Gasparilla:
COVER STORY
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A Tampa Bay Family Tradition
by Laura Byrne, photos provided by Bryce Alley
Gasparilla’s roots run deep in Tampa, dating back generations to 1904 when the very first ‘invasion’ was concocted as a way to promote the city and its May Day Festival. There was even a mythical tale penned about a legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, to add intrigue as those first pirates invaded by horseback. Fast forward a century, and there is little doubt Gasparilla has helped put Tampa on the map, growing into one of the largest parades in the country. But, Gasparilla is so much more than a parade. It is a tradition for many families like Bryce Alley and L.B. Sierra. They grew up as children and grandchildren of Gasparilla’s founding krewe, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. We’re getting to know the parents as they share their own family ties to this beloved Tampa event and their hopes for the future as they pass the traditions down to their daughter, Leia.
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L.B.: My father became a member of YMKG over 40 years ago. I grew up helping
him pack all of his beads before the parade and clean his cannon. When I was old enough to participate in the Children’s Parade, he would load me up with beads and cannon balls to throw. It’s amazing to see how large the Children’s Parade has become. When my dad used to take me to the Children’s Parade, it was in downtown Tampa and only about 5 blocks long. We’re still a few years away, but I can’t wait to be able to take my daughter Leia to the parade and participate in it with her, my wife and my dad.
L.B., your dad helped found YMKG’s Grenadiers. Tell us more about what it means to you to continue this family tradition of giving back to the community.
L.B.: Gaspar’s Grenadiers is the community outreach committee within YMKG.
Growing up, I would see pictures and hear stories of all the events my dad was participating in year-in and year-out with the Grenadiers. They would visit hospitals and schools and even be a part of Super Bowl festivities and pregame events. There’s nothing like being able to put a smile on a child’s face who might be going through a rough time in the hospital or thank the doctors and nurses who are on the frontlines, or surprise high school seniors with a scholarship. I feel very lucky to be able to participate in so many different types of events in our community, and to be able to do it with my dad is incredible.
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TampaBayParenting.com JANUARY 2022
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in the early 1960s. My Father, Pirate C. Todd Alley, was a page for the royal court before he joined the krewe. My uncles are also pirates, and I can remember my cousin Hunter was the cutest page on the court! I have such fond memories of being a debutante and a maid on the royal court as well. It really does feel like Gasparilla has always been such an important part of my family—my mom even has a whole storage unit just for Gasparilla decorations!
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Bryce: My grandfather, Granville Mason Alley, Jr. became a Pirate in YMKG back
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Let’s talk about your family history with Gasparilla. Where did it begin?
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Bryce, you are a member of the Krewe of Queen Anne’s Revenge (KQAR). Tell us more about this krewe’s story and why it’s so special to continue the Gasparilla family tradition.
Bryce: Established in 2010, the Krewe of
Queen Anne’s Revenge is an all-female krewe with over 200 active members. You can always spot our Annies with their brightly colored costumes and tropical island f lair. Our motif is a sparkly f leur-de-lis, and each year, we select a charity that a member is involved with to support. KQAR is just an amazing group of women that are all so supportive of each other and who love to have a good time while also giving back to the community. I joined back in 2017 and walked in my first Gasparilla in 2018. All of the Annies work so hard on their costumes, making each unique and colorful. I always love seeing everyone’s jacket liner because there’s typically a fun hidden gem on their costume (mine is a f loral Star Wars pattern).
