It may be the dog days of summer, but that doesn’t mean the number of special events in Pasco has diminished. Visitors to the area – and local residents – can still find something to do almost every weekend from August through September.

This month, take a stand against crime by participating in the National Night Out street party in downtown Zephyrhills on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The event will feature live entertainment all night, along with educational displays, games and, of course, plenty of food. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and continues through 9 p.m.

On Aug. 14, downtown New Port Richey will be the scene of a Key West-style celebration as the Night in the Tropics kicks off with live music on two stages, including the Caribbean Chillers, back by popular demand. Billed as the coolest party on the hottest night of the year, the tropical fun includes two beer gardens, street performers, kids’ activities, bounce house and rock climbing wall, classic car cruise-in and arts and crafts. What more do you need on a hot summer night?

The month of September brings two of the County’s most well-known events – the Pioneer Florida Days Festival in Dade City on Labor Day weekend and RocktemberFest – formerly known as Founders Day - in downtown New Port Richey on the last weekend of the month.

Held Sept. 5 and 6 at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village north of Dade City, Pioneer Florida Days is the museum’s annual celebration of early Florida heritage, including live Civil War re-enactments, authentic craft demonstrations, a mock court martial, 1860s fashion show, children’s activities and live entertainment.

RocktemberFest, held in downtown New Port Richey from Sept. 24-26, will feature some new traditions, including scarecrow making and pumpkin painting, as well as the traditional Founders Day favorites of live music, classic cars, kids entertainment, a craft show and, of course, food. Be sure to celebrate the end of the summer in style with one of Pasco’s many unique events!

Celebrate Christmas in July in Dade City

Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in July in historic downtown Dade City!

Stores will feature sales, specials, antique appraisals and demonstrations. See below for more information. Email Dade City Main Street at mainstreet01@embarqmail.com or call 352-567-0284.

Old-Fashioned Christmas in July Promotions

Grapevine Antiques - Will be offering FREE Clock AppraisalsAntiques on Main Street - All Furniture 20% Off, Enter to win a $25 Gift certificate with any purchase.

Wee Grow'd - FREE Gift with any purchase

The Coffee Mug Cafe - LIVE Music, Christmas goodies including eggnog and candy cane milkshakes, cookies, bread and more!

Peddlers Village - In store promotions and drawings.

Quilts on Plum Lane - Will be offering $10 verbal or $40 written appraisals, Tatting Demonstrations by Edith Wooley and all Christmas Fabric will be 25% Off!

4 Alarm Tan and Essentials - Door Prizes, Special Pricing and Enter for a chance to win one of two raffles!

Williams Fashion Center - Large assortment of summer lightweight jackets and burnout shirts on sale for $35!

Lunch on Limoges - Fresh Peaches will be featured on our menu!

Sugarcreek Too - enjoy refreshments while you browse our store featuring sales 25%-50% off!

Annetta's Antiques - Storewide savings on selected items.

Annetta's Attic - Be part of Dade City's Version of Antiques Roadshow FREE verbal appraisals(Max. 3 items per person please). Does not include appraisals of: Precious Gems, Fine Art or Oriental Rugs.

Top Drawer Antiques - 1pm - 3pm Ask the Expert about your pocket and wristwatches. Special Discounts throughout the store from 10%-50% on selected items. Find the impression of "One Eyed Joe" the 12' alligator on the wall and be entered into a drawing to win a special item!

Kumquat Kuriosities - 50% Off Sale!

Ivy Cottage Antiques and Wine Merchant - Join us for "A Taste of the Holidays" Wine Tasting.

Be sure to set aside Saturday, July 10 and visit downtown Dade City for Christmas in July!

Chasco Fiesta Continues - But Wait, There's More! Downtown Dade City Also Hosting Its Spring Antique Faire

If you haven't yet had your fill of music, food and revelry, don't worry, the fun continues this weekend at the 2010 Chasco Fiesta in downtown New Port Richey, with two of the main attractions of the week taking place on Saturday - the fabulous Viva Las Vegas Boat Parade along the Cotee River, starting at 1 p.m., followed by the always popular Chasco Country Concert, featuring Luke Bryan, pictured here, Love & Theft and local crowd-pleasers Wiley Fox. Gates for the show at Sims Park open at 5:45 p.m., with general admission tickets just $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Two quick factoids about this year's talent - Luke Bryan is a 2010 Academy of Country Music nominee for Top New Solo Vocalist. And the hit band Love & Theft is scheduled to begin opening shows for Tim McGraw in May! So catch these future superstars at a great price and small venue (only 4,500 seats) while you still can!

Another Chasco favorite, the Boat Parade starts at Miller's Bayou at 1 p.m. and runs through downtown along the Cotee River. It's billed as the oldest boat parade in Florida and since Chasco itself has been around since the 1920s, we don't doubt it! The parade includes dozens of floats from schools, local businesses and individual families, plus thousands of dollars in prizes for the most creatively decorated "Vegas-themed" vessels. So, bring your cameras!

Also this weekend is the Kayak Race and Fun Paddle to raise funds for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida; the Homewood Suites Hilton Softball Tournament, a qualifying event for the National Softball Association; and the famous Cotee River Lions Club Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at Sims Park. To view the complete weekend calendar, click here. For a map and directions, click here.

If you do happen to be too pooped after last weekend's festivities, consider stepping back to a slower time at Downtown Dade City Main Street's Spring Antique Faire on Saturday and Sunday. Even if it doesn't quite feel like spring yet, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a slice of small-town Americana at its finest - plus find great deals on everything from country primitives to fine antiques - all under the shady oak trees of beautiful downtown Dade City. Don't forget to hit some of the more than 60 gift shops, boutiques and excellent restaurants while you're there. For a downtown map and shopping guide, click here.

Chasco Fiesta & Orange Blossom BBQ This Weekend

It's another great weekend to get out and enjoy some unique events in Pasco County!

On the west side of the county, the biggest event of the year, Chasco Fiesta, kicks off on Thursday, with eleven days of live, nationally-known entertainment, arts and crafts, games, rides and more, all along the banks of the beautiful Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey. The event includes a Native American Festival, decorated boat parade and one of the largest street parades in the area (Saturday, March 20.) You can follow Chasco on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates, photos and more.

On the east side of the county, professional BBQ teams and backyard chefs from all over will vie for cash prizes and trophies during the Orange Blossom Special BBQ & Bike Ride at the Dade City Business Center Festival Courtyard on Friday and Saturday. The event also includes an Outdoor Expo, Beer Can Chicken Contest, games for the kids, classic cars, arts and crafts festival, and a Reptile Discovery Exhibit & Show.

Just today, Habitat has confirmed that country star Matt Kennon will perform on Friday night for just $5. Check the Habitat website for a complete schedule of events and get the latest updates on their Facebook page. And, as always, enjoy another beautiful weekend in Pasco County!

A Wild Day of Canoeing on the Withlacoochee River

Thinking of taking a trip up the scenic Withlacoochee River north of Dade City?

It's a great time of year since the water is high but it's important to be safe as well. Check out this great article by St. Pete Times' columnist Dan DeWitt on the pleasures - and potential perils - of a day on the water. As wonderful as it is to get out and enjoy the outdoors, it's equally as important to be safe - and be prepared for anything!

Click here for the full article. And click here for a list of other places to hike, bike and paddle in Pasco County!

How Sweet It Is - Don't Miss the County Fair!

Come enjoy the sweet things the fair has to offer - cotton candy, ice cream, gooey cinnamon buns - plus the pageants, exhibits and always popular midway.

Returning this year will be Robinson's Racing Pigs; "Fritzy Brothers" one man circus; and Ron Diamond, magician, illusionist and hypnotist.

New this year are the "Wild About Monkeys" show; Steve Russell's comedy and juggling act; and The Bassmeister, a fishing comedy show.

Don't forget free entertainment each day; the Pasco County Fair Championship Rodeo, sanctioned by the PRCA, on Friday and Saturday; and the Demolition Derby on Sunday.

Other favorites including the Pasco Showcase of Talent on Tuesday; bluegrass music on Wednesday by The Little Roy and Lizzy Show and Southern Star Bluegrass Band; Gospel Music Night on Thursday, featuring Legends of Gospel Music - The Dixie Echoes and Naomi & the Segos; plus, pageants on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Don't miss this year's "sweet deals" on midway rides and unlimited ride specials.

For complete details and ticket information, visit http://www.pascocountyfair.com/

The fair continues through Sunday at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

The event is sponsored in part by the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

VW Bugs Fill Pasco County Fairgrounds

There were bugs of every shape, size and color at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City this weekend. Not the creepy, crawly kind - the cool and fun Volkswagen kind! Organizers estimate there were nearly 500 VW bugs, campers, dunebuggies and buses exhibiting at the 20th Annual Pasco Bug Jam, one of the largest shows of its kind in the U.S. Visitors came from all over the country and as far away as the UK and Canada. It was a beautiful day and a fun event. Plus, all proceeds benefit All Children's Hospital. Cans of food were also collected for the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. Check out these great photos from Pasco County's Kevin Jadick. To learn more about the Bug Jam, visit www.pascobugjam.com

Dade City Trolley Finalist for Top Award

Congratulations to the Dade City Trolley Tour, which was named a finalist this week for the prestigious Flagler Award, given out each year by Visit Florida at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. The award recognizes members of the tourism industry for unique and creative marketing campaigns and promotions, including special events, television spots, radio ads, print materials and websites.

The Trolley Tour was nominated for a very cool television commercial that was created last year by two students from the University of Tampa. You can view the 30-second clip at You Tube. The official announcement can be seen on the Visit Florida website.

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