HISTORY
The first Chasco Fiesta™ Boat Parade was held on March 4th, 1922. It is believed to be the oldest boat parade in the nation. The modern Chasco Fiesta™ era began in 1947. The boat parade has been held every year since, except 1993 when the "No name storm" swept through. Throughout the 1950-s at least fifty elaborately decorated boats participated annually when the combined population of Port Richey and New Port Richey was only 4000 citizens. Winter residents often sponsored boats and judges were sometimes chosen from tourists visiting local hotels.
The New Port Richey Rotary with great assistance from the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce has organized and presented the parade since 1978. The boat parade is always held the first Saturday after the Chasco Fiesta™ Street parade, which is presented by the Holiday Rotary Club. The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce organizes the overall Chasco Fiesta™ festivities.
The boat parade is often considered the highlight of the year for riverfront homes, which have private parties to celebrate the event. Many thousands more enjoy the elaborately decorated and lively floats as they pass the Main Street turn basin and approach the Judging and Master of Ceremony stands located on the banks of Sims Park. Food, drinks and restrooms are available at Sims Park. Native Americans and others sell and demonstrate their crafts in the Village located in the park as part of the Chasco Fiesta™ festivities.
In addition to the participants vying for the grand prize of $2,500.00, the parade will include the Color Guard, Grand Marshall, and the newly crowned King Pithla and Queen Chasco. Past Grand Marshalls have included television and radio celebraties as well as sports stars. The 2006 Grand Marshall was NFL Super Bowl star Joe Jurevicious. The 2008 Grand Marshall will be former Tampa Bay Buccaneer star Mike Alstott.
The Chasco Boat Parade provides great fun for participants and observers, and serves as excellent public relations for businesses, clubs, schools, organizations and individuals. Again this year the 2007 West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the St. Petersburg Times Business of the Year, Progressive Air Systems is sponsoring the event. Progressive Air Systems in owned by Bill Rogers. Past sponsors include Alumi-Guard (2003-2006), Gateway Honda (1999-2002) and CHPA (1997-1998).
History of Boat Parade Chairpersons:
2007-2008 Brent Simon, 2003-2006 Scott McPherson, 2002 Laura Kincaid, 1998-2001 Laura Kincaid and Peggy Clay, 1996-1997 John Martin, 1995 Randy Harris, 1993-1994 (93 cancelled) Arlen Tills, 1991-1992 Bruce Mills, 1990 Jim Curtin, 1998-1999 Bob Clifford, 1987 John Russell and Bill Peterson, 1986 John Stewart and John Starkey, 1978-1985 John Grey, Previously-West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
