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Fiesta highlights American Indian heritage, culture
By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN
Published March 22, 2007
NEW PORT RICHEY - Today marks the official opening of the 83rd edition of Chasco Fiesta in Sims Park, the county's oldest, largest and longest-running celebration. In the spotlight is the Native American Festival, a temporary village of booths with American Indian-themed arts, crafts, jewelry, toys and other items, as well as a performance ring for American Indian dance contests and educational talks along the Pithlachascotee River. The village will remain open each evening and all day on weekends until the end of the festival. Award-winning violin stylist Arvel Bird and the Ani Kituhwa Cherokee Dance Troupe will perform during the American Indian show at 7 p.m. today on the amphitheater stage in Sims Park. The carnival will offer "all you can ride" tickets from 5 to 10 p.m. today for everyone and will have several other wristband specials for $15 for those 42 inches and shorter or $20 for 43 inches and taller during the evening hours throughout the fiesta. Nearly two dozen food booths will be along the walkway circle in Sims Park selling festival foods such as Cuban sandwiches, hot dogs, jerk chicken, pork sticks, ice cream, strawberry shortcake, smoked turkey legs and funnel cakes. The West Pasco Sertoma Beef BBQ, which was once listed as the world's largest in the Guinness Book of World Records, will serve platters and sandwiches today through Sunday. The Cotee River Lions Club will serve breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and March 31 and April 1. Today Until 10 p.m.: Native American Festival. 5-10 p.m.: Chasco Carnival; Native American Dance Competition. 7 p.m.: Native American Night Concert (free). 8 p.m.: Native American Dance Hoop Dancer Amanda Ironstar. Friday 9 a.m.-11 p.m.: Native American Festival and Dance Competition. 1-4 p.m.: West Pasco Historical Society exhibit open at museum. 5-11 p.m.: Chasco Carnival. 6-11 p.m.: Rhythm & Bluesmasters show (free). 6:30 p.m.: Lighthouse Coronation Ball, Spartan Manor. 7 p.m.: Native American Grand Entry.
[Last modified March 21, 2007, 23:58:42]
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