Brandon area readies for pirate invasion
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla is presenting its 13th annual Gasparilla Invasion toward the end of January.
In memory of Tampa’s historic pirate invasion, the event is re-enacted by Jose Gaspar and his merry pirate crew of YMKG. Their fully decked-out pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, will sail out of the Hillsborough Bay’s south end accompanied by legions of local boats. The flotilla will travel across the bay and continue between Harbour Channel and Davis Island into Seddon Channel.
In keeping with the historic event, a barrage of cannon fire will render Tampa defenseless, before the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center at about 1:00 pm. Tampa’s mayor will “surrender” the key to the city to the ship’s captain. Flushed with success, the Krewe will form a Parade of Pirates, which proceeds down Bayshore Boulevard.
Although the invasion and parade are free, guests can purchase $45-to-$60 children’s tickets and $60-to-$75 adult reserved bleacher seats that will be situated at the beginning and middle of the parade route.
A Gasparilla Invasion Brunch will be available from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa.
A Pirate Fest will offer pre- and post-parade entertainment at Macdill Park (Whiting and Ashley) and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront (Twiggs and Ashley.) Brandon fans can purchase merchandise featuring the Jolly Roger or Gasparilla graphic design on the event’s website.
The Gasparilla Invasion will be on January 28 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
In memory of Tampa’s historic pirate invasion, the event is re-enacted by Jose Gaspar and his merry pirate crew of YMKG. Their fully decked-out pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, will sail out of the Hillsborough Bay’s south end accompanied by legions of local boats. The flotilla will travel across the bay and continue between Harbour Channel and Davis Island into Seddon Channel.
In keeping with the historic event, a barrage of cannon fire will render Tampa defenseless, before the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center at about 1:00 pm. Tampa’s mayor will “surrender” the key to the city to the ship’s captain. Flushed with success, the Krewe will form a Parade of Pirates, which proceeds down Bayshore Boulevard.
Although the invasion and parade are free, guests can purchase $45-to-$60 children’s tickets and $60-to-$75 adult reserved bleacher seats that will be situated at the beginning and middle of the parade route.
A Gasparilla Invasion Brunch will be available from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa.
A Pirate Fest will offer pre- and post-parade entertainment at Macdill Park (Whiting and Ashley) and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront (Twiggs and Ashley.) Brandon fans can purchase merchandise featuring the Jolly Roger or Gasparilla graphic design on the event’s website.
The Gasparilla Invasion will be on January 28 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.