Downtown New Port Richey is Alive and Kicking

October has always been my favorite month, not just because it happens to be my birth month, but because Fall has a special energy to it. There is a crackle in the air. People are shaking off the malaise of the long summer months and excitement stirs as we begin to shift our focus away from the mundane day-to-day routine to, instead, designing costumes, making time for meals with friends and families, attending parties, making the perfect gifts to give, and thinking of ways to spread good cheer to all we meet.

I have lived in Florida since 2002 and have missed the harvest season excitement that I grew up with in the Pacific Northwest. That is until this year. Downtown New Port Richey burst into life this October (despite the unseasonable heat!) with two community-inspired activities that were chock-full of that festive Autumn energy.

First was a night for the grownups on October 27th. NPR After Dark: Hallowe’en Party Downtown was a lively evening. Downtown venues went out of their way to welcome party-goers by hosting costume parties, scavenger hunts, entertainment, and offering food and drink specials all in a an easily walkable district. QYK 99.5 was on site giving away country concert tickets and prizes from local businesses. The air was full of the chatter of happy people and bursts of laughter floating over the sounds of local musicians as people strolled from one place to another and gathered on the sidewalks in costumed clusters to greet friends and neighbors.

The next evening was all about the kids on October 31st! Trick or Treat? Downtown New Port Richey was the surprise event of the year. Those of us working together to plan and promote this night really didn’t expect the turn-out we had. It was amazing to see over 2,000 families gathered in the downtown for a night of safe, fun trick or treating! There were so many creative costumes, laughter, happy kids, happy parents, and happy merchants. Several businesses ran out of candy early on and had to make candy runs, offering to pick up extra for their neighboring businesses. The New Port Richey Police Department, Fire Department, and Library all participated as did the Richey Suncoast Theatre. It was truly an old fashioned community scene that actually brought a tear to my eye.

Many who live in the City have been working for years to develop the right environment for growing our community, to bring people together in a spirit of cooperation and comradery. This night brought it all together for us, and what a sight to see! Thanks to the business owners who took a gamble on sponsoring two activities that had never been done before, and to the business owners and organizations that participated, we were able to create a wonderful experience that kids and adults alike will remember for years to come.

Our little City is growing up and getting pretty hip. If you haven’t visited lately, you are missing out. Rock the Boat Productions has begun curating a calendar of downtown events and activities at all downtown locations and including the City's free concerts and movies in Sims Park. Click over to check it out, follow our page for updates, and plan your next close-to-home adventure!

Lia Gallegos is a partner at Rock the Boat Productions, an event production and promotion company, in New Port Richey, Florida. Rock the Boat Productions connects our community through education, awareness, and entertainment. We work our magic utilizing public relations, event production, and advocacy for small business entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians.