New people move into Tampa Bay all the time. When gasparilla season rolls around, many people go down to the parade route, guessing everything will work out just fine. And it does, for the most part.
However, the big Gasparilla parade and Invasion is this Saturday. There will be upwards of half a million people down there, and lots of places from which to observe the spectacle. Which leads to those people in year two to ask a tampan:
I did Gasparilla last year, but I’ve got a bunch of friends coming down this year, what’s the best way to do it? Aside from renting a boat and stocking it with Bucs cheerleaders… Last year we had tickets and sat on the bleachers. Should we just follow that plan, or is there a better way?
Dave
PS: what are the rules about drinking in public for Gasparilla?
Ah… the age old question. First, we’ll answer the public drinking issue.
It is illegal to carry an open container with even a drop of alcohol in public. It is also against the law for women to pull up their shirts in public. But the cops probably aren’t gonna bust many folks for either of those. (however, if they do, you can’t sue me - if you are concerned, just don’t do, k?)
Having said that, make sure you have NO GLASS BOTTLES. Oh, and you certainly don’t want to taunt or AGGRAVATE THE POLICE. In fact, don’t even bother them at all. They have a tough time dealing with half a million people, many of them drunk. Their first concern is getting the parade to pass through their station with no one getting hurt. The last thing they need is another drunk asking them if they were on that episode of COPS.
As for the best location to watch with your friends, it depends on what you want… If you want to party party party, then get to the corner where bayshore & platt meet. Many use that area as a “home base” and stroll up & down the parade route (you’ll want a cooler with wheels, or a lil red wagon to tote your beverage of choice). Of course, this option provides the best opportunities to people-watch, and mingle, and perhaps not a great opportunity to watch the actual parade.
I have found that the downtown spots have many more children, and it’s not easy to move around (even walking) - many of the streets are blocked.
If you just want to chill and stay out of the fracas, then the bleacher seats are the way to go. You & your guests will still get plenty of beads, and you will actually be able to see the parade, and there will be less opportunities for your beverage to be knocked outta your hands.
Either way, there are a couple of “musts.”
- #1. Mentally prepare yourself for a long day. the earlier you get there, the better seating/parking situation, but the longer the day. If you wait until the last minute to show up, you’ll curse the driving, parking, and walking. Leaving the scene is a very, very long affair as well.
- #2. BRING SUNSCREEN (see #1 above)
- #3. If you are gonna drink, get a very patient designated driver.
Ok… That’s all I can think of at this time. Where do you go for the parade? Are there any other rules? Will you please help Dave with anything I am forgetting?
Loading ...
