3 Reasons To Do The Children’s Gasparilla Instead

Children's Gasparilla is coming up Saturday. But the big Gasparilla is next weekend. Maybe it's my age. Watching the after effects of a bunch of college kids who had a few too many shots of Captain Morgan isn't so much my thing anymore. If you're new to the Tampa area or have never done Gasparilla before, by all means, I think everyone should go once. I did. No regrets. But I don't think going to the big adult version of Gasparilla is something I'll do again.

A listener called in to the show yesterday and said she and her husband just like to go to the kids' version of Gasparilla every year. And they don't even have kids. They find the experience just as fun without the negatives. It was a tip I'd been given years ago when I first moved to Florida and I haven't heard better Gasparilla advice since. Here are 3 good reasons you might consider doing the kids' version of Gasprilla this year instead of going next week.

Finding parking is no easy task for Gasparilla. I always suggest taking an Uber to the event. Let someone else navigate around the pedestrians and drop you off right near all the action. But if you go during the kids version of Gasparilla this weekend, you'll find much smaller crowds and more parking spaces. The Uber rides probably won't be as expensive either as that surge pricing can really get you when everyone wants to leave Gasparilla at the same time.

Next week temperatures are going to plummet in the Tampa area. Denis Phillips from ABC Action New says Tuesday and Wednesday morning is when we'll really feel the deepest cold with morning temperatures just a few degrees above freezing. As for this weekend though, Saturday is expected to be in the low to mid 70s. There will be a few clouds and there is a slight chance of a shower, but as of now it only looks to be about a 25% chance of precipitation.

Then there's the obvious. This is the Gasparilla you can bring your little ones to. Dress them up like a pirate and let them join in the fun. There's a bicycle rodeo where kids can get a free bike helmet, a stroll for preschoolers, and they'll love the Gasparilla Air Invasion landing at DeSoto and Bayshore Boulevard a block north of Howard and Bayshore.

The kids' Gasparilla parade is a 1.5 mile route starting and Bay to Bay and Bayshore. It runs from 4pm to about 6:15. It'll be followed by the nighttime air invasion at 6:15 with the fireworks lighting up the skies around 7.

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Arrgghhh matey's! Gasparilla is right around the corner and before you know it, you'll be scrambling to make the perfect pirate costume. We're here to make your search easy by listing the best 10 stores in Tampa where you can find the perfect Gasparilla gear! The invasion of pirates will take place on January 25. Here's more info on this year's parade.

Whether you're looking for some authentic pirate costumes or just need some accessories, head to these stores for all your Gaspy needs! 10 Tampa Bay (WTSP) made a great list with some good starter places. But if you don't want to rely on Amazon or Etsy to get your stuff on time, there are plenty of local places to try! It's still too early to tell what the weather will be like on the day of the Children's and adult parades. It's normally around the mid-60s to high 70s, so you may need to dress warm!

Tampa has been celebrating Gasparilla since 1904. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city, with a parade down Tampa's famous Bayshore Blvd. What originally started as a spring festival for the "May Day" celebration. Tampa Tribune Society Editor Mary Louise Dodge was helping plan the multiple-day event when George Hardee suggested including the legend of Gasparilla. Then the Tampa Tribune began publishing letters from the Ye Mystic Krewe, detailing the invasion. Read more of the history here.

Gasparilla is inspired by true events. Jose Gaspar, or Jose Gasparilla was a famous Spanish pirate who earned a fortune by capturing ships and treasure. In 1821 the US Navy launched a disguised attack on Jose's ship. Admitting defeat, he tied himself to an anchor and jumped into the ocean, never seen again.

[Source: 10 Tampa Bay]

Located at 3714 Henderson Blvd, Tampa. This store has the cutest graphic tees and accessories for a chill pirate costume. They also do live sales every Wednesday on Instagram.

Located at 1916 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. This store has been a staple for Gaspy costumes for a few years. They even have the cutest costume for kids!

If you want to really go all out, check out Art Pool for vintage and unique items! You could find a really awesome corset or accessories here. You can find them in St. Pete at 2030 Central Ave, St. Petersburg.

Located at 1211 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa. They have the cutest Gaspy collection that you can even shop online! Check them out here.

This vintage store is located at 1612 E 7th Ave, Tampa. You'll find some amazing authentic pirate costumes here for those who like to go all out!

This hidden gem is located at 4006 W Cayuga St, Tampa. This is another great store if you want a hardcore pirate costume.

This resale store is great for any last minute accessories! Located at 6112 N Central Ave, Tampa.

This boutique is great for cute and subtle pirate outfits. You can even claim your favorite stuff on Instagram or call the store to hold! They're located at 128 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa.

Okay hear me out... You can find anything from fishnets, corsets, pirate hats, to skull and cross bone pasties, The Todd has everything you need to get you Gasparilla ready! Just don't bring the kids shopping. 

This online Etsy shop is based in Tampa and focuses on pirate garb! Everything is handmade so remember that when shopping! You can check out the store here.