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BARBARA L. FREDRICKSENOrganizers expect more than last year's turnout of 5,000 for the concerts and fireworks.
The two-day Main Street Blast in New Port Richey goes into high gear today, with a full slate of live entertainment, food, a flea market, boat rides on the Cotee River, a car show, the Main Street Blast Sunset Concert with the Lovin' Spoonful and the Monkees' Peter Tork, a Miss Firecracker Contest, and, topping it all off, a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. - weather and conditions permitting, of course.
About 5,000 people turned out for last year's Blast, and more are expected this year because of added events, said Judy DeBella-Thomas, executive director of the sponsoring organization, Greater New Port Richey Main Street.
Things get started at 10 a.m., when the flea market - dubbed a "Fire Sale" in honor of the fireworks theme - opens along the Pithlachascotee River in Sims Park. Groups, individuals and organizations will sell new and used items from their small booths.
At the same time, food vendors will start selling lemonade, bratwurst sandwiches, kettle corn, funnel cakes, ice cream and jerk chicken. Hullabaloo will have baby back ribs, shrimp on a skewer and chicken, and Pit Boss Barbecue will serve barbecue, potato salad and baked beans.
The covered pontoon tour boat Miss Daisy will conduct sightseeing trips on the Cotee River all day for $5, leaving from the dock in Sims Park.
Opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. will honor veterans and salute all members of the U.S. armed forces.
Free, live entertainment starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 4 p.m.
11 a.m.: Keilah, Christian acoustic rock group
Noon: The Original Ghost Riders
1 p.m.: Live and Let Die, Paul McCartney tribute band with Edmund Toye
2 p.m.: Miss Firecracker Pageant
2:30 p.m.: Rhythm Xpress
The park will close from 4 to 5 p.m., then reopen at 5 p.m. for the Main Street Blast Sunset Concert ($15) featuring the Lovin' Spoonful (Do You Believe in Magic, Summer in the City) and former Monkees singer/musician Peter Tork's band, Shoe Suede Blues. Opening for them is Aaron Kelly. Tickets are available for cash at the gate.
At 9:30 p.m., weather and conditions permitting, there will be a fireworks display.