It's at Sims Park in New Port Richey, not Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, and the organizers are expecting a crowd closer to 25,000 — not the half a million revelers who landed in upstate New York 40 years ago to celebrate three days of peace, love and mud with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
But the spirit of Woodstock will be rekindled Saturday, as folks across Pasco are encouraged to dig out their tie-dye and the groovy lingo to celebrate Independence Day, their long-gone youth (or maybe their parents' or grandparents' youth) and the 40th anniversary of the iconic concert.
This year's Main Street Blast will likely offer an electric guitar version of the Star-Spangled Banner and a variety of activities that should appeal to all ages, said Greater New Port Richey Main Street executive director Judy DeBella Thomas.
"We're inviting people to come dressed in '60s style and pretend that Sims Park is Yasgur's farm," Thomas said. "We're certainly going to have a good time."
"Friendly Kiafest: A tribute to Woodstock" will start at noon and feature classic rock performed by local bands Boneyard Dogs and 60's Groove, followed by appearances by revival bands Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Wholigans (the Who), Marrakesh Express (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), Pearl (Janis Joplin) and Jimi's Image (Jimi Hendrix).
The event will also serve as a tribute and fundraiser for military veterans. The District II Eagles Riders Motorcycle Fun Ride will start at 8 a.m. at the IHOP at 12426 U.S. 19 in Hudson, and end at Juan's Black Bean Cafe on Main Street in New Port Richey. Proceeds will go to Fisher House, which offers a free place for families to stay when veterans are being treated in local VA hospitals.
There also will be a collection site in the park for donations of comfort items for Operation Shoebox. Monetary contributions will be taken to help pay for sending those items overseas. Or, for a $1 donation, attendees can pick up a brush and paint their own psychedelic designs on a Kia Soul automobile.
Vietnam War-era military vehicles — some featured in some rather famous Hollywood movies — will be also be on display, courtesy of members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.
For the kids there will be arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses and rock-climbing walls.
The Sunset Corvette Classic Car Club will cruise on in, and the annual Miss Firecracker Contest will also be held along with fireworks over Orange Lake.
And considering the wide range of food and refreshments available, no one should go hungry. Vendors will have funnel cakes and french fries, barbecue and Italian food, pizza breads, chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, Italian ice and nachos. Beer may be purchased at two beer gardens from "The Walking Divas," who will be raising money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, which supports breast cancer research.
if you go
Blast back in time
What: Friendly Kiafest 2009: A Tribute to Woodstock
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
Admission: Free
Schedule of events
• Noon: Music begins on stage with Boneyard Dogs Band
• 1 p.m.: 60's Groove Band
• 3 p.m.: The Fortunate Son Band with Stan Adams
• 4 to 8 p.m.: Classic car cruise-in
• 4:30 p.m.: Motorcycle Fun Run arrives in the park
• 5 p.m.: Color guard and national anthem, followed by Marrakesh Express
• 6:30 p.m.: Miss Firecracker 2009 Contest
• 7 p.m.: Pearl
•7:30 p.m.: The Wholigans
• 9 p.m. (after dark): Fireworks (weather and conditions permitting)
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