Whether you enjoy it or avoid it, the time has come for Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Here's what you need to know before you go.
HISTORY: Named after an 18th-century Bay-area pirate, Jose Gaspar, who reputedly buried an unknown amount of treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. Adopted as the swashbuckling patron of Tampa's first city festival in 1904.
ADMISSION AND RESERVED SEATING: Parade and live entertainment events free; reserved bleacher seating can be purchased at gasparillapiratefest.com. Tickets for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and lunch buffets are also available. Prices range from $16.82 to $92.52.
PARKING: Ybor garages will charge $1 for three-hour parking, $4 if a car is left longer than three hours. Shuttles will not be available at this year's event. A complete parking map is available online. Cars parked along the parade route will be towed Fri., Jan. 28 if not removed by 10 p.m.
SHUTTLES AND TRANSPORTATION: Unlimited ride passes $5 upon boarding the The TECO Line Streetcar, which will cruise between Ybor City and Downtown Tampa, 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. HARTline will follow its normal Saturday service. For schedules and route information, contact 813-254-4278.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfy shoes and pirate paraphernalia; hands-free purses or backpacks (for bead storage); cash — vendors accept cash only. For inquiries on lost items, contact the Gasparilla Ticket Office at 813-251-8844 after the event.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Glass and Styrofoam containers or coolers; unapproved outside advertising; fence, ropes or large non-human objects to use as placeholders before or during the parade; weapons and illegal drugs
WHAT NOT TO DO: The Tampa Police Department will continue to enforce a zero tolerance policy. Use only restrooms as restrooms, avoid fights and drunken misconduct, and do not consume alcohol if underage. Also, no flashing for beads and no nudity at the event. XXX does not mark the spot at Gasparilla.
WEATHER: Currently, the forecast for Jan. 29 is a high of 67 degrees with partly cloudy skies. Scheduled events will continue rain or shine, but the event may be canceled if there's a dangerous weather situation.
BOATERS: Limited docking space may be available for your ships and vessels by the Tampa Convention Center or the marina along Bayshore Boulevard. Call the Tampa Parks Department at 813-259-1604 for information.
VENDORS: Guests are permitted to bring outside snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but event managers have asked crowds to support local vendors instead. There will be over 100 food, drink and novelty item vendors. Beer and Captain Morgan Rum will be available with a photo ID. Alcohol vendors will donate 100 percent of net revenue to Bay-area charities.
RESTROOMS: Approximately 1,600 Port-o-lets will be docked along the parade route. Use them.
PARADE ROUTE: Check the website for the 3.5-mile parade route.
BANDS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: The Pirate Fest Street Festival will be hosted by Downtown Tampa along Ashley Drive from Kennedy Boulevard to Cass Street. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and continue during the parade and until 10 p.m. and includes performances from Daniel B. Marshall, The Skycoasters, Kings Country and more. Visit the website for a full list of times and locations.
CONTACT INFORMATION: For further information or questions about Gasparilla, contact EventFest, Inc. at 813-251-8844 or the city's information call center at 813-274-8750. Official website: gasparillapiratefest.com.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.