Shops at Wiregrass Expects Large Crowds from RNC

Plans are under way for an All American Festival at the Shops at Wiregrass to greet Republican National Convention visitors later this month, and mall officials expect to draw quite a crowd.

The five-day event featuring concerts, entertainment and shopping discounts will run from Thursday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 3.

Advertisements for the event will run in the Official Delegates Guide and the Visitor’s Guide, Shops at Wiregrass director of marketing Deborah A. Detweiler said.

“We are expecting a large number of visitors the weekend prior, during and the week following RNC,” she said.

According to The Tampa Tribune, Pasco County will play host to about 200 delegates from Louisiana and Texas. The Texas delegation is one of the country’s largest with 155 voting members.

To prepare for the Aug. 27-30 convention,

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

According to a press release, All American Festival Activities will 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. 30 and 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.