2nd Annual Day in the Country - Saturday, Nov. 3

Sky Harbor 2nd Annual Day in the Country

2nd Annual CVS Halloween Bash! Sunday, October 21

This Sunday, October 21st, visit your local CVS/pharmacy between 1 and 3 p.m. for their free Halloween bash!  Kids in costume will be able to have their picture taken by CVS staff for a free 5x7 print and will receive a FREE Halloween fun pack, containing Halloween goodies and over $10 in coupons.

To find the closest CVS/pharmacy, check out their Store Locator.

Pasco County Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

Fall is here, even if it doesn't feel like it outside.  Get in the seasonal spirit by visiting one of the many pumpkin patches and fall festivals gearing up around the area!

Fall Festival
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Horsepower for Kids, Inc.
8005 S. Racetrack Rd., Tampa, FL 33635

Admission $10/children, $8/adults. Parking $1 per car. Cash only, please.  Admission includes pony rides, hay rides, train rides, farm animals, face painting, bonfire, games, live music, hot dog and soda. Pumpkins also available for purchase.

Fall Maze
Every Saturday and Sunday thru November 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Sweetfields Farm
17250 Benes Roush Rd., Masaryktown, FL 34604
Admission 12 years and older: $8.50, 3-11 years: $4.50, 2 years and under are free.  Admission includes fall maze, hay ride, hay maze, hay play area, picnic area, duck race, spider web maze, treehouse, storyteller, craft, animal visits, and more. Bring extra money for the pumpkin launcher, face painting, pumpkin painting, food and drinks, and U-pick or gathered produce.

Fall Festival
Friday, October 12, 6-8:30 p.m.
Morton Plant Mease Outpatient Center
2102 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Trinity, FL 
Free dinner, health screenings, Ask-A-Doc, face painting, pumpkin painting, Radio Disney, and more! Preregistration required, click here to register online or call (727) 940-2875.

Scarecrow Festival
Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Downtown Dade City
Free admission, bring your own long sleeved shirt and pants and stuff a scarecrow for free, arts and crafts vendors, carnival games (bring money!), pumpkins, pony rides, and bounce houses.


Fall Festival
Saturday, October 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Holiday Community Fellowship Church
5144 Sunray Dr., Holiday, FL 34690
Pumpkin patch, activities, games, food, and fun!

Fall Festival of Hope Vendor and Craft Fair
Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
HERS Fitness Center
7135 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653
Free doorprizes, free Zumba class at 9:30 a.m., food, and children's crafts

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Grove at Wesley Chapel
Oakley Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Arts and crafts vendors, Battle of the Wings contest, Lil Mr. and Miss Pumpkin Patch contest, pumpkin patch, hay rides, bounce houses, face painting, and more!

Family Fun Festival
Friday, October 19, 4-7 p.m.
Seal Swim School
19509 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz, FL 33548
Pumpkin painting, bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, music, and more.

Pumpkin Patch Bash
Friday, October 19, 6-8 p.m.
Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex
3032 Collier Pkwy
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Come join our Pumpkin Patch Bash where we will have games, candy, hay rides and activities inside and outside. Costumes are encouraged but not required! This event is for ages 10 years old and under. Admission is $1 per person.

Pumpkin Patch and Fall Family Festival and Food Drive
First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey
5901 Indiana Ave., New Port Richey, FL 34652

Pumpkin patch open Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., October 17-27
Fall Family Festival and Food Drive
Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

From the Sun to Pluto Interactive Exhibit - Ribbon-Cutting Saturday, Sept. 8

Back-to-School Freebies!

If you are a parent of a school-aged child, you know how expensive August can be.  If you need a little help getting your child's school supplies together, check out one of these events to get free school supplies:




Month of August
Free Back-to-School Haircuts (Kids K-6th Grade)
All JCPenney Salons
Click here to find a salon near you!


Saturday, August 4  11 a.m.-1 p.m.
4th Annual Back to School Bash
Cobb Theatres Grove 16 & Cinebistro
6333 Wesley Grove Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL
Free school supplies, free games, face painting, health screens, free hair cuts

Saturday, August 11 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine's Annual Back to School Fair
Glazer Childrens Museum
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Live entertainment, informative speaker sessions, karaoke, games, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon artist, kids workshops, and a whole bunch of fun! There will be giveaways and prizes given every hour and the first 150 kids will receive a back to school bag with school supplies. Admission is $5 per person (free for museum members).

Sunday, August 19  8:10 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:20 a.m.
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
6825 Trouble Creek Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
Free backpacks, school supplies, games, prizes, free hair cuts, gently used clothing, and more.  Register onsite the day of or call Olivia Masterson at (727) 376-7733 for more information.

5th of July Fireworks!

Dade City has rescheduled its Sparklebration fireworks display to TONIGHT, Thursday, July 5, since last night's fireworks were abruptly interrupted due to a staff member's injury shortly after they began.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is FREE!  Food and entertainment will be available. The fireworks will begin at 9:15.

4th of July Fireworks!

Independence Day is fast approaching and we have your best fireworks-viewing options right here in Pasco County!

Join the crowds for an early Independence Day celebration at Main Street Blast on Saturday, June 30 in downtown New Port Richey!

Or, if you're in the northern part of the county, visit the Angelus's 4th Annual  Family, Fun, & Fireworks Extravaganza - $10 per carload, proceeds benefit The Angelus.










Tuesday, July 3 brings a Freedom Festival to the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club at Wesley Chapel, this celebration will include discounts at mall retailers, a bicycle parade, and a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. For more information and for competition signup sheets, visit http://www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/event/freedom-festival/2145398795.

On Wednesday, July 4, come on over to Dade City for Sparklebration!  Tickets are $5.00, kids 12 and under are admitted free.  Gates open at 4 p.m. and bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.!  For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the website at http://www.pascocountyfair.com/sparklebration.htm.

Also on Wednesday, July 4, Celebrate Port Richey is planning a fireworks show at Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road. The fireworks will go off after sundown, but get there early to find parking and a good view of Miller's Bayou.  This event has been canceled.

Movie on the Beach - May 11, 2012

Movie+on+the+Beach

Mothers Day Weekend Happenings

21st Annual Mothers Day Powwow
May 11-13, 2012
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL 33525
$3 donation to enter, children 12 and younger are FREE!  Gates open at 9:00 AM daily.  Food, fun, Native American music and dancing, and much more!

Many Bay Area attractions and restaurants are offering freebies for moms on Mothers Day weekend!  Highlights include free admission for mom at Lowry Park Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, and MOSI.  Click on the link below for all the details:
Freebies for Moms

Paddling Pasco - Trip #3 - Sunday, February 19, 2012

The next Paddling Pasco kayak and canoe trip is now planned for Sunday, February 19th. We will be launching at Oelsner Park again and this time going up river all the way to Grey’s Preserve on Plathe Road. The trip should take between 2.25 to 2.75 hours and we may take a short stop at Sims Park to stretch. First part of the trip we will discuss some history of the area and see a variety of life styles along the river. Once we get to Francis Avenue Park nature tries to take over and we will be viewing a bit of old Florida and hopefully some wildlife.


Itinerary: Drop boats off at Oelsner Park by 8:30 am and drive to Grey’s Preserve and park your vehicle. Last shuttle will leave Grey’s Preserve, going to Oelsner Park at 9 am. We plan to launch by 9:30 am.

To register please call the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 727-834-3278 or 813-929-2760 with the following information: interest and level of commitment, number of paddlers, provide contact # and email, how many will be riding the shuttle (logistics is a big issue if a lot of paddlers register).

Other:

· Please bring a completed waiver with you on the day of the trip and turn it in.

· Look for emails on the Thursday or Friday before the trip for important information, such as cancellation due to severe weather.

· We still have some Paddling Pasco T-shirts with logo on front and logo and map on the back for $10. Please advise if you want one when you register. Funds go into a donation account to support this program.

· Rentals may be available if there is a significant interest by calling Down South Kite and Paddle at 727-771-5484 or Windsong at 727-859-0213. All arrangements must be made with these two outfitters.

· Any questions, please let us know.

Dade City Kumquat Festival - Saturday, January 28

If you want something fun and family-friendly to do this weekend, check out Dade City's annual Kumquat Festival, Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in historic downtown Dade City. 

Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival™ , held the last Saturday in January each year, has become extremely popular for its homegrown, family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can listen to local entertainment, get their face painted, look at antique cars, and shop for arts and crafts. There are also 5k and 10k races/walks and a recipe contest where you can invent or re-invent your favorite dishes using kumquats. Participants recipes will be published in our Kumquat Festival™ Cookbook, available for sale at the festival. Our BBQ Dinner and Kumquat Growers' Open House are part of the festivities that round out our Kumquat Festival™ month in January.

For more information please call the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at 352-567-3769 or visit the Kumquat Festival website.

It's Fireworks Time!

Judging from the pops and whistles I've started to hear every evening in my neighborhood, it must be getting close to the 4th of July!  This weekend promises to provide all of the parade and fireworks you could ask for, some of which are taking place right here in Pasco County.

Get your holiday weekend started early!  The Family Freedom Fest benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project runs from July 1 through July 4, 3 -11 pm daily at the Fun and Wheels Entertainment Park located at 9227 County Line Road in Spring Hill.  The festival will include music, food, beer, rides, games, a paintball field, batting cages, a 1000-foot go-kart racetrack, miniature golf, blow-ups, water slide, pony rides and food-eating contests. Home fireworks are allowed. Bring blankets and chairs. Ride and game tickets available for purchase. Free admission and parking.  For more information, visit their site at http://www.funandwheels.net.

Port Richey will be hosting a free fireworks display on Monday, July 4.   The show will begin at 9:15 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road.  No alcoholic beverages or personal fireworks are allowed, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call City Hall at (727) 816-1900.

If you live in East Pasco, consider a trip to Dade City's Sparklebration at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.  This much-anticipated annual event happens Monday, July 4, and includes the Miss Sparklebration beauty contest, live music, bounce houses for the kids, your favorite carnival foods, a petting zoo, pony rides, vendors and much more!  The big event, FIREWORKS, begins at 9:15 p.m.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!  For more information and directions to the fairgrounds, click here.

Movie in the Park on Friday

If you live in West Pasco and you're looking for a fun, free event on Friday, February 18, come on over to Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey for a free guitar concert and showing of the classic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's". 

The concert begins at 5:30 and the movie starts at 6:30.  In case of bad weather, the events will be held in Peace Hall.

Easter Activities For Everyone!

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the Bunny Trail...

Here are just a few of the exciting events happening this weekend in our area:

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

Free Breakfast at IKEA
IKEA Tampa
1103 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, Florida
Free small breakfast (egg, potatoes, coffee) during breakfast hours Friday, April 2 through Sunday, April 4.

Black Maria Film + Video Festival
Richey Suncoast Theatre
6237 Grand Boulevard
New Port Richey, Florida
(727) 842-6777
Doors open at 7 p.m., screenings begin at 8 p.m. Tickets $4.00
Screenings of 7 award-winning short independent films, selected to be of interest to the local audience and appeal to teens through adults.


SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Jellybean Jamboree
Veteran's Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Road
Hudson, Florida
(727) 861-3033
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Bounce houses, carnival games with prizes, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny!  Bring your Easter baskets!

Huge Easter Egg Hunt
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
6825 Trouble Creek Road
New Port Richey, Florida
(727) 376-7733
9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
50,000 Easter eggs to find!  Also face painting, bounce houses, laser tag, and much more!  Hunt times begin at 10:00 a.m. for 2-3 year olds, and occur every 30 minutes thereafter for each year's age group.

Easter Egg Hunt
Tarpon Springs High School
1411 Gulf Road
Tarpon Springs, Florida
(727) 418-6219
10:30 A.M.
Egg hunt for ages 2-11 with cash prizes in special gold eggs.  Live music, special appearance by the Easter Bunny and more!  Adults will not be allowed on the hunt grounds.

Fall Fun in Pasco County!

We're beginning to get some relief from summer's heat and humidity, so why not enjoy our Florida Fall with a weekend activity with the family?  Several festivals and events happen in the area in October.  Here are just a few:

Saturday, October 3
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1st Annual Hummingbird (& Beyond) Festival
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0262 or www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org
Plant sales, hummingbird & butterfly gardens, arts & crafts, children's activities and more!

Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11
29th Annual Spooks 'N' Scoots
Sertoma Youth Ranch
85 Myers Rd.
Dade City, FL
(813) 626-0589 or www.abateflorida.com
Live bands, games, children's activities, food & drinks and more.

Saturday, October 10
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Scarecrow Festival
Meridian Ave & 6th Street
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0284 or www.dadecitymainstreet.org
Kids come downtown and make your own scarecrow!  Scarecrows are available for 50 cents or $1, but supplies are limited, so go early and bring your own scarecrow clothes!  Carnival activities and more.

Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11
Silver Hawk Native American Flute Gathering
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0264
Enjoy Native American flute music, arts & crafts and Native food.