gasparilla - is it worth it?
So, about this Gasparilla thing… Is it good for Tampa or just a big, useless, pain in the ass? That’s a subject I was asked to discuss at a round table with past president of the Krewe of Sant’Yago Randy Conte, South Tampa resident and author Wendy Boucher, former assistant to Mayors Sandy Freedman and Bob Martinez and current president of the Hillsborough County Hotel & Motel Association Bob Morrison, Louise Thompson, Executive Director of TBCN and author of “No Girls Allowed,” and former Mayor Dick Greco. You read that right: Five fantastic, influential folks and one knucklehead*.
St. Pete Times reporter Rick Gershman moderated the discussion, and reports the highlights in this morning’s CityTimes section (yes, I saved the paper, mom). With the book she published in the early 90’s, Louise certainly took some shots at the establishment. She still sees no point in the affair, but no longer rails against it as she once did.
The discussion did get lively at times. Race, gender and wherewithal continue to be factors in the elite pirate-themed party, although most feel it has come miles from where it once was.
So, what do you think about the whole Gasparilla thing - should it stay or go? Does it matter?
*You may also be aware that Dick Greco is a big fan of the JGLB.
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January 27th, 2006 at 10:01 am
I grew up on Sunset Beach and lived most of my life in St. Pete. I can remember going to Tampa on the Bee Line Ferry. It was an all day trip back then. Anyway to even think about doing away with Jose Gaspar and his band of wacko pirates is out of the question. I mean, think of all those band kids who wouldn’t have the joy of missing school to sweat their way through the Tampa streets as Idid when attending “Bogie”. And yes, it’s elitist, but the fun of watching these people so full of themselves look so foolish is worth the other stuff.
January 27th, 2006 at 10:19 am
It’s nice to get asked one’s opinion. I feel that mine are fairly represented in the article. But I have to challenge you on one point — it was I, not you, who was the least influential person in the room. Check out how many people are reading your blog!
January 27th, 2006 at 10:27 am
I have lived here all my life and never been to Gasparilla… until now. I got convinced to go this year. I don’t drink, don’t like parades or crowds, and I try to avoid sweating excessively. But this is a community event that I hope to enjoy. I hear the complaints: this is a ripoff of mardi gras and carnival, it is elitist as hell, it costs he city money. You are really overthinking this, it is a huge street party lets just treat it as such. A couple of points:
Gasparilla reminds us we are a community through shared experience.
When 500,000 people do anything together it will involve alcohol and some will get out of hand.
Port-o-potty’s always suck.
Yes the city has to pay a lot of money I’ll bet. Lets worry about the cost when people stop attending, it is a party that anybody can go to for free (nearly) and there aren’t a lot of free things to do in Tampa Bay.
Pirates ARE cool, who the heck wants to go to a biotech parade?
January 27th, 2006 at 10:47 am
I used to love going to Gasparilla until I realized what an overcommercialized joke it has become. This year’s fiasco over beer sales is one straw too many. If anybody’s looking for me I’ll be in Orlando on Saturday. You can have my “Capt. Morgan Cola Cooler” or whatever watered-down beverages they’re selling at the parade. Furthermore, don’t be rude to others when trying to grab those beads. They’re just BEADS!
January 27th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Gasparilla is what you make of it (or take from it). The festival - and pirates - are an integral part of this city’s culture, whether people like it or don’t.
I think the sight of dozens of boats and ships of all sizes alongside a colorful pirate ship in our sparkling bay is something to behold.
To me, the day is a great excuse to attend parties and catch up with people that I don’t see as often as I’d like to. Add some sunshine, live music, and gaudy floats, and you’ve got yourself a party.
January 27th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
THOMPSON: I raised three sons. Not a once did they tell me they want to be a pirate.
DUNCAN: Of course they didn’t tell you.
January 27th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I’m 21, and I love Gasparilla-tbe catching of beads is a lot of fun, and the overall joy I get from being there, seeing all the smiling faces, from babies to 68 year old people, is awesome. This year will be especially gnarly, because I won tickets to be on the float+boat w/a guest, all expenses paid. I’m taking my Mom, because she’s awesome! See, 5yrs ago, I was in a severe car accident that put me in a coma for almost 4mos, I had to re-learn EVERYTHING, and my parents were the force that kept me hanging on, and they still are. If anyone’s interested, the story is on the front page of The Pasco Tribune , Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003. I’ve re-learned to remember, socialize, walk and talk, and at Gasparilla, my mom and I usually meet up w/our friends, Don, Thomas+some of their friends, they clear a path for me, and I get right up front+get beads out the butt!
January 27th, 2006 at 1:49 pm
Even if everyone’s probably too drunk to remember much, any event that gets people out of their bubbles and out on the street with their fellow Bay Areans is probably a benefit in the end. Commercialization is a near absolute in anything that brings in that much money - you know, commerce.
Besides if we lose Gasparilla, those t-shirts in the Sticks Store become pretty silly. Or maybe they become collectibles. Hmm.
January 27th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
If anyone could explain to me why I should care about beads, I would like to know.
People come up to me every year OMG LOOK AT HOW MANY BEADS I GOT. I look back at them as if they were speaking an alien language. Can someone explain the incentive involving beads? All beads are to me are crap you have to throw away later or take up space in some drawer.
Seriously, I don’t get the beads thing. And I’ve been to New Orleans, so, yeah, I “get” it. I just don’t get it.
January 27th, 2006 at 7:29 pm
I look at Gasparilla as a Tradition…it is a time when many of my friends from Tampa come back to town to reunit(we’ve been doing it for 18 years since college ay USF)..it is an important way to catch up with many of those who have moved away, or have lives with families and such…and its Tampa’s party..one of a kind, no ther city gets invaded by pirates, and has a half million people enjoy!! On top of that MANY charities benefit, and it puts Tampa on the map for people to visit, meaning more bed taxes from hotels, rental cars, etc.
January 28th, 2006 at 12:04 am
Fake culture better than no culture? I dunno. Alot of the recent 1 or 2 year transplants love the stuff. Makes them feel like like parrotheads or something.
January 28th, 2006 at 1:10 am
Got a glimpse tonight of how important Gasparilla can be to some people. My wife’s family was raised poor here in Tampa. Single mom and 7 brothers and sisters. Every year Gasparilla was one of the few things they could all do together. It was free, they could bring their own food and drink, sit and watch the parade and have a lot of fun.
February 12th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Gasparilla is OUR day, We look forward to it every year!!