NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2023) — Joy Hetz, 88, was joined by fellow Chasco Fiesta Queens and Kings for a royal high tea honoring their reign at The Watermark at Trinity on October 19. Hetz, who lives at Watermark, is the oldest living Chasco Fiesta Queen.
“The City of New Port Richey has a rich history, and we’re lucky to have a pillar of the community – Joy Hetz – as one of our residents,” said Joel Dayock, Executive Director of The Watermark at Trinity. “It was incredible to see the Chasco Fiesta Queens and Kings together for this royal event and hear their stories of attending the Chasco Fiesta over the years.”
The City of New Port Richey hosted its first Chasco Fiesta in 1922. The celebration was planned to attract people to the young city and raise money for a community library. The pageant was created as the central program for the fiesta and celebrates the beauty of the Pithlachascotee River and honors the Native American tribes. A king and queen are named each year in honor of the legend of King Pithla and Queen Chasco.
Joy Hetz – formerly Joy Pierce – was crowned in 1952 at the age of 17 alongside James McIntyre. Hetz is a second-generation Elfers resident born to citrus farmers in 1935. She grew up in the New Port Richey suburb and eventually traveled the world with her husband and four children while he served in the military. The Hetz family lived in Germany for some time before returning to New Port Richey where Joy became a licensed realtor and builder. Hetz moved to The Watermark at Trinity in May 2023 to enjoy her retirement.
“Joy loves helping people and she doesn’t know a stranger,” said Dayock. “We’re thrilled she’s chosen to spend her retirement years with us.”
Today, the Chasco Fiesta is committed to enhancing lives through cultural education and performing arts. The Fiesta includes nine full days of activities and nine nights of music.
About The Watermark at Trinity
Located in Trinity, Fla., The Watermark at Trinity is a 218-residence retirement community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care in the Pasco County suburb of Trinity. Differentiators of the community include certified associates, continuous care and an extraordinary lifestyle built on an abundance of choices. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Trinity is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. To learn more visit http://www.watermarkcommunities.com/trinity.
About Watermark Retirement Communities®
Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 70 retirement communities in 22 states coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 10th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.