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Powwow kicks off Chasco Fiesta

The annual festival provides a look into the traditions of American Indians plus entertainment of all sorts.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN
Published March 23, 2006

	[Times photo, 2004: Janel Schroeder Norton]
	Citali Salinas of Mexico City performs a traditional Aztec dance during the 2004 Chasco Fiesta.

Pasco County's oldest and largest festival, Chasco Fiesta, opens today in Sims Park in New Port Richey and continues with daily entertainment, a carnival and a long list of special events through April 2.

Chasco has been named one of the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society for three years in a row.

The soul of the event, the Native American Pow Wow on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River, draws American Indians from across the United States and Canada and is open during the entire fiesta, with talks and demonstrations on American Indian culture, as well as singing, dancing, crafts, jewelry, toys and food.

Two-time Grammy-winning singer Bill Miller will be featured at tonight's Native American Night performance in the Sims Park amphitheater at 7 o'clock.

Chasco highlights are the giant street parade through downtown at 1 p.m. Saturday; the Chasco Car, Truck and Bike Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday around Orange Lake; the West Pasco Kiwanis Flea Market Sunday through Tuesday at the New Port Richey Recreation Center on Van Buren Street; the boat parade on the Cotee River at 1 p.m. April 1; and shows on the amphitheater stage each night.

Admission is free, and there are more than two dozen food vendors. Hours for events vary.

Native American Festival hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The Cotee River Lions Club will have a breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and April 1 and 2.

To reach Sims Park, take U.S. 19 to mid Pasco County, go east on Main Street two blocks, then over the bridge. Sims Park is on the north side of Main. Follow the signs for free parking.

On the Web:

www.chascofiesta.com.

Chasco Fiesta show schedule

7 p.m. today: Bill Miller

7 p.m. Friday: Noche Latina with Orquesta Infinidad

4-11 p.m. Saturday: Rock 'n' roll tribute with Hotel California?s salute to the Eagles

Noon-9 p.m. Sunday: Talent Showcase 2006 and a Magical Night of Entertainment

6-10 p.m. Monday: Bluegrass music

6-10 p.m. Tuesday: Classic rock 'n' roll

6-10 p.m. Wednesday: Variety Night in the Park

6-11 p.m. March 30: Rhythm and Bluesmasters ($5)

6-11 p.m. March 31: Contemporary Christian Music Family Night with Matthew West, Desert Rain Band and Andrew Phillip ($5 in advance, $7 at the gate)

7 p.m. April 1: Chasco Fiesta Country Concert with Blake Shelton and Keith Anderson ($15 and $25 in advance, $20 and $30 at the gate)

2-5 p.m. April 2: Richey Concert Band

[Last modified March 22, 2006, 12:58:10]