Kickoff parade route, time capsule plans and tour-bus reservation move forward; distillery souvenir idea introduced

Committee members discussed logistics for the Centennial kickoff parade and related ceremonial events, including plans to open a time capsule and operate guided historic tours.

Route planning focused on staging and dispersal locations and on whether the parade should cross U.S. 19. Committee members discussed starting at a large parking area (Walmart was mentioned as a staging option), proceeding down Old Post Road toward the waterfront, and concluding the procession with a public drum circle and vendor area at Waterfront Park. The committee proposed a $25 float fee and a $50 fee for vendor spaces at the post-parade waterfront gathering; members also discussed using Catch—s or other lots for post-parade dispersal and noted permitting and state roadway coordination (Florida DOT) might be required if the parade affects traffic on U.S. 19.

The committee agreed by consensus to reserve a 25-passenger tour bus for historical tours during the Centennial events; the bus operator Olympus had tentatively held the time for the committee and staff said a guide from the West Pasco/history society would lead the tour.

Members also scheduled an event to open an existing city time capsule, examine its contents, and re-seal a capsule with newly collected items for future generations. The committee discussed preserving any historically significant items for display and re-burying a renewed capsule with a clear future opening date.

Finally, a local distillery owner approached committee members with the idea of creating and selling a Centennial-branded bottled spirit as a commemorative product. Members liked the idea as a potential fundraising and souvenir item but said they needed legal and procurement guidance on municipal branding and alcohol sales. Staff will follow up with the distillery and with legal counsel to determine compliance and sales logistics.