Tampa Gasparilla Parade 2011

Tampa Gasparilla Parade 2011: Gasparilla season starts with Children's Parade this Saturday

TAMPA - The Children's Parade that has been part of Gasparilla since 1947 came into its own when the procession of pint-size pirates outgrew downtown Tampa and the route shifted to Bayshore Boulevard.

With Saturday's 3:30 p.m. parade expected to draw 100,000 spectators - weather permitting - arriving early is advisable. Not to worry, there are activities to keep the kids content:

11 a.m.: Vendors and children's activities open along Bayshore Boulevard, from Bay to Bay Boulevard to Watrous/Orleans avenues.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo (between Albany and Gunby avenues) offers free use of bikes for learning how to ride safely in traffic. Free new helmets for kids, while supplies last.

1:30 to 2:30: Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll (begins at Bay to Bay, ends at Howard Avenue), ages 5 and younger.

3:00 to 3:30: Gasparilla Air Invasion featuring U.S. Special Operations Command parachute team.

3:30 to 6:00: Children's Gasparilla Parade

7:00 to 7:30: "Piratechnic" Extravaganza re-creating the imaginary sea battle between Ye Mystic Krewe and City of Tampa.




Story From: www.gasparillatreasures.com