Chasco Fiesta

About this happenin

For nine days every spring, Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey belongs to Chasco Fiesta, with live music and a Native American pow wow. Its pageant takes the names of King Pithla and Queen Chasco from the Pithlachascotee River, and the festival began in 1922 as a library fundraiser. There are two parades: a street parade billed as Florida's third largest, and a boat parade from Millers Bayou to Main Street. A carnival and food vendors fill the days in between, along with a car, truck and bike show. Bags are checked at the gate, and only clear bags up to 10 by 10 inches get through. Coolers, outside food and drink, chairs and umbrellas stay out, though the music stage has seating; reserved concert seats sell separately through Ruth Eckerd Hall. Gate admission is $5, with children 12 and under free most days. There's no festival lot, but free city lots sit close, including the Gloria Swanson lot on Bank Street and the Thomas Meighan lot at Nebraska and Missouri.

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Where

Sims Park · Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL 34652

Parking

The festival also lists the garage behind Keiser University at 6218 US 19, with transportation into town, and churches on Indiana Avenue that charge a small fee. Accessible parking is available in city lots.