialty motorcycle, Top 40 car and truck and a five-foot-tall Best of Show Overall trophy. There will also be live music, door prizes, 50/50 drawings and an appearance from the Wing House Girls.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities. Last year’s charitable recipients were K-9 Partners for Patriots, Stand Down Project, Families of Domestic Violence and the Boldomero Lopez Veterans Nursing Home.

For more information, visit http://gulfsidecorvetteclub.com/.

Native American Festival

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta Native American Festival will take place during the following dates and times:

• Thursday, March 30 from 5 to 10 p.m.
• Friday, March 31 from 5 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The annual event brings Native American dancers and demonstrators from all over the country to share their music, dancing and presentations about the diverse Native American cultures. All vendors at the Native American Festival are required to sell only authentic Native American arts and crafts.

Port Charlotte-based GO Native Now, which produces customized native programs, hosts the Native American Festival. The troupe attends events throughout North America at native cultural events, theme parks, camps, festivals, universities and reenactments.

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