2017 Chasco Fiesta: What To Know Before You Go

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – What started as a small pageant to honor the native people and lands around New Port Richey has grown to one of the largest annual events in Pasco County.

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta marks the 70th straight year the festival has taken place in western Pasco County. The nine-day event features a wide range of events, from a carnival, a nationally respected Native American Festival and the oldest boat parade in Florida.

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

Dates and Times

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta Carnival, which is the epicenter of the community-wide event, will take place Friday, March 24 to Saturday, April 1 during the following times:

• Monday, March 27 through Wednesday, March 29: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 24 and 31: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25 and April 1: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, March 26: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

See below for dates and times for the other events for the 2017 Chasco Fiesta.

Locations

Most of the events for the 2017 Chasco Fiesta take place in and around New Port Richey, specifically in the downtown area. The carnival is located on Bank Street adjacent to Sims Park, where many of the shows and concerts take place.

Tickets

Admission to most of the shows, concerts and events during Chasco Fiesta are free to attend. Wristbands are available for the carnival for the following prices:

• Friday, March 24: $20
• Saturday, March 25: $25
• Sunday, March 26: $20
• Monday, March 27-Thursday, March 30: $15
• Friday, March 31-Saturday, April 1: $20

For carnival discounts and coupons, visit http://magicmidwaysdiscounts.com/Default.asp.

Chasco Fiesta Shows

Click here to learn more about the 2017 Chasco Fiesta Shows.

Chasco Fiesta Concert Series

Click here to learn more about the 2017 Chasco Fiesta Concert series.

Chasco Fiesta Sporting Events

Click here to learn more about the 2017 Chasco Fiesta sporting events.

Chasco Fiesta Coronation Ball

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta kicks off with the 32nd Annual Chasco Coronation Ball, which takes place on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey.

King Pithla and Queen Chasco are nominated and chosen every year for their dedication and commitment to the West Pasco community. The king and queen are chosen by independent judges who review the nominee questionnaires and statistically rate their contributions to the community. Nominees will be recognized for their service during the ball.

Tickets for the 2017 Chasco Coronation Ball are $125. Net proceeds from the event benefit the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, which provides people with visual impairments the skills needed to achieve independence.

For more information, visit http://www.lvib.org/events/ball/.

Sertoma BBQ

The annual West Pasco Sertoma BBQ Festival will take place Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26 in Sims Park. This highly regarded contest will feature different styles of barbecue from around the country. Tickets are $9 to attend.

Chasco Fiesta Street Parade

The 2017 Chasco Fiesta Street Parade takes place on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m. The parade starts on Grand Boulevard, goes around Circle Boulevard and finishes on Main Street in downtown New Port Richey.

The highlight of this year’s parade will be the Parris Island Marine Band, which will also give a special performance in Sims Park at 4 p.m.

The Main Street Mile takes place approximately 15 minutes before the beginning of the parade. The 1-mile run/walk takes place in front of the thousands of parade spectators, making it one of the most exciting 1-mile races in the area.

Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade

The Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade is the oldest known boat parade in Florida, which started in 1922. The 2017 boat parade is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m. along the Pithlachascotee River. The parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, starts in Millers Bayou along the Cotee River and finishes at Simms Park.

The theme of this year’s parade is Great American Movies. Cash prizes ($500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third) will be awarded in three different categories: Profit, Non-profit/Schools, and Individual/Family. There will also be a $1,000 grand prize to the best overall boat.

Registration for the boat parade is $25 and is due no later than Friday, March 24. For more information, call (727) 859-6540.

Chasco Fiesta Sertoma Drawing

The West Pasco Sertoma Club will host its Children’s Hearing Help Fund Chance Drawing on Saturday, April 1 at 8 p.m. at Sims Park. The drawing will take place during the 2017 Chasco Fiesta Classic Rock Concert. The prize package includes two Tampa Bay Buccaneer club-level season tickets and reserved stadium parking.

Tickets are $75 and only 150 tickets are available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the West Pasco Sertoma Club’s Children’s Hearing Help Fund.

For more information and to inquire about purchasing tickets, visit http://www.chascofiesta.com/sertoma-drawing.html.

Image and video courtesy of Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel