Pirates, Beads and Floats: Sant' Yago Knight Parade a family tradition for some attendees
Sant' Yago Knight Parade
FOX 13's Carla Bayron highlighted the Knight Parade in Ybor City continuing the Gasparilla festivities.
TAMPA - Pirates, beads, and bright floats took over 7th Ave. in Ybor City for the Sant' Yago Knight Parade on Saturday night.
Police were also on high alert to make sure it was a fun and safe night for all of those who attended.
Attending the Knight Parade is a tradition for some families.
Pirates, beads, and bright floats took over 7th Ave. in Ybor City for the Sant' Yago Knight Parade on Saturday night.
What they're saying:
"We've been coming for over twenty years and it's just a time to get together and to see our kids grow up," said Maria Alba. "It's just a tradition for all of us getting together over the years."
And everyone has their favorite part of the event.
"Definitely the family aspect of it," said Olivia Alba. "Because we're club members of the club here so it's good to just see everyone again."
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And a place to be along the route.
"This is more like a family section," said Maria. "We have a lot of comradery here."
The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago has organized and hosted the Knight Parade since 1974 to raise funds for higher education. Through the Knight Parade and other fundraising events, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has given back to the community more than $5 million in scholarships for students to attend Tampa Bay colleges and universities since 1994.
"That to us is a big part of us giving back. Just like this parade is giving back to the community," said Bill Bracken, the 52nd ‘Rey’ of Krewe of Sant’Yago. "This is a much bigger celebration but the philanthropy and fundraising is a big part of it."
Pirates, beads, and bright floats took over 7th Ave. in Ybor City for the Sant' Yago Knight Parade on Saturday night.
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Big picture view:
"When I talk to people in the Day Parade, they said they came out and felt safe because they saw police officers everywhere, so what you saw at the day parade, you'll see at the Knight Parade," said Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Dept.
Which included officers on the ground; uniformed and undercover. Vehicles and barricades blocking streets, and eyes in the sky via drones.
Keeping people safe, so everyone can catch beads, admire the floats and their lights, and enjoy Ybor City.
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The Source: Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Carla Bayron.
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