How to: Survive Gasparilla 2016
Gasparilla is one of Tampa’s most popular events. Thousands of people from all over the state and the country attend the 4 mile long parade on January 30 that begins at 2:oo on Bay to Bay Boulevard, and continues until it reaches Cass Street and Ashley Drive. Many college kids who are Tampa natives come home to be a part of this celebration. Here are some tips to make the best of your Gasparilla:
- Hydrate! Drink lots of water the night before and the day of the parade.
- Wear sunscreen and re-apply to prevent getting sunburn.
- Know all of the plans for the day before leaving the house in the morning. Talk to your friends about all the specifics and logistics of the day.
- Stay together! Tons of people attend Gasparilla every year, making it a highly trafficked event. With this many people, it is easy to get separated from the group so have a plan of what to do if this happens. Have one or two of your friend’s phone numbers written down on a piece of paper in the back of your phone, in a pocket, or in your shoe in case your phone dies, giving you a way to get in touch with your friends if you get separated.
- Be prepared to be gone all day. Bring a jacket and have a fully charged phone when leaving the house in the morning.
- Pick out your outfit before the morning of the parade, taking into account the weather and the fact that the majority of the day will be spent outside and walking.
- Bring money and keep it in a secure location in order to not lose it.
- If you are driving on Gasparilla, take note of the closed roads and plan a route accordingly. Drop a pin where your car is to make it easier to locate it at the end of the day.
Have fun and be safe!
Senior Rachel Mckenna is a Social Media Editor for this, her second, year on the ACHONA newspaper. Outside of class, Mckenna is a member of a volunteer...