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Greater New Port Richey Main Street gets a jump-start on the Tampa Bay area's July Fourth celebrations with its annual Main Street Blast, a two-day festival of music, food and flea markets today and Saturday, culminating in a big fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
A highlight of the event will be the Main Street Blast Sunset Concert at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Sims Park. Headliners are the Lovin' Spoonful, 1960s-era folk rockers whose hits included Do You Believe in Magic? and Summer in the City.
Opening acts for the show are the Shoe Suede Blues, led by former Monkee Peter Tork, and newcomer 11-year-old Aaron Kelly, who sings in the style of a young Michael Jackson.
Tickets for the show are $15, cash only at the gate, or by credit card or cash at various outlets (see box).
The music starts at 6:30 p.m. today, with teen singer Victoria K, followed at 7:15 p.m. by country cowboy singer John Wayne Wilkinson, and at 8 p.m. by Tampa Bay favorite Wiley Fox.
Saturday's events will start at 10 a.m. with the veterans and armed forces salute, followed by music events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Miss Firecracker Pageant at 2 p.m., and more music from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Performers include the award-winning Christian acoustic rock group Keilah doing its 2004 Gospel Music Association Song of the Year, Evangeline, and patriotic songs at 11 a.m.; the Original Ghost Riders at noon; the Paul McCartney tribute band Live and Let Die at 1 p.m.; and the variety dance band Rhythm Xpress at 2:30 p.m.
In addition to the music, there will be the Main Street Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday along the river in Sims Park. Individuals, groups and businesses will sell knickknacks, furniture, art, pottery, garden tools, fishing equipment, dishes, glassware and other items for bargain prices.
The Blast will also have an exhibit of muscle cars around Orange Lake, pontoon boat tours on the Cotee River, midway games and more.
IF YOU GOWHAT: Main Street Blast
WHERE: Sims Park, New Port Richey
WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday
TICKETS: Admission to the Blast is free, but a $2 donation will be accepted. Tickets for the Main Street Blast Sunset Concert on Saturday are $15, cash at the gate or at West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Crown Bank of Holiday, OnStage Music, Pasco Camera Exchange, Unique Awards and Engraving or Greater New Port Richey Main Street or call TicketMaster (813) 287-8844.