A year ago, the future of downtown NPR was brighter than ever. New shops opening on Main Street. Sims Park drawing thousands of folks for concerts and movies. The town’s resurgence was reminiscent of the roaring twenties from a century prior.
Then, everything changed in March. Ever since, Downtown businesses have been fighting just to keep their doors open.
Groups like New Port Richey Main Street Inc., a non-profit organization established to facilitate downtown activity, are adapting to the circumstances. Known for hallmark community events like KIAfest and the Christmas Boat Parade, NPR Main Street faced an unforeseen challenge – drawing people downtown without large public gatherings.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Amy Finotti-Marin, NPR Main Street is determined to bring back creative, exciting, and safe events to downtown NPR.
Keep Up With Downtown Events
A lifelong resident, Amy witnessed the community come to a screeching halt at the beginning of the pandemic. “Things have been going so well for the last five years or so,” Amy explains, “we have this gorgeous park for events with an amphitheater for live music. My family lives down the street so we came every weekend to see whatever was happening.”
Since becoming Main Street’s executive director last August, Amy revived programs like Mornings on Main and the popular downtown window decorating contests. The next step is getting people inside businesses. As the new year gets rolling, Amy and her team of NPR Main Street volunteers are jumping into action and planning creative, engaging, Covid-conscious events!
Eat This, Sip That!
Sunday, January 31st, 2021 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. at Cotee River Brewing Co.
Learn the story behind your favorite downtown NPR bars and restaurants while getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they operate!
This month, join NPR Main Street at downtown’s original brewery, Cotee River Brewing! Head Brewer Brian Hackman shares the science behind CRBC’s signature product! We will enjoy a flight of brews and some tasty bar bites too!
Downtown Dessert Stroll
Thursday, February 11th, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. in Downtown New Port Richey
The Second Annual Dessert Stroll is going on in downtown NPR, and this one has even more sweet options than last year!
Over twenty businesses are participating, which means dozens of delicious flavors to try! With limited attendance due for safety, make sure to sign up quickly!
St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl
Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, 2021 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. in Downtown New Port Richey
After a last-minute cancellation, the 2020 End of the Rainbow Pub Crawl was rescheduled for March, 2021!
While this event is sold out from last year, tickets may be made available as the date approaches. Keep up with NPR Main Street on Facebook for more info!
About NPR Main Street Inc.
New Port Richey Main Street Inc. is a non-profit organization that focuses on community beautification, development, and engagement. As part of Main Street America, New Port Richey Main Street Inc. works under the four pillars of the Main Street approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. New Port Richey Main Street was founded in 1990 and is one of 39 Main Street organizations in the State of Florida.