2010 Gasparilla Pirate Festival

2010 Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Rates from $129

Enjoy great rates surrounding the premiere event of the season!  Stay at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore and enjoy our 2010 Gasparilla Pirate Fest rates starting from $129 per night! 2010 Gasparilla Pirate Fest takes place on January 30, 2010.

Experience a feeling of welcome unlike any other at the newly-renovated Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore.  Having just completed a multi-million dollar renovation, this amazing all-suite hotel has unveiled a whole new look.  Lounge in our new lobby with the Link @ Sheraton or enjoy a snack at our newly transformed St. James Restaurant. All of our guest suites are 100% smoke-free, and feature the signature Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Bed, 32" flat screen TV, and wireless High Speed Internet Access.  When looking for hotels near the Gasparilla events, Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore is your home away from home.

Information below from www.gasparillapiratefest.com 

"The Gasparilla Invasion

Presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla
January 30, 2010
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.  
   
 
"Land, ho! Hoist the mizzen ‘n' set sail for Tampa!"
Shouts from the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and his band of marauding buccaneers will ring out across the waters of Hillsborough Bay as they return to invade the City of Tampa.

On Saturday, January 30th, at 11:30 a.m., the world's only fully-rigged pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, will magically appear at the south end of Hillsborough Bay. A multitude of pleasure crafts, all intent on defending the city, will boldly sail forth to meet the ship. But quickly seeing the error of their ways, they turn to join forces with the Captain and his Krewe's flotilla. The colorful Gasparilla Flotilla then makes its way north across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (channel between Davis Island & Harbour Island). The Gasparilla Invasion has begun!

Amidst a volley of cannon fire, the City is defenseless.
In this annual re-enactment of Tampa's historic pirate invasion, the Gasparilla Flotilla - led by the Jose Gasparilla teeming from bow to stern and capstan to crow's nest with swashbuckling YMKG pirates - creates a spectacular sight as she heads up Seddon Channel towards downtown Tampa.  When the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center (at 1 p.m.), the Mayor will surrender the Key to the City of Tampa into the hands of the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

With the Key to the City in their hands, the jolly Krewe will launch their victory celebration in the Parade of the Pirates down Bayshore Boulevard.

This event is free to the public.

The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch presented by Tampa Bay's Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Tampa Convention Center
January 30, 2010 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.  
    
 
Invading a city can be hard work ...
... So, as they return to Tampa to re-enact the invasion, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invites you to meet them tableside at the Tampa Convention Center, which will host this year's Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion Brunch.

Be among the first in the City to surrender to the pirates and receive their treasures!
Entreat the Mayor to relinquish the Key to the City - and celebrate Ye Mystic Krewe's return to Tampa over brunch in reserved seating along the Tampa Convention Center's Riverwalk. You'll enjoy a close-up view of the spectacular pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, as it sails up Seddon Channel and docks "tableside" at the Convention Center.

This colorful event includes a buffet brunch, live entertainment and a reserved seat with the best view in Tampa of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates

Presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla
January 30 , 2010
2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  
 
Beware booming cannons,
bold and boisterous buccaneers!

To celebrate their capture of the City of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth - glittering beads, treasures and doubloons - with a lively, enthusiastic crowd all along the 3.8-mile parade route.

"Make way, mateys!" shout Tampa's original buccaneers as they wind their way down historic Bayshore Boulevard and into downtown Tampa - amidst colorful costumes and festive music. The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will boast over 130 units - including more than 90 elaborate floats, 14 marching bands,  over 50 distinct Krewes and, of course, those infamous YMKG pirates!

The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive

This event is free to the public.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival

Join Us In...
Downtown Tampa
January 30, 2010
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.  
 
Join us as Downtown Tampa is transformed
by music, merriment, and a midway.
Flush with the wealth of beads, doubloons and other treasures - the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and his band of marauding buccaneers celebrate their successful invasion with a Pirate Fest Street Festival. 
 
Downtown Tampa will again host the Pirate Fest Street Festival, which will take place along Ashley Drive, from Kennedy to Cass Street. The festivities begin even before the pirates invade and capture the City - and they'll continue until long after the last swashbuckling pirate has paraded through the streets! 

The Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival features stages with live entertainment, food, and the Gasparilla Midway - which will offer thrilling rides, fun games and amusements for all ages.

When:  Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time:  10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Location:  Downtown Tampa, along Ashley Drive. from Kennedy Blvd. to
Cass Street
Admission:  Free"

(Source: www.gasparillapiratefest.com)