One of the main events at the annual Guavaween festivities is the Mama Guava Stumble Parade.

But this year, there will be no motorized floats.

Floats Not Allowed This Year

Organizers are making the chance to cut back on costs for clean-up, security, and parade barriers.

Organizers also hope the changes help parade-goers to move about more freely to Seventh Avenue bars and businesses.

Parade participants are still allowed to march, crawl, or transport themselves in any other way besides riding on a float.

Some residents say they are not looking forward to a parade without floats.

“We hate it,” Gaspar’s Grotto manager Amanda Coots said. “The main reason we’re upset is because of tradition. That’s how it’s always been. We’ve always had floats.”

But Todd Bray, founder of the Krewe of Fort Brooke, said that his organization will keep an open mind and is waiting to see how this year turns out.

Guavaween 2009 takes place on Saturday, October 31 with a daytime Family FunFest at 10 a.m.

Later on, the Guavaween Night of Costumed Revelry features live music, a costume contest, and the parade.

Source: http://www.baynews9.com

Guavaween 2009

What: Mama Guava takes the ‘bore’ out of Ybor with her annual Halloween Happening in the heart of the ‘Big Guava’, Guavaween!

When: Guavaween – Saturday, October 31, 2009 (Admission $17 after 2pm)

Where: Ybor City – Tampa’s historic Latin district – twenty-nine blocks of attractions, boutiques, clubs, galleries, coffee mills, cigar factories, restaurants, bars and theatres rich with culture!

Who: Guavaween Night of Costumed Revelry attracts a diverse crowd, on average falling within the 21-54 age bracket – estimated nighttime attendance – 80,000

Why: Guavaween is a party with a purpose! The annual event is a major fundraiser for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce - be sure to visit all of the fine shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries and theatres that make Ybor City great!

Features: Guavaween Night of Costumed Revelry offers live music on multiple stages featuring national and local artists, ‘Features’ Costume Contest and the not to be missed Mama Guava Stumble Parade!

source: http://www.cc-events.org/gw/

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