By: If you’re looking for a family-friendly alternative to the day or night time Gasparilla parades, check out the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza going down on Saturday, January 21st.
This alchohol-free event is perfect for families with young kids looking to get out and celebrate the Gasparilla spirit. The main event, the Children’s Parade, takes place along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard in Downtown Tampa and features over 100 floats, bands, community organizations, and more. The Children’s Parade runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Families with preschoolers will enjoy the Preschooler’s Stroll designed to give kids 5 and under a real parade experience. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite pirate garb as they parade down the half mile stroll on Bayshore Boulevard with wagons, strollers, and more. If you want to register for the parade visit the Preschooler’s Stroll website here.
The Gasparilla Air Invasion will take place between the Preschooler’s Stroll and the Children’s Parade at 3 p.m. Watch a variety of airplanes and a precision parachute jump from the
United States Special Operations Command Jump Team.
Topping off the event will be the Gasparilla “Piratechnic” Extravaganza featuring one of the largest fireworks presentations in the country that re-create the fictitious, “piratechnic” sea battle over the Hillsborough Bay between the City of Tampa and the Pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. This 23 minute show begins at 6:30 p.m.
Best of all, entry to the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza is completely FREE. For more information on this great Tampa event, visit wwww.gasparillaextravaganza.com.
