Bikers to invade Downtown New Port Richey

If you are a biker or just a bike fan, then you will want to make plans to head to Downtown New Port Richey the weekend of Oct. 9-11. The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will present its Fifth Annual Cotee River Bike Fest at Sims Park and around Orange Lake. There will be live music on two stages, a vintage ride-in bike show, $1,000 Daisy Duke contest, truck pull, tattoo contest and the "Disc-Connected K-9s,'' world-famous frisbee dogs.
Again this year, Sheriff Bob White and the Sheriff's Foundation will host the Annual Sheriff's Charity Ride to benefit the PACE Center for Girls. The 50-mile ride starts at Gulfcoast Harley Davidson on State Road 54 and ends with VIP parking at the Bike Fest. Riders will be escorted by the Pasco Sheriff's Motorcycle Unit.

A second good cause at the Bike Fest will be the Bikers Against Hunger food drive and fundraiser. Visitors to the festival are encouraged to bring canned food, baby food, toilet paper and other non-perishable items to the Volunteer Way tent at the festival. It's a great way to have a good time and help others! To find out more or volunteer, visit the website or call the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 727-842-7651.

Weekends Packed with Events in Downtown New Port Richey

Things are really jumping in downtown New Port Richey for the next few weekends. Greater New Port Richey Main Street and Progress Energy Art Gallery sent us the updates below. Check it out and get downtown!

Greater New Port Richey Main Street will host its September Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Railroad Square in New Port Richey. During the summer months the market has been on a monthly schedule, which will continue through October.

The September market will include a community garage sale where people can sell household items in a relaxed atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided by Greg Rabelo, guitarist and
singer for the local band Bone Yard Dogs, who will be appearing at Main Street’s Founders Day Fall Celebration in Sims Park a week later.

“The Downtown Farmers Markets are a part of Main Street’s program to get people to enjoy the beautiful downtown we have here in New Port Richey, and at the same time do a little bargain
shopping while taking care of their produce needs,” said Judy DeBella Thomas, the Executive Director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street. “We feel that the more folks visit our downtown, the more they will want to come back!”

For information about the Downtown Farmers Market, or to apply for vendor space, visit http://www.nprmainstreet.com/ or call 727-842-8066.

Florida State Quarter Illustrator to Appear at Art Exhibit
Progress Energy Art Gallery will host prominent artist/illustrator Ralph Butler on Sept. 26. Mr. Butler’s paintings have been on exhibit at the gallery as part of the Viva L’Florida show featuring art that depicts the state of Florida. The gallery is located at 6231 Grand Boulevard in downtown New Port Richey.

Mr. Butler will present the original illustrations that were selected for the 2004 Commemorative Florida Quarter design, called "Gateway to Discovery."

Mr. Butler also designed the very rare Bicentennial Medal for Florida, through the Franklin Mint. Due to the rarity of this medal it will only be on exhibit the evening of his appearance, under guard. The artist will also sign your own Florida State quarter, so check your piggy banks and pockets for Florida State quarters.

Progress Energy Art Gallery is a project of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, whose mission is to assist in the growth and redevelopment of historic downtown. The art gallery was founded in May of 2003, with the purpose of giving local artists an opportunity to show their work and to enhance cultural quality in the West Pasco area. To learn more, visit http://www.nprgallery.com/ or call 727-848-6500.

Birding Events and Trips Hosted by West Pasco Audubon

The West Pasco Audubon Society recently released its fall schedule of birding programs and field trips. Here is the scoop!

The fall calendar begins Sept. 12 with a program at the Starkey Education Center, located inside the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. "Birding in Paradise, Birds of Hawaii" will be presented by Agnes Condon at 3 p.m.

The group's Annual Migration Count will be on Saturday, Sept. 19. Be sure to count your backyard and neighborhood birds and email Ken Tracey at kftracey@verizon.net with your species list and the total birds seen. County parks will also need bird counters. Be sure to record the park name. Use the list of birds seen on previous counts to record your sightings.

The photo contest for this fall and spring 2010 has started! See the rules and entry form for complete details. Photos from the 2009 contest can be picked up at the Sept. 12 meeting. Check out last year's first place winner in the Native Bird category by Mark Turnau!

Finally, a couple cool field trips are planned.

Honeymoon Island: Saturday Sept 26 at 7:30 a.m. Meet at the Burger King located at Moog Road and U.S. 19 in Holiday. Agnes Condon will lead the group.

Pelagic Trip on the East Coast: Sunday Nov. 15th, Contact Murray Gardler at
mangrovefirst@tampabay.rr.com or Michael Brothers at mbrothers@co.volusia.fl.us for
costs and times.

For more information on these and other fun birding activities, contact Ken Tracey at kftracey@verizon.net or visit the website at http://www.westpascoaudubon.com/ Happy birding!