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Festive Events To Help Residents Get Into Holiday Spirit

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: December 2, 2008

Updated:

NEW PORT RICHEY - While the economy might have put a dent in the wallets of Pasco residents, there appears to be no shortage of holiday spirit, judging from the number of seasonal celebrations this week.

Here is a rundown of groups decking the halls for the holidays through the weekend.

Hospital to light tree

Santa, artificial snow, horse drawn wagon rides and caroling will be part of this year's Morton Plant North Bay Hospital Holiday Lights celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, hospital spokeswoman, Amy Morrow, reports.

The public is invited to partake in the free event at the hospital's main entrance at 6600 Madison St.

The lighting of a Christmas tree is planned about 6:10 p.m. Richey Elementary School students, Gulf High School Band Ensemble and Genesis Preparatory School students will perform holiday tunes. Then Santa will arrive. The celebration will conclude by 7 p.m. with complimentary refreshments in the hospital lobby.

The event is free, however people can buy donation pledge cards for $5. Call 727-462-7036 for details.

Santa at Trinity YMCA

Breakfast with Santa will take place 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the James P. Gills Family YMCA at 8411 Photonics Drive. Food from IHOP will be served.

The cost is $3 per person. Children ages 3 and under get in free. Photos with Santa will be available for an additional $5.

Also, judges will pick the winners in the Gingerbread House Contest at 10 a.m.

State park 'Holiday Lights'

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, in Port Richey, will have its new event, Holiday Nights Under the Stars, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The entrance is off Salt Springs Road behind Sears at Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey. Admission is free. For information call 727-816-1890 or go online to www.saltspringsalliance.com.

Children's Art Festival

The annual Children's Art Festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey as part of the Parks and Recreation Department's "Holiday Joy" event.

More than 1,500 pieces of art from nearly 35 schools will be on display. For information, call Angie Walcott at 727-841-4560.

Tour of Homes

Growing Great Moms will have its 2nd annual Christmas Tour of Homes from 4 - 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the downtown New Port Richey area and the Gardens of Beacon Square.

Tickets are available for purchase the day of the Tour at 5525 Bamboo Lane, New Port Richey, for $15. Advance tickets can be purchased at New To You Consignments, 6707 Massachusetts Ave., for $12. Go online to www.growinggreatmoms.com for information or contact Julie Cramton 727-842-3907.

Boat parade

Saturday evening, Dec. 6, brings the ninth annual Riverlights Boat Parade as part of festivities at Sims Park during Main Street Holidays.

Spectators can sing along to favorite holiday tunes with John and Dane from Downtown DJ's and then watch after dusk at about 6:30 p.m. as the brightly lit boats with holiday decorations cruise past along the Pithlachascotee River. Prizes will go to the top three boaters in three categories.

For information call the Main Street office at 727-842-8066, send an e-mail to info@nprmainstreet.com or go online at www.NPRMainStreet.com.

Sunday Holiday Brunch

The Junior Service League of West Pasco will present Holiday Brunch with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Timber Greens Country Club, 6333 Timber Greens Blvd., New Port Richey.

The pancake brunch will cost $10 for children ages 1 - 12 and $5 for adults and children under 1 year of age.

Proceeds will help the league boost local charities such as Pasco Kids First, Lighthouse for the Blind, Youth and Family Alternatives, and many more as well as provide scholarships for high school seniors.

For information or tickets, call Becky Bennett at 727-967-7509. Go online to www.juniorserviceleague.com for information about the group.

Coming next week

• Gulf Harbors Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 13. Boaters will line up in the north channel by 5:30 p.m.

• Main Street Holidays returns for a second big weekend, highlighted by the annual Christmas street parade 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

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