Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
The Chasco Fiesta parade showcases 160 groups, and draws thousands of admirers and about 40 Native American protesters.
By RYAN DAVIS
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 26, 2001
NEW PORT RICHEY -- They skipped youth baseball and soccer games to be here.
It's a tradition.
Each of the past five years, these two sisters, one of their friends and all of their kids have tossed some sheets, snacks and coolers at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Grand Boulevard.
"We've got the police around, we've got the shade, we've got a bathroom nearby, and we've got a view," said Lynnette Blazo, 25. "We've got it all."
At Saturday's parade for the 79th annual Chasco Fiesta, they were among thousands -- five and six deep at some intersections -- who watched 160 groups -- from Army soldiers to a large inflatable sea horse -- march, float and drive the 13/4-mile Grand Boulevard parade route, said parade chairman Roger Michels.
Jessica Rivers marched much of the route backward while leading her high school band in Louie Louie. Not easy, the drum major from East Lake High in Tarpon Springs said.
"I practice," the senior said, "and I always make sure I have someone behind me so I don't go too far."
Clear skies formed a blue dome over the convergence of beads, beer and marching bands.
For some twirlers -- most barely taller than a baton -- from Hot Shot Baton Twirling Academy in New Port Richey, it proved to be a little too warm. Tom Week's job for the length of the parade was to squirt water on their heads.
"I'm the water boy," he said, enjoying the proximity to his daughter's performance.
The onlookers came for many reasons.
George Colbinskie collected beads for his 5-year-old son, Cody. Shortly after the parade began, the kindergartener had five necklaces.
The 47-year-old New Port Richey man said he honed his jumping skills as a kid playing baseball and leaping for beads at Mardi Gras parades.
Others collected empties -- beer cans and bottles, that is.
Standing safely behind the revelers, Cameron Connolly and Jake Stephenson wore white button-down shirts and ties. They are on two-year missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Although the parade didn't prove to be the ideal place for pitching religion, it had its plusses, they said.
"There's no door to slam in our faces," Connolly said.
It also wasn't a party for the American Indian Movement. About 40 protesters from the group stood solemnly and held signs such as "Don't raise your kids to be racist" as the parade passed Main Street. They opposed what they said are stereotypical representations of Indians.
"What we're trying to do today is introduce ourselves to let the Chasco organizers know we are not going away," said Sheridan Murphy of St. Petersburg. "We are going to escalate from here."
The two sisters and their friend will be back, as well. Same corner. Same snacks. At least one more kid, as one sister is pregnant.
"I would spray paint our names here," Blazo said, "but I'd get in trouble."