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How to request parade participation in the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Parade of Pirates

You must submit, in writing, on organization or corporate stationery, a request for consideration for entry in the parade, stating the name of your group or organization and how you wish to participate, i.e., float or specialty unit. Walking only units are not allowed, you must be associated with a float or specialty unit. Parade application packets are generally sent in June or July, and the application deadline is usually in October.

E-mail to:
office@ymkg.com

Mail requests to:
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla
Parade Committee
P. O. Box 1514
Tampa, FL 33601-1514

  • If appropriate, an application for consideration to participate will be sent to you along with detailed information for all parade units. There is no guarantee that if you receive this packet, you are approved to participate in the parade. Please note due to the restricted size of the staging area and broadcast television limitations, we do have a waiting list for participation.  The final parade selection is made by the Parade Committee. All formal applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection in writing.
  • Currently, entry fees are $1,000 for non-commercial entrants and $2,500 for commercial entrants. This can change but will be indicated in the application packet. The entry fee for not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entrants will be $500 with proof (a copy of the determination letter from the I.R.S.) of the charitable organization’s 501(c)(3) status.
  • Insurance requirements: Every entry must have at least ONE MILLION DOLLAR general liability and auto liability insurance and must name Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, EventFest, the City of Tampa, and all sponsors as additional insured.  All insurance requirements will be delineated in the application packet.
  • We try to hold the parade to 100 units, with a limited number of bands. Entries are approved by the Parade Committee based on “Show” and “Entertainment” value. Unfortunately, not all entries can be accepted for parade participation, due to staging size and broadcast television limitations.
  • Sponsorship and Corporate Tent information is available through EventFest at (813) 251-3378.

NOTE: ALL FLOATS MUST BE PROFESSIONALLY BUILT.

Float builders are listed for your convenience.
You are not limited to using one of these float builders:

Festive Floats of Florida (813) 879-2878
Kern Studios (504) 362-8211

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