TAMPA (FOX 13) -
It's the start of the biggest party of
the year and it's all about the kids: The Gasparilla Children's Extravaganza
snaked down Bayshore Boulevard Saturday afternoon.
The day was about kids in their best
pirate outfits.
"I had it in my closet and I
decided to wear it," said 15-year-old Ronderik Curtis.
And lots and lots and lots of beads.
"It's fun when people throw beads
at you and you try to catch them," said 13-year-old Jakob Carter.
Some kids tried to catch as many beads
as possible the conventional way. Others
were a little more inventive, as 13-year-old Ryan Clark used a fishing net with
a sign around it reading "hit me" to score a few beads.
"I'm doing pretty good, I got
quite a lot but they fall through though," said Clark.
Tammy Curtis and her family got a
great spot on the route to grab beads and have a good time. She says she does not miss a Gasparilla for
anything.
"I am a fourth generation native
of Tampa so Gasparilla is part of my life," said Tammy Curtis. "It's
a must-do for me and my family."
Curtis is happy she has a chance to
enjoy the festivities in a family friendly environment.
"It's important to have a
children's parade and have it separate because I'm very comfortable being here
and bringing my son, my little sister and my nephew," said Tammy Curtis.
"I know that it's gonna be safe here, there's not going to be rowdy people
and it makes all the difference in the world."
After the sun went down, it was time
for the grand finale. There was a big
fireworks show for kids of all ages to enjoy.
"The day has been wonderful and
the fireworks was a perfect end to it, it's beautiful," said Stacy Hahn.
A great ending for a day full of pirate fun on Bayshore.
We've posted lots of photos here and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FOX13TampaBay). "Like" our page and tag pics if you see yourself!
