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!

Fireworks Exploding All Over Pasco This Year

No matter where you live in Pasco County, you can find a Fourth of July celebration not too far away.

In West Pasco, the Angelus in Hudson will hosts its 2nd Annual Patriotic Fireworks Family Fun Extravaganza on Saturday, July 3, with all proceeds benefitting the Angelus, a group home for severely disabled children and adults. Gates open at noon and the event includes local musicians Wiley Fox, JoDell and N-Kahootz, as well as arts and crafts, food and a large fireworks display. The Angelus is located at 12413 Hudson Avenue in Hudson. Cost is $5 per carload.

If you are in East Pasco, your best bet for fireworks and fun is the Annual Sparklebration Festival & Fireworks Celebration at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City. As always, the Sparklebration lineup is packed with fun, family entertainment, including the popular Fritzy’s one-man circus, country and pop musician Dennis Lee, magician Steven Marcus, an Elvis tribute artist, plus pony rides, a petting zoo, kids games, animal shows, hot dog and apple pie eating contests and more. Gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $3 and parking is $5.

“California Dreamin’” Becomes Reality at Main Street Blast

KIAFest Main Street Blast 2010, the 13th edition of this award-winning special event, will take place from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday in Sims Park and around Orange Lake in downtown New Port Richey.

The concert theme is “California Dreamin’” and hearkens back to the music of Southern California in the 60s and 70s, with tribute bands playing the music of the Mamas and the Papas, the Beach Boys, the Doobie Brothers and the Eagles.

Also on stage will be young Tiffani Cruz, performing the National Anthem, and comedian Lou Angelwolf.

“This event has always featured classic rock music, and we like to recreate certain facets of that fantastic era,'' said Judy DeBella Thomas, executive director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, the organizer of the event. "Last year we paid homage to the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, and this year we want to take everyone back to the California beach culture that was such a big part of those fun times. John Gilliss of Friendly KIA has ‘tricked out’ a Surfin’ Soul and a Sorento ‘Woody,’ which will be on site.''

In addition to the music, KIAFest will feature its annual fireworks show, sponsored by Lucas, Green, and Magazine, scheduled between 9:30 and 10 p.m., weather conditions permitting, at Orange Lake. The 9th Annual Miss Firecracker Contest will offer cash prizes and other goodies for the winners. And the event’s annual salute to our troops will devote special attention to the "sand soldiers" in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Southern Cruisers Riding Club and the Gulfside Car Club will be combining to raise funds for soldiers, and both clubs will have their vehicles, motorcycles and classic autos on display at the event, along with a motorcycle raffle managed by the Cotee River Bike Fest. There will be a dunk tank sponsored by Advanced Research and manned by Marine veteran Adam Randall.

Look for a special appearance by The Swampmaster, Jeff Quattrocchi, who gained worldwide fame at Main Street’s recent Cotee River Seafood/Blues Fest. In addition, there will be river cruises along the Cotee River aboard the Miss Daisy, food and beverage vendors, and two beer trucks to offer cold refreshments.

To deal with the heat, there will be shade tents in the concert venue and areas with cooling mist hoses.

“We want people to get out, relax and enjoy a great day in the park to celebrate our independence,” said DeBella Thomas.

For more information, visit http://www.nprmainstreet.com/ or call 727-842-8066.

Giraffe Ranch Tours Opens North of Dade City

Have you ever fed a giraffe? Have you ever smelled their grassy breath?

These are memories that will last you a lifetime. At Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, Florida you'll experience first hand, the lives of giraffe and other species from around the world
living under huge live oaks in a setting that is right out of Africa.

Giraffe Ranch is a licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species as well as domestic cattle and horses. Visitors learn about exotic animals from an expert guide from the comfort of specially designed 4-wheel drive vehicles. The ranch is also helping to preserve species that are extinct in the wild.

Located in east Pasco County 45 minutes north of Tampa, Giraffe Ranch is on 47 acres
of rolling countryside. With huge live oaks, native orchids and lush pastures and wetlands, the ranch is also a native wildlife preserve. Every night up to 200 sandhill cranes roost on the grounds.

Experience Giraffe Ranch farm tours with an experienced driver/guide in customized safari tour vehicles. Visitors are safe, comfortable and have a terrific view, as each vehicle is fitted with shade canopies and stadium seating. Learn about native and exotic animals and their habitats from the safari guides. See the ongoing conservation efforts with endangered species and some that are extinct in the wild.

On safari you can feed giraffe, zebra and other animals from Asia, Africa, and the
Americas. See a working herd of Austrian Haflinger horses and tiny Irish Dexter cattle. Giraffe Ranch has one of the largest herds of these diminutive cattle in Florida.

Giraffe Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. It is a hands-on, working game farm and
wildlife preserve where animals have room to roam. Family-owned and operated for over 10 years, Giraffe Ranch is open by reservation only. The farm has two tours per day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are strictly limited in size and are fun, educational adventures.

Giraffe Ranch is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and licensed
by USDA. Visit Giraffe Ranch for the ultimate ecoadventure! Call (813) 4823400
or visit www.girafferanch.com for more information or reservations.

Anclote Eagles Lure Birders from Around U.S.

A pair of bald eagles that has made its winter home just outside Anclote River Park in Holiday has drawn the attention of birders from around the world. Because the nest is so clearly visible from the road, the word has spread and birding enthusiasts have followed the progress of the pair and their baby chicks. The eagles have flown back to their summer home but return each year to nest and raise their young. Local photographer Andrea Pico Estrada spent the past few months documenting the eagles and created two beautiful You Tube slideshows of images. Click on the links below to observe the eagles and their young. Anclote Eagles on You Tube, January 2010
Anclote Eagles on You Tube Part 2, May 2010 Click here to learn more about Anclote River Park and nearby Anclote Gulf Park, Key Vista Park and Eagle Point Park.

Art Gallery in Dade City to Host Caricaturist

Local artist Samuel David Carroll Freeman will be set up outside the HiBrow Art Gallery in historic downtown Dade City from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, in conjunction with Dade City ’s monthly car show.

Samuel is a 17-year-old high school student at Springstead High School in Brooksville. A resident of South Carolina until the age of eight, Samuel has been “drawing with precision since he was two” and winning both school district and county fair awards with his artwork since elementary school.

Freeman is a fan of original forms and fantasy art, and he works with a montage of mediums, including charcoal and airbrushes. He is also versed in the art of digital photography. His established workplace is his garage, where he takes and fills weekly orders for his work.

These orders, along with hours spent at charity events doing face-painting, not to mention his school work, all make for a pretty tight schedule, but Samuel finds it all worthwhile, and he hopes one day to go into “original comic artwork, digital design, and animation.”

Don't miss this great celebration of the arts in historic downtown Dade City! HiBrow Art Gallery is located at 14123 Seventh Street on the Historic Courthouse Square across from Beef O’Brady’s. Admission to the gallery is free and this event is open to the public.

For more information on the gallery or other HiBrow events, including Artist of the Month, Gallery Talks and Art Fridays, contact Brittany Rathbone at (352) 521-3823.

Don't Miss the Cotee River Seafood and Boat Show!

Greater New Port Richey Main Street invites you to join us for this award winning event that combines live Blues music performed by local, regional, and national legends all weekend, tasty seafood, beautiful boats, an arts & craft fair and activities for the entire family.

Event Overview

Activities & games for kids

Live Alligator Show with the Swampmaster

Fishing & boating demonstrations

30-45 minute Miss Daisy boat tours up the historic and picturesque Cotee River through downtown New Port Richey

A variety of beverage & food vendors offering a variety of seafood treats

Arts & crafts fair focusing on nautical and natural themed hand-crafted items.

Appearances and photo opportunities with Miss Firecracker 2008 and 2009.

Personalities from TrueOldies 106.3 and Tampa Bay on Demand on our stage.

Admission to the festival is free. Most, but not all, activities are free of charge.

A Gorgeous Day for Chasco Boat Parade

Organizers of the "Viva Las Vegas" Chasco Boat Parade could not have asked for more picture-perfect weather today.

The sun was shining, a gentle breeze was blowing and the crowds were just a-chilling all along the scenic Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey.

In case you missed the parade, here are a few of our favorites. We'll post the official winners as soon as they are available.

This last boat has our very own County Commissioner Jack Mariano, Clerk & Comptroller Paula O'Neil, Sen. Mike Fasano, and Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. A great day to be out meeting the public!

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!

Ragtime a Hit in Downtown Dade City

Had a great time this weekend at the first annual Ragtime Festival and Equestrian Parade in downtown Dade City. It's the first time the city has hosted the event since a similar parade was held last year as part of the Little Everglades Steeplechase.

Sponsored by the City of Dade City Youth Council and the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, the high-stepping horse parade was followed by an afternoon of live ragtime and blues music, great barbecue and the aweseome dance routines of Sally Blackwood Studios.

Thank you to the City of Dade City Youth Council, the Pioneer Museum and the many volunteers who helped make this event a success. It was truly a great day downtown and we hope the event will be back next year!

Stay tuned also for the next big event at the Pioneer - Les McDowell's Cowboy Days, featuring Matt Stillwell, Les McDowell's Cowboy Poetry, Cowboy Tom's Wild West Show, Cowboy Vern's Rope Tricks, an FFA petting zoo, 1800s authentic cow camp and much more!

Visit the Pioneer Museum website for full details! And thank you to our local paparazzo, Richard Riley, for the great photos!

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!

Pigs' pursuit of Oreos still brings smiles at fair

Reprinted from the Tampa Tribune

Feb. 18, 2010

By Geoff Fox

DADE CITY - If there's one thing a pig likes better than mud, it's an Oreo cookie.

Randy Ross has been telling people that — and that the famously filthy and intelligent animals have "no major sweat glands" — for 25 years.

In Ross's world, in fact, Oreos are to porkers what carrots are to rabbits. And his pigs have learned that the ability to race around a 150-foot track faster than your friends is rewarded with whole Oreos.

Losers get the crumbs.

"Just like in life," Ross said.

Ross operates Robinson's Racing Pigs at the Pasco County Fair with Sharon, his wife of 20 years. This week, a crowd of about 50 people, many of them newcomers to the sport of pig racing, stopped to watch the competition.

Dan and Beverly McKee of Lowell, Ind., had never heard of such a thing. With a laugh, Dan McKee said he was watching "for the novelty of it."

The McKees' friend, Betty Sparenberg of West Lafayette, Ind., said she was raised on a farm and knew a lot of pigs, but never met one that raced.

"I've just fed them and sold them," she said. "I've never trained any, but everyone I know who's ever worked with a pig always said they were very smart."

You couldn't persuade Ross otherwise. Besides racing around the track in about seven seconds, his pigs also have learned to swim a narrow stretch of water mid-race, hence the other name for his pigs: Robinson's Paddling Porkers.

The show was founded by the late Carlotta Robinson in 1985. Since then, the Florida-based attraction has entertained crowds at fairs across the United States and Canada, as far away as Japan, and on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Larry Fuller of New Port Richey via Erie, Pa., had no idea what to expect.

"We were just here at the fair, wandered by and saw the sign," he said. "I've never heard of anything like this before."

He probably had never heard names like those Ross gave his pigs, either.

On Tuesday afternoon, "Hammy Faye-Bacon," "Rush Limb-hog," "Lindsay Lo-ham," "Britney Spare Ribs," "Arnold Schwarzen-hogger," "Dale Oink-heart Jr.," "Snoop Hoggy Hog" and others competed for the opportunity to devour an entire Oreo.

There's even a banjo-tinged theme song for the event, featuring the lyrics:

"These little piggies aren't sloppy like some pigs are

"Robinson's Racing Pigs! Robinson's Racing Pigs!"

After watching a few heats, Beverly McKee uncorked a laugh.

"It's cute," she said. "It could be a little warmer out here, but I'd come and see this again. I think it's fun."

Her husband said he appreciated how well the animals seemed to be treated.

"One of my favorite shows is 'Animal Planet,'" Dan McKee said. "You see how some people treat their pets, but these folks are running a business, and they're really taking care of the animals.''

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.

Enjoy Old-Time Family Fun at Farm Fest & Quilt Show

DADE CITY, FL – Old Time Family Fun will begin 9 a.m. Saturday, February 6th and continue through Sunday, February 7th at 4p.m. There will be something fun for everyone. Entertainment includes music, and living history demonstrations of pioneer life including soap making, weaving cane grinding and syrup making. Children’s activities include free petting zoo, crafts, activities and more. The Pioneer Village buildings will be open to view, including Pasco’s oldest 2 story house, the Historic Overstreet House.

Headline musical entertainment is “The Southerners”, Pasco County’s Premier Gospel Quartet, playing Sunday afternoon. Les McDowell, the cowboy poet will present his tales of the Florida Cowman.

Cornerstone of the quilt show is the prestigious Hoffman Challenge Touring Collection. Local quilters will also be showcased with a Quilt Contest – calling all local quilters to display their unique masterpieces with winners announced Sunday. Call the Museum for details.

And for animal lovers, the Museum’s 7th annual Draft Horse Competition will be presented on Saturday by the Southern Draft Horse Association. Cowboy Tom will present his Wild West Show and a Cracker Cow Camp will be set up.

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 10-17, $2 for children ages 5-9 and children under 5 are free. Museum members get in free.

Onsite food and beverages will be available, and on Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. the first 500 paid admissions will receive a free pancake breakfast.

The Pioneer Florida Museum is a private non-profit history museum dedicated to preserving and teaching about Florida’s Pioneer Heritage. The museum is located one mile north of downtown Dade City, off of US 301, just north of Dade City Business Center. More information, visit www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org or call 352-567-0262

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
· Cracker Cow Camp
· Les McDowell the Cowboy Poet
· Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show
For Quilters:
· Hoffman Challenge Traveling Quilt Collection of dolls, quilts
· Hoffman Challenge Clothing Fashion Show
· Kumquat Challenge Quilts
· Quilt appraiser and historian Brenda Grampsas presenting a trunk show
· Local Quilters and Contest
· Quilter Vendors
· Select Quilts from Museum Collection on Display

Living History Displays
· Sugar Cane Grinding
· Sugar Cane Syrup Making
· Soap making
· Weaving & spinning
SATURDAY ONLY
· 7th Annual Draft Horse Pull Competition presented by Southern Draft Horse Association
· Gazebo Stage: “vgo”, “The Barking Dogs”

SUNDAY ONLY
· Free Pancake Breakfast for first 500 paid attendees
· “The Southerners”
· “Dulcimer Connection”

FOR THE CHILDREN (Both Days)
· 1835 Seminole Indian Village
· Free Petting Zoo
· Free Seminole Quilt Piecing
· Free Crafts & Games

Contact: 352-567-0262
Barbara Russ, Director curator@pioneerfloridamuseum.org

Enjoy Fine Art, Food & Live Music at Suncoast Arts Fest

Wesley Chapel - Celebrate a countywide weekend of the arts as the Suncoast Arts Fest presents its fifth annual fine art show at the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 23 and Sunday, Jan. 24.

More than 120 fine artists and craftsmen are the main attraction, but there will also be a “Taste of Wiregrass” event and continuous live music throughout the weekend, including Sarasota Slim, the Women’s Blues Review, Ray Olan and his Latin Band and the newly discovered bluegrass/country family band, AmeriKinFolk. In addition to woodwork, ceramics, glass art, paintings, photography and jewelry, the event will feature live chalk art demonstrations on the sidewalks in Wiregrass.

For the kids, there will be an interactive arts area and emerging artists display. All proceeds from the event go to “Art for Kids in Pasco County’’ and help supplement funding for arts education in public and private schools. Also, for the first time this year, the event includes multiple art exhibitions and activities throughout the County, including shows at the Pasco Arts Council, Pioneer Florida Museum, Progress Energy Art Gallery and the Pottberg Gallery at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

For more details, visit http://www.suncoastartsfest.com/ or call 727-247-6182.