Kids and adults can enjoy carnival rides at the event. For those who don’t like those that steal your breath, there are boat rides along the Cotee River.
The Greater New Port Richey Founders Day Fall Celebration that opens at 5 p.m. today in Sims Park and continues through 5 p.m. Sunday has gained a reputation as being one of the most diverse and family-friendly events in Florida.
Like many festivals, it has a carnival, live music, arts and crafts, and food.
But, unlike many others, it also has:
• The Orange Lake Dog Picnic (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday), sponsored by Doggie Cakes Dog Bakery and Boutique, when friendly, licensed dogs and their families and friends gather to eat and play ($5 for one doggie and one person lunch).
• A Florida Native Plant Sale (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday) next to the West Pasco Historical Society's museum, with experts offering advice on eco-friendly gardening and water-wise landscaping.
• The AAA Virtual Race Car Simulator.
• A car, truck and Corvette show on Saturday.
• Miss Daisy boat rides up and down the Cotee River.
• And the fifth annual folk music festival by Friends of Florida Folk (1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday).
On top of all that, there are loads of children's activities, including a scarecrow-making booth from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday ($5), pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, a "Treasure Hunt Maze," bounce houses and a rock-climbing wall.
The event starts at 5 p.m. today, with WJQB's True Oldies Radio and the rock/funk/soul group Solid Core providing music and the carnival going until 11 p.m. The amphitheater stage will have entertainment throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Friends of Florida Folk will perform in Peace Hall just north of Sims Park.
Founders Day Celebration continues on Oct. 3 with a golf tournament at Magnolia Valley Golf Course.
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