Take heart, my maties!  Gasparilla fun starts this weekend with the Children’s Parade this weekend on Saturday, January 19, followed by the “real” Gasparilla parade on Saturday, January 26.

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla hosts the parade, which is the third largest parade in the country.  On hand both weekends, Achona reporters will be there to catch some great photos and videos.

The Dads Club will be parking cars at AHN beginning at 10:00 a.m./$10 per car. For the second year Academy will have a float in the parade.  Student government leaders and eighth graders will be riding on the float.

Academy families who meet at the staging area on Bayshore Boulevard between Harbour View and Lawn Avenue by 2:30 pm will be able to join in the fun of throwing beads and candy.  All participants in the float procession must have an Academy shirt to identify themselves as part of the AHN float procession.

After the parade many AHN families plan to enjoy picnic dinners on the front lawn so that they will be ready for the “Piratetechnic” fireworks that begin at 7:00 p.m.