GASPARILLA!

  Gasparilla takes up most of January and February every year. There are lots of balls to get dressed up for and parades to attend. It's one of the biggest traditions in Tampa, and it's always exciting to be a part of it. The history of Gasparilla dates back to 1904, when the first parade took place. The pirate theme is based off of the tales of Jose Gaspar, a Spanish pirate known as "the last of the Buccaneers." As the legend goes, he invaded the west coast of Floridathroughout the early 1800's, sacking ships and accumulating jeweled treasures...hence the sailing of the pirate ship, and the tossing of beads and coins that takes place during the parades. You'll see in the pictures below that we have a lot of fun being a part of the "Krewe." Many new friendships are formed each year, and old ones are past down through families from one generation to the next.

**My mom and me, with our pirate husbands. : )

**It was Tim's first year as a pirate this year, so that made it especially fun.
**And the pirates have set sail!

**The stage at the Coronation Ball
**Last year as Queen!! Dancing with Tim
**King and Queen Gasparilla XCIV
**My dad at me, Sailback Party
**Tim and me, parade day
** My mom and me, parade day
** Riding the Royal Float on the parade route
** My parents and me, before the Captain's Ball
** The King, Queen, and court...exchanging gifts