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Parrot Head Party getting costlier

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: June 5, 2009

Updated:

PALM HARBOR - Organizers of the 2009 edition of the Palm Harbor Parrot Head Party are expecting upward of 15,000 spectators to cruise through the historic downtown district tomorrow.

They could use a big turnout Saturday because putting on the annual celebration is growing increasingly expensive. For one thing, the cost of things like insurance continues to rise, according to Robin Husbands-Cauchi, executive director of Old Palm Harbor Main Street.

The Parrot Head Party is the downtown booster group's main fundraiser of the year.

"Last year we thought it was tough, but this year it was even more difficult to acquire sponsors willing to help pay the cost of putting on the event," Husbands-Cauchi said.

While it used to cost about $30,000 to put on the Parrot Head Party, now that cost is nearing $37,000, she said.

"People love Parrot Head day and can't wait for it each year," she said. "Hopefully, enough people will come out to support it and Old Palm Harbor Main Street."

The Parrot Head Party is a day to enjoy the laid-back Key West music and lifestyle made famous in songs by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Fans of the Buffett "Son of a Sailor" sound from all over the Suncoast are expected to attend.

There will be plenty of opportunity today, June 6, to purchase and don Parrot Head paraphernalia or just waste way in Margaritaville sipping spirited drinks and sampling savory taste treats.

About 35 vendors are expected to offer Parrot Head-themed clothing, jewelry, signs, art and other items along Florida Avenue, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Three bands are scheduled to perform on a stage adjacent to Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub.

This year a band called Expressions, which performs Latin music in the style of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, will perform starting at 2 p.m. The headline act, Caribbean Chillers, will perform 6 - 10 p.m.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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