Founders Day gearing up for three days of sights, and sounds

Anyone muttering boredom's age-old motto, "There's nothing to do in this town," will be short on excuses next weekend in New Port Richey.

The annual celebration of Founders Day will take place throughout Sims Park and the city from Friday to Sunday with a menagerie of events to satisfy nearly all tastes.

Among the activities will be live music performed all three days, a car show presented by the Sunset Corvette and Classic Car Club rolling through on Saturday, a petting zoo and pony ride in Sims Park for kids and the third-annual Orange Lake Dog Picnic.

Admission is free and donations are accepted to help sustain the event and future festivals.

In regards to music, there plans to be an array of genres on stage. Reign Fest, which features youth-oriented Christian music blends a multitude of styles and sounds all day Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Friends of Florida Folk will perform at Peace Hall for the fifth straight year.

Tumbling Dice, a Rolling Stones tribute band, is on stage in Sims Park Friday night, along with Solid Core, who performed during last month's Night in the Tropics. And the Boneyard Dogs and SPF 40 are also slated to play.

Judy DeBella Thomas, director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, said the weekend will be a showcase of New Port Richey's local music scene.

Sunday's Orange Lake Dog picnic allows pet owners to bring their furry loved ones to Sims Park for a day of relaxation, lunch and raffle prizes. The cost to participate is $5 per person and their dogs and $3 per additional person. Boxed lunches will be provided to owners as well as lunch for the pets.

"It's all about just having a good time," said Trina Messano, creative director of Doggie Cakes, a local business that is putting on the picnic. "Plus all the proceeds go to the SPCA."

There will be vendors on site that range from local veterinarians to groomers to dog collar providers, Messano added.

Attendees will be treated to a Florida Native Plant Sale on Saturday at the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park, a virtual race car simulator from AAA arts and crafts vendors and Miss Daisy boat tours.

A fishing tournament presented by Life Point Church is to be held Saturday, as well, that will target snook, trout and redfish.

Events on Friday run 5 - 11 p.m., Saturday is from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information to find out what's in store and when specific performances are taking place, go to the Greater New Port Richey Main Street Web site, at www.mainstreetnpr.com.