Do you know what this Saturday is? That's Jan. 29th. It's Gasparilla!! YEAH! What??? You don't know what that is! It's Tampa's version of Mardi Gras.
The “Gasparilla Pirate Fest” is one of the country’s largest and most unique outdoor celebrations. It begins when the world's only fully-rigged pirate ship sails into the heart of Tampa. Flanked by hundreds of pleasure craft and vessels of all shapes and sizes, the invasion is a formidable sight. Built entirely of steel, the black-hulled "Jose Gasparilla" measures 165 feet in length and is topped by three masts that tower 100 feet above deck. Tugboats tow the craft and its crew of 700 pirates with flags flying and cannons booming as the vessel makes its way along Hillsborough Bay.
Here's a little history. It's about priates and hidden treasure. But as the link above states....it's really about the THREE B's.......BEER, BEADS AND BOOBS!!! (I thought that would get your attention).
There is a day time parade, fun but calm. And then there is the Knight Parade - Katie Bar The Door - that one get's interesting, let me tell you.
Oh and there's a marathon, activities for the kiddies, it's an all around WONDERFUL TIME. You've really gotta work hard to NOT have a good time.
I've got to be in a training class, so will miss this years festivities, but I'm sure there'll be lots of stories told in the next week. Arrggghhh - gotta love those pirates.
Posted by Tammi at January 27, 2005 11:48 PMDAMN!
And the dollar store is having a special on cheap plastic bead necklaces, too.
Hate to have to miss all that boobie-flashin'...
Posted by: Harvey at January 28, 2005 08:10 AM