There's Still Time To Drop By Pasco Upcycle And Arts Festival

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — With a fall chill in the air and the rain momentarily holding off, it's the perfect time to stop by the sixth annual Pasco Upcycle and Arts Festival Saturday until 4 p.m. at Sims Park in New Port Richey.

Founded by Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator Kristen King, the festival features creative items made from things people would normally toss out.

It runs in conjunction with America Recycles Day, which aims to reduce waste, and shows how trash can be transformed into useful and decorative items.

“The unique vibe of the event is a combination of art and sustainability,” said King. “I am always amazed at the creativity of our vendors.”

Upcycling is also known as reuse or the transformation of unwanted waste into new materials or products. Many people hear waste reduction and think of the standard household recycling of aluminum cans at the curb, but the options are much broader, said King, as proven by the innovative artists and crafters visitors will see at the festival including jewelry made from silverware, repurposed furniture, pallets transformed into container gardens and bird houses made from scrap lumber and discarded license plates.

The event also includes farmers market vendors, plant for sale, food trucks and live bands.