Big crowds expected for Chasco Fiesta parade

NEW PORT RICHEY — More than 100,000 spectators are expected today for the Chasco Fiesta street parade at 1 p.m. The parade has more than 50 floats, 20 marching bands and 90 other walking and rolling units from throughout Florida, and is expected to last for more than two and a half hours.

The fiesta continues through April 6, with a carnival, Native American Festival and myriad events. The festival hopes to raise about $300,000 for 30 nonprofit organizations, including United Way of Pasco, Alzheimer's Family Organization, American Cancer Society and the Angelus Inc.

The parade forms at Grand and Gulf boulevards, goes north on Grand around Orange Lake, then south on Bank Street, west on Main Street and ends at U.S. 19.

Before the parade, youngsters can be entertained at the Junior Service League Children's Village, and everyone can stroll through the Native American Village and eat at one of the more than 20 food vendors' booths.

After the parade, a Tribute to Rock 'n' Roll will happen in the amphitheater from 4 to 11 p.m.

The dance competition at the Native American Festival continues at 1 and 7 p.m. today, with $11,000 in prizes to be awarded after the finals at 1 p.m. Sunday.

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TODAY AND SUNDAY

(For a complete daily schedule, see the special Chasco Fiesta guidebook in the March 26 edition of the Pasco Times, visit chascofiesta.com or call toll-free, 1-877-424-2726. Events are at Sims Park and other locales as noted.)

TODAY

8-11 a.m.: Cotee River Lions Club breakfast.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Florida Blood Services bloodmobile.

9 a.m.-7 p.m.: Chasco Fiesta Flea Market, Craft & Antique Sale, New Port Richey Recreation Center on Van Buren Street.

10 a.m.-11 p.m.: Native American Festival.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Junior Service League Children's Village.

11 a.m.-11 p.m.: Chasco carnival; West Pasco Sertoma beef barbecue.

12:30 p.m.: Chasco Main Street Mile.

1 p.m.: WellCare Chasco Fiesta Street Parade.

4-11 p.m.: Rock 'n' Roll Tribute Day.

SUNDAY

8-11 a.m.: Cotee River Lions Club breakfast.

8 a.m.-3 p.m.: Gulfside Corvette Club Chasco Car, Truck and Bike Show.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Chasco Fiesta Flea Market, Craft & Antique Sale, Recreation Center on Van Buren Street.

11 a.m.-8 p.m.: Native American Festival.

11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Talent Search Showcase, amphitheater.

Noon-4 p.m.: West Pasco Sertoma beef barbecue.

1-6 p.m.: Chasco Carnival.

6-9 p.m.: Magical Night of Entertainment with Radio Disney.