Politics & Government

Wiregrass Kicks Off 5-Day All American Festival

The dreary weather made for a slow start, but there's plenty of time for the shopping center to draw the RNC-related crowds it predicted.

They’re ready for them, but the Republican National Convention

The influx of out-of-towners in the area hasn’t made any difference in traffic at Wiregrass, one shopkeeper said, blaming the nuisance of Isaac for the slow-goings.

But as the sun peeked out mid-day Monday, the outdoor mall, empty in the morning rain, started picking up. Teens squabbled with parents over back-to-school clothes, and youngsters enjoying an unscheduled day off school pointed out shiny cars and teacup Chihuahuas to their moms and dads.

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There was plenty of security visible as the traffic picked up, as well. Sheriff’s deputies patrolled the area on foot and in vehicles. The sheriff’s volunteer mounted posse is expected to be on site at Wiregrass all week, too, weather permitting, Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

An All American Festival, designed to coincide with the RNC, began Monday with special wristband discounts and a window display contest. The five-day event features concerts, entertainment and shopping discounts through Monday, Sept. 3.

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Despite the large number of delegates in the area, traffic is not expected to be a concern, Pasco County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll said in a

All American Festival activities include:

Red, White and Country Concerts (Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1) – JT Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band will perform free concerts in Center Court from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Sidewalk Sale (Aug. 30 – Sept. 3)  –  Shoponistas will snag the hottest summer deals from participating retailers during the mall-wide Sidewalk Sale that starts on Thursday, Aug. 30and continues through Labor Day Weekend ending on Monday, Sept. 3.

Kids Activities and Strolling Entertainment (Aug. 30, 31, & Sept 1) – Kids can enjoy a variety of free activities and strolling entertainment, face painters and balloon artists in Wiregrass’s Center Court from 6 to  8:30 p.m.

Special Discount Wristband Days (Aug. 27 – Sept. 3) – Guests that visit The Shops at Wiregrass Guest Service Desk will receive a patriotic wristband and a list of discounts and exclusive offers from The Shops At Wiregrass merchants. 

All American Window Display/Contest (Aug. 27 – Sept. 3) – The Shops At Wiregrass merchants will compete in the All American Window Display Contest to win one of three Wiregrass Gift Cards.  Wiregrass guests will receive a nomination form at Guest Services when they pick up their patriotic wristband. They will be asked to view each of the participating store window displays and nominate a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and then drop off the form at Guest Services. Winners will be announced on Sept. 5.   

For more information, visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com or call 813-994-2242. Any All American Festival updates or changes will be noted on the event page, Detweiler said.


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