Gasparilla 2018!! (money, largest, how to)

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by LKJ1988

So there are never any fights dwight? No one gets drunk? Traffic is never a problem?

You, quite literally, just described every event that draws a crowd of a few thousand. Gasparilla is no exception, nor is this unique to Gasparilla.

Originally Posted by LKJ1988

I went to the event a few times by boat before you ever even lived in Tampa and saw it with my own eyes sly.

With the exception of the three, awful years I lived in Brandon, I've always been here.

Originally Posted by LKJ1988

Watch the local news after the event and hear the stories.

No, thanks. I prefer actually going. Have fun sitting at home complaining about the weather, Heather.

[bobandsherry]

Gasparilla probably isn't for everyone, but there appears to be a large group that enjoy the event. Can't fault the event for the actions of a few idiots who just use this as an excuse to be idiots in public.

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by MAniacTHW

You, quite literally, just described every event that draws a crowd of a few thousand. Gasparilla is no exception, nor is this unique to Gasparilla.



With the exception of the three, awful years I lived in Brandon, I've always been here.



No, thanks. I prefer actually going. Have fun sitting at home complaining about the weather, Heather.

Well i had no choice but to go since i worked on the partyboat at the time in the 80's and they were chartered to go to the event. I am just not a crowd person at all or like to be around drinking. Back when we had normal winters the event was always cloudy and rain it seemed.

[theurbanfiles]

Planning on doing the Knight's Parade. I've done Kid's Parade, Day Parade (Main Gasparilla), and Half Marathon/Race Stuff. I figure that perhaps this year or if not next year, I'll do the music festival.

1. Parking: How expensive is the Centro Ybor Garage on this day? I'm kind of thinking I might avoid it though, maybe even try and park at IKEA if I won't get towed. Garage sounds like no bueno with the traffic and drunks around.

Probably hitting Coppertail beforehand, and maybe Al's BBQ (never been but I heard it was well rated, plus those places are off 7th and thus probably less crowded).

Are people allowed to drink on 7th Street during?

Is there a balcony that you recommend? Ideally non smoking?

What vantage point is best? Is there a particular must see thing within the parade?

Thanks!

[lluvia]

At least Ye Mystic Krewe is integrated now.

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by cavsfan137

Planning on doing the Knight's Parade. I've done Kid's Parade, Day Parade (Main Gasparilla), and Half Marathon/Race Stuff. I figure that perhaps this year or if not next year, I'll do the music festival.

1. Parking: How expensive is the Centro Ybor Garage on this day? I'm kind of thinking I might avoid it though, maybe even try and park at IKEA if I won't get towed. Garage sounds like no bueno with the traffic and drunks around.

Probably hitting Coppertail beforehand, and maybe Al's BBQ (never been but I heard it was well rated, plus those places are off 7th and thus probably less crowded).

Are people allowed to drink on 7th Street during?

Is there a balcony that you recommend? Ideally non smoking?

What vantage point is best? Is there a particular must see thing within the parade?

Thanks!

Wow, that's a lot of questions. Ok, lets see if I can answer them all.

Garages: I don't recall the garages being any more expensive than anything else. I think I paid like $10? It's hard to remember as I had a pretty epic toothache and decided I'd use whiskey to numb said pain. Needless to say, a few too many sips and I was three sheets to the wind. Apparently my girlfriend had a lot of fun getting me to the car. I know Ikea is a tow away zone. I wouldn't risk it. Coppertail has free public parking, though.

Coppertail is one of my favorite breweries, ever. Definitely a must hit. Never been to Al's.

I believe drinking is allowed on 7th, though I was at the Urban Cantina watching the parade from above. The Bacardi shot girl also kept bringing us shots. #Winning. Apparently all of the balconies are rented out for Gasparilla. Assuming Cantina has a table available, I might rent it for Exploring Tampa. That's a long shot, though. I sat away from the balcony and would wander up every so often and make small talk with the people who rented those seats so I could watch the parade.

Best thing to see during the parade are the costumes. People go all out. I thought my costume was awesome when I bought it, but there are people who take it to a whole 'nother level.

[KPB]

Originally Posted by LKJ1988

So there are never any fights dwight? No one gets drunk? Traffic is never a problem? I went to the event a few times by boat before you ever even lived in Tampa and saw it with my own eyes sly. Watch the local news after the event and hear the stories.

A lot has changed around here since 1977.
Its really a good time, you should try it, you might have a good time and if things get a little hairy I bet your vette could get you outta there in a hury with a quick burst of the throttle

[Tommygphotos]

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you drink and don't hate crowds it's probably fun stuff

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by Tommygphotos

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you drink and don't hate crowds it's probably fun stuff

I am just not into wild people or drunks.

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by fitch12

grown men dressing up like pirates in a parade that was basically riped off from mardi gras. Awesome.

Grown men who don't know proper grammar or how to spell. Awesome.

In the meantime, I'll be dressed like a pirate and having a blast during a parade that doesn't even fall during the same time frame as Mardi Gras.