Press Releases - Gasparilla Pirate Fest

	Press Releases

State of Florida to Honor Gasparilla for the
2010 Gasparilla Respect and Responsibility Educational Initiative

*Interview and Photo Opportunities*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Darrell Stefany
President, EventFest, Inc.
813-251-3378

What: The Florida Office of Drug Control Director, Bruce Grant, will present Gasparilla organizers and their partners with appreciation certificates for their efforts in developing and communicating the 2010 Gasparilla Respect and Responsibility Educational Initiative to the Tampa Bay Community.

Who: Interview and photo opportunities with Assistant Chief Marc Hamlin, Tampa Police Department; Dr. Judith Rainone, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Director of Administration; Gina Firth, University of Tampa, Director of Administration; Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School, Head of School; Santiago Corrada City of Tampa, Administrator of Neighborhood Services; Bill Gieseking, Pepin Distributing Company, Director of Marketing; Darrell Stefany, EventFest, Inc., President; Jim Robbins, Captain, Ye Mystric Krewe of Gasparilla; Keith Hamilton, Tampa Office Lt., Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco; Jessica Sulentic, Anheuser Busch; Dan DiLoreto, Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay, Regional Vice President and Market Manager;

When: Friday, February 26, 2010 at 10 a.m.

Where: Brevard Community Room in Brevard Hall at the University of Tampa

Tampa’s Gasparilla events, including the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest are marketed, managed and produced annually by EventFest, Inc. of Tampa.

State of Florida to Honor Gasparilla for
the 2010 Gasparilla Respect and Responsibility Educational Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Darrell Stefany
President, EventFest, Inc.
813-251-3378

TAMPA, FL – The Florida Office of Drug Control Director, Bruce Grant, will present Gasparilla organizers and their partners with appreciation certificates for their efforts in developing and communicating the 2010 Gasparilla Respect and Responsibility Educational Initiative to the Tampa Bay Community.

The ceremony will take place in the Brevard Community Room at the University of Tampa on February 26, 2010 beginning promptly at 10 am. Press is invited and encouraged to attend.

“We know that by increasing enforcement around underage drinking and excessive adult drinking behaviors we reduce property crime, violent crime, alcohol related boating and other vehicle crashes,” said Grant. “This makes us all safer and reduces negative economic impacts. Underage drinking costs Florida $3.1 billion every year. In addition, adult heavy drinking costs Floridians $12.3 billion every year.”

“I am proud of the work that has gone into making this a safer festival for everyone,” said Bruce Grant, Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control. “It is critical that we send clear messages to our youth that underage drinking is illegal. And it is vital that adults understand that they also have a role to play. It is my pleasure to recognize some of those who stepped up and made a difference at this year’s Gasparilla Festival,” Grant continued.

In January, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) and EventFest joined the Honorable Pam Iorio, Mayor of the City of Tampa, MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, Deputy Chief Marc Hamlin, Tampa Police Department and Bill Gieseking, Pepin Distributing Company in announcing plans for a comprehensive communication program and educational initiative designed for encouraging responsible behavior and respect at Tampa’s treasured Gasparilla celebration.

Gasparilla – Tampa’s historic community celebration since 1904, has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for over one-hundred years, and has grown into one of the most unique and colorful community celebrations in the country, with an annual economic impact of over 46 million dollars to Hillsborough County (2007 Report). A treasured event for generations in Tampa, the 2009 event witnessed irresponsible behavior by a few that have led to an unprecedented partnership between event organizers, the City of Tampa, public and independent schools, law enforcement and event sponsors to communicate the importance of responsible behavior and respect for others while attending Gasparilla in 2010.

“Gasparilla is a Community tradition that our membership has hosted proudly for generations here in Tampa” said Jim Robbins, Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. “We want everyone to enjoy Gasparilla each year, whether they attend the event or simply live nearby,” said Robbins.

Gasparilla has received support with their responsibility communication campaign from event sponsors like Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa, Anheuser Busch, Inc. / Pepin Distributing Company, Clear Channel Radio, Diageo and the City Of Tampa. Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla named former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott as the 2010 Grand Marshal of the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, saluting a legendary Buccaneer and further recognizing the importance of responsibility….both on and off the field.

Part of the program included presentations by the Tampa Police Department to Tampa area schools – sponsored in part by Pepin Distributing Company, with leadership and program coordination for public, independent and collegiate institutions in the Bay area being led by MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, Kevin Plummer, Head of School – Tampa Preparatory School and Gina Firth, Associate Dean of Students at the University of Tampa, respectively. Program highlights included reinforcement of the Responsibility and Respect messages – messages that are applicable throughout the year, as well as underscored the zero tolerance for irresponsible behavior at Tampa’s Gasparilla celebration in 2010.

Additional support of the initiative came from Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) that were created and developed for Gasparilla by EventFest with event sponsors Anheuser Busch/Pepin Distributing and Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay. Over 1,400 PSA’s were aired utilizing all the Clear Channel stations in the Tampa Bay market during the three weeks leading up to the event, reminding listeners that Responsibility is the Key to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The City of Tampa cable television additionally ran similar PSA’s in support of the program.

Anheuser Busch and Pepin Distributing Company have been a proud sponsor of Gasparilla Pirate Fest since 2007. From the beginning of the partnership, Anheuser Busch and Pepin have implemented elements of their responsibility matters campaign. Programs like We I'D, Alert Cab, Zingo, TIPS Training and Prevent Don't Provide Alcohol to Minors have all been a part of the event. This year, Anheuser Busch (Budweiser) & Pepin have created the Responsibility is the Key retail program. "The objective of the Responsibility is the Key program is to communicate to our community in a positive manner and at the point of purchase that this year, disruptive behavior and violations of city ordinances will not be tolerated by law enforcement" said Bill Gieseking, Director of Marketing for Pepin Distributing Company, Tampa's Anheuser Busch distributor. "We care about our community and feel that Gasparilla is a very important event for our community" said Gieseking. Encouraging everyone to use good judgment and take personal responsibility by making people aware that there is a real change in how law enforcement will patrol the neighborhood and parade route is a key objective of the Responsibility is the Key program. Posters, case cards and window signs were in all retail locations that sell Budweiser. Pepin Distributing included a text messaging program for Gasparilla in 2010 that encouraged those 21 and older to text “pirate” to 333222 and receive specific messages outlining the “Winds of Change” at Gasparilla this year and provided a url link for the more detailed information on this year’s festivities.

In addition to the retail program, Pepin also sponsored high school and college auditorium presentations that the Tampa Police Department presented to over 20 schools in Tampa."We are very pleased to partner with TPD on this initiative to communicate to the young people in our community that underage drinking is not ok and will not be overlooked by officers" Gieseking said. To communicate with this demographic, Pepin implemented an additional text program so young people can spread the word to their friends. Young people (under 21) were encouraged to text the key word "change" at 333222 to get specific and targeted responsibility messages for our young folks, with a link to more detailed information for Gasparilla festivities. Bill Gieseking can be reached at Pepin Distributing in Tampa (813-626-6176 x 258).

Tampa’s Gasparilla events, including the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza, Gasparilla Pirate Fest and the Gasparilla Outbound Voyage are marketed, managed and produced annually by EventFest, Inc. of Tampa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Darrell Stefany
EventFest, Inc.
(813) 251-3378

2010 SEMINOLE HARD ROCK GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST STAGES
WILL FEATURE TALENT BEFORE AND AFTER THE
GASPARILLA PARADE OF THE PIRATES

COLLECTIVE SOUL to Headline the Pirate Fest Stage / Curtis Hixon Park

TAMPA, FL - EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announce the stage talent for the 2010 Gasparilla Street Festival. Downtown Tampa will again host the Pirate Fest Street Festival. The festivities begin even before the pirates invade and capture the City – and they’ll continue until long after the last swashbuckling pirate has paraded through the streets!

The 2010 Pirate Fest Street Festival features stages with live entertainment, food and fun.

COLLECTIVE SOUL will headline the Pirate Fest Stage, presented by Captain Morgan Rum and Mix 100.7 post parade for the 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest. COLLECTIVE SOUL is scheduled to perform in the newly opened Curtis Hixon Park located along Tampa’s Riverwalk at Zack and Ashley in downtown Tampa beginning at 8 p.m. Admission to Tampa’s Gasparilla festivities, including all Pirate Fest concerts is free.

For additional band information, please visit their websites.

4Ever - www.myspace.com/4evermusic
A Deeper Down (aka Sweet Spot) – www.myspace.com/adeeperdown
A&C La Banda - www.myspace.com/aandc_la_banda
Barbershop Harmony Society – www.barbershop.org
Chris McCarty – www.myspace.com/chrismccartymusic
Collective Soul – www.CollectiveSoul.com
Highway to Hell – www.HighwayToHell.info
Hip Kitty – www.HipKittyBand.com
Jerry Rivera - www.starpulse.com/Music/Rivera,_Jerry/index.html
Save the Radio – http://www.myspace.com/SaveTheRadio1
The Knot – www.myspace.com/theknotmusic

Talent will appear on the stages as follows:

Gasparilla Invasion Stage sponsored in part by, 93.3 FLZ and 95.7 The Beat
(Located at the corner of Platt & Bayshore)

PRE PARADE MIX
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stu from 95.7 The Beat will host the stage and Mixers from both 93.3 FLZ and 95.7 The Beat will mix live music from the Gasparilla Invasion Stage
1 – 2:30 p.m. The Chris McCarty Band

POST PARADE MIX
5 – 6:30 p.m. The Chris McCarty Band

Gasparilla Hyatt Regency City Center Stage, sponsored in part by 98 Rock
(Located at the corner of Tampa & Whiting)
12 – 3:30 p.m. A Deeper Down (aka Sweet Spot)
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Hip Kitty

POST PARADE MIX
5:45 – 7:15 p.m. Highway to Hell
7:45 – 9 p.m. Save the Radio

Gasparilla Pirate Fest Stage at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Presented by Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
(Located along Ashley Drive between Madison and Polk)

PRE PARADE MIX
10 – 11:30 a.m. Barbershop Quartets from the Barbershop Harmony Society
Sponsored in part by CENTRO, Telemundo and 92.5 Maxima FM
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Salsa Mania (dance set)
12 – 12:45 p.m. 4Ever
12 p.m. Autograph session with Jerry Rivera – renowned Salsa singer
1 – 1:45 p.m. A&C La Banda

POST PARADE MIX
Presented by MIX 100.7 and sponsored in part by 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio
5:30 – 7:30 (two (2) sets) The Knot
8 p.m. COLLECTIVE SOUL

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest Sponsors as of the date of this release include:

Title Sponsor – Seminole Hard Hotel & Casino - Tampa

Alley • Clark • Greiwe; Anheuser Busch, Inc; Carey O’Malley Whitaker & Mueller, P.A.; Catering By the Family; CENTRO Tampa; The City of Tampa; Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay including: WBTP-FM 95.7 The Beat, WFLZ-FM 93.3 FLZ, WFUS-FM US 103.5, WMTX-FM MIX 100.7, 620 WDAE The Sports Animal, 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio; Diageo - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum; Hadlow Family; Harrod Family; Hillsborough County; Horizon Bay Senior Communities; Hyatt Regency Tampa; La Maxima 92.5 FM; Nelson Construction Company; National Brokerage Services, Inc.; Professional Insurance Center; Skanska USA Building, Inc.; Rosemurgy Family; Sunset Salsa; TAMCO; The Tampa Tribune; TBO.com; Telemundo Tampa; Turner Family; USAmeriBank, WFLA – TV News Channel 8 and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

Tampa’s Gasparilla events, including the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza, Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Gasparilla’s Outbound Voyage are marketed, managed and produced annually by EventFest, Inc. of Tampa.

**MEDIA ALERT ** MEDIA ALER T** MEDIA ALERT**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Darrell Stefany, President, EventFest, Inc., (813) 251-3378

Gasparilla to Announce Partnership to Communicate Responsibility
and Respect is the Key at Gasparilla in 2010
*Press Conference - Interview Opportunity*

What: Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) and EventFest will join the Honorable Pam Iorio, Mayor of the City of Tampa, MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, Deputy Chief Marc Hamlin, Tampa Police Department and Bill Gieseking, Pepin Distributing Company in announcing plans for a comprehensive communication program and educational initiative designed to encourage responsible behavior and respect at Tampa’s treasured Gasparilla celebration.

Who: Interview opportunities with Jim Robbins, Captain, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla; the Honorable Pam Iorio, Mayor of the City of Tampa; MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools; Deputy Chief Marc Hamlin, Tampa Police Department; Bill Gieseking, Pepin Distributing Company; Gina Firth, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, University of Tampa; Kevin Plummer, Head of School, Tampa Preparatory School; Darrell Stefany, EventFest, Inc.

When: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Tampa Police Headquarters, 411 N. Franklin Street in downtown Tampa, 2nd Floor Lobby

EventFest to distribute all Media Credentials for Gasparilla in 2010,
including McDonald’s Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza (1/23/10)
& Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest (1/30/10)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Darrell Stefany
President, EventFest, Inc.
813-251-3378

TAMPA, FL – EventFest announced today that all requests for Media Credentials for covering the upcoming Gasparilla Invasion and Parade(s) will be handled by EventFest. Written requests must be received by EventFest’s office on or before January 15th, 2010, with Gasparilla Media Credentials available for pick-up from EventFest’s office at 1200 W Cass St., Suite 110 beginning January 20, 2010.

Requests for Gasparilla Media Credentials must be submitted (by 1/15/10) in writing (electronically, faxed or mailed) on the requesting organization’s letterhead to EventFest and include the reason(s) and quantity of credentials needed by the organization. Once the request has been received and approved, authorized Gasparilla Media Credentials may be picked up from EventFest’s office by an authorized and properly credentialed representative of the requesting media organization.

Credentials have been issued annually for news and photo coverage of Gasparilla festivities, allowing credentialed and properly identified news media to access restricted or limited-access areas of the event, including inside the Parade route for news and photo coverage of Gasparilla Parade(s).

Unfortunately, due to misuse of these news/photo credentials at Gasparilla in 2009, additional steps have been taken to ensure Gasparilla Media Credentials are distributed to appropriate news organizations and that use of these credentials are consistent with the spirit and intent of their distribution.

Gasparilla Media Credentials will be valid for both the McDonald’s Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza (1/23/10) and the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest (1/30/10), with each credential numbered and logged.

Any unauthorized use or misuse of Media Credentials at the Gasparilla events in 2010 may result in the confiscation of the organization’s credential(s) and the party(ies) being escorted from the restricted or limited access area immediately.

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1200 W. Cass Street, Suite 110
Tampa, FL 33606
www.EvenFest.com

EventFest & MIX 100.7 FM Announce
COLLECTIVE SOUL to Headline
the Pirate Fest Stage / Curtis Hixon Park for the
2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Darrell Stefany
President, EventFest, Inc.
813-251-3378

TAMPA, FL – EventFest & Mix 100.7 FM announced today that COLLECTIVE SOUL will headline the Pirate Fest Stage, presented by Captain Morgan Rum and Mix 100.7 for the 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest. COLLECTIVE SOUL is scheduled to perform in the newly opened Curtis Hixon Park located along Tampa’s Riverwalk at Zack and Ashley in downtown Tampa beginning at 8 p.m. Admission to Tampa’s Gasparilla festivities, including all Pirate Fest concerts is free.

“We are honored to have COLLECTIVE SOUL headline our Pirate Fest Stage in the newly re-opened Curtis Hixon Park along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa,” said Darrell Stefany, President of EventFest, Inc. “Gasparilla features an expanded parade route along Ashley Drive ending at Cass Street this year. We are blessed to have this exciting new special event space in downtown on the RiverWalk for our Community to enjoy, and combining the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates with COLLECTIVE SOUL as our Pirate Fest Stage headliner confirms that downtown Tampa is the best location to enjoy all the Gasparilla festivities in 2010.”

“Mix 100.7 is extremely excited to get such a BIG ACT for this year’s Gasparilla celebration! COLLECTIVE SOUL is a solid, class act that appeals to so many life groups,” said Doug Hamand, Operations Manager, Clear Channel Radio. “With such smash hits like “The World I Know”, “December”, “Shine” and their latest hit “Staring Down” this should be a great show for everyone going to this year’s event!”

COLLECTIVE SOUL recently released their self-titled 8th studio album in August of 2009 and will release their new single “You” in January 2010. For information on the multi-platinum band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia please visit www.CollectiveSoul.com.

About the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest: The 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2010, in Tampa and will feature the historic Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival.

About the Gasparilla Invasion Bruch: The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla, and dock tableside at 1 p.m. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, includes live entertainment, a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world. Gasparilla Invasion Brunch (Adults: $63, Child: $53) and Brunch/Parade COMBO tickets (Adult COMBO $88, Child COMBO $78) are available on-line (www.GasparillaPirateFest.com) or by phone (813) 251-8844.

About the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates: Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, where a victory parade begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring approximately ninety (90) floats, marching bands and over fifty (50) participating social organizations (i.e. krewes).

The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel a new route into downtown Tampa in 2010. The Parade will cross into downtown over the Brorein Street bridge, turn north on Ashley Drive, and end at Cass Street and Ashley Drive in the new Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa.

About the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival: Following the Parade, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest continues Tampa’s “piratical” fun with a variety of live entertainment on stages throughout Downtown Tampa. The newly redesigned and expanded Curtis Hixon Park – located on the east side of the Hillsborough River across from the University of Tampa between Madison and Polk, will re-open in December 2009, and once again will host the main Gasparilla entertainment stage for Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Live entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and will be scheduled prior to and following the historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.

Additional entertainment stages will be located at Platt and Bayshore (Invasion Stage) and at the Hyatt Regency Tampa (Whiting and Franklin) in downtown Tampa. Entertainment schedules will be released in late December detailing performance times and musical genre for each location.

About Gasparilla Reserved Tickets: Reserved Gasparilla bleacher seating tickets are $30, per person (tax included). For additional information or to purchase Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto www.GasparillaPirateFest.com and click on the “Tickets ‘n’ Treasures” link to be directed to the Gasparilla shopping cart. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844. A ticket representative will be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Reserved Seating for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Parade is limited, and has been relocated in many areas for the 2010 event. All reserved tickets are assigned in the order they are received, therefore guests should order their reserved tickets early to best accommodate any seating preference they may request.

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest Sponsors as of the date of this release include:

Title Sponsor – Seminole Hard Hotel & Casino - Tampa

Alley • Clark • Greiwe; Anheuser Busch, Inc; Carey O’Malley Whitaker & Mueller, P.A.; Catering By the Family; CENTRO Tampa; The City of Tampa; Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay including: WBTP-FM 95.7 The Beat, WFLZ-FM 93.3 FLZ, WFUS-FM US 103.5, WMTX-FM MIX 100.7, 620 WDAE The Sports Animal, 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio; Diageo - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum; Hadlow Family; Harrod Family; Hillsborough County; Horizon Bay Senior Communities; Hyatt Regency Tampa; La Maxima 92.5 FM; Nelson Construction Company; National Brokerage Services, Inc.; Professional Insurance Center; Skanska USA Building, Inc.; Rosemurgy Family; Sunset Salsa; TAMCO; The Tampa Tribune; TBO.com; Telemundo Tampa; Turner Family; WFLA – TV News Channel 8 and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

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1200 W. Cass Street, Suite 110
Tampa, FL 33606
www.EvenFest.com

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2009

Contact: Gina Morales, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,
813-627-7771 Office, 813-695-4819 Cell gina.morales@seminolehardrock.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and YMKG Proudly Announces Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott as Grand Marshal of the
2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates

Seminole Hard Rock’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 title sponsorship of Gasparilla Pirate Fest to bring exciting and new entertainment elements to Tampa Bay’s 106-year pirate tradition

TAMPA, FL – When the title sponsorship of Tampa’s historic Gasparilla Pirate Fest became available earlier this year, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Seminole Tribe of Florida were more than happy to step up their presenting sponsor status to title sponsors of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The biggest reason? According to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino President John Fontana, it’s quite simple. “Gasparilla is the premier event in central Florida each year and a very important celebration for the Tampa Bay community both socially and economically.”

Together with the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG), Seminole Hard Rock felt it only made sense to recognize Mike Alstott as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest due to his sense of responsibility on and off the field, responsibility being a renewed emphasis at the 2010 event. On and off from 1910 through 1973 various past Kings of the Krewe were considered Grand Marshals. However, only four celebrities have served including: 1959 – Roy Rogers; 1986 – Gov. Bob Martinez; 1989 – Woody Woodpecker and Andy Panda J. (Selected as Grand Marshal in 1989 to salute the Grand Opening of Universal Studios Orlando).

“The naming of the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirate’s Grand Marshal honors a unique individual or event, and is reserved for an individual that combines leadership and integrity in their professional and personal life, while being recognized as an accomplished figure by their peers and their community. These qualities are central to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in selecting the Grand Marshal, and Mike fits all the criteria, including being one of the greatest Buccaneers in history” said Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Captain Jim Robbins and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s President John Fontana in a joint statement.

“It’s truly an honor to have been asked to serve as the Grand Marshal for such a prestigious event here in the Tampa Bay area. It’s exciting to know that after over 100 years the event is more popular than ever and I believe that with the Seminole Hard Rock’s participation this event will be taken to a whole new level. I’m looking forward to being the Grand Marshal in next year’s Gasparilla parade and I am thrilled to be part of such a strong community tradition.” Mike Alstott, Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

Alstott will ride on the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino float, now called the Grand Marshal float, which was made by Kern Studios in New Orleans and features cards, live music and a gigantic guitar. It will be the 9th float in the 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.

In addition, Seminole Hard Rock is planning to unveil a special promotion where one lucky Player’s Club member will have the chance to ride on the Grand Marshal Float. Details are forthcoming.

Seminole Hard Rock as title sponsor brings a fun, exciting celebrity culture to the parade and the opportunities for a successful three years is imminent.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Fla. is Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination with 178,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action casino featuring Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Asia Poker, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus and Mini Baccarat now in play along with 3,400 of the most popular slot machines plus Florida’s largest and smoke-free poker room, with 50 live action tables dedicated to Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud. For the fourth year in a row, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded this 250-luxury room hotel its prestigious Four Diamond rating. Enjoy a variety of critically-acclaimed restaurants and bars, including Tampa’s premier steak house Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and Fresh Harvest for a seven live-action kitchen dining experience. Garage parking is free and valet parking is also available. Authentic Native American arts and crafts store Rainmaker now open! The hotel & casino is located off I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, between I-75 and I-275, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, call 813-627-ROCK (7625), 1-800-937-0010 or visit www.seminolehardrocktampa.com.

About the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates: Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, where a victory parade begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring approximately ninety (90) floats, marching bands and over fifty (50) participating social organizations (i.e. krewes).

** MEDIA ALERT**

Contacts: Gina Morales, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
(813) 627-777 (O), (813) 695-4819 (C), Gina.Morales@seminolehardrock.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Announces Grand Marshal
for Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2010

*Photo/Interview Opportunity*
What: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will officially announce the partnership with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and title sponsorship of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2010 along with the revelation of the Grand Marshal for the parade (only done six other times in the history of the 106-year-old parade!) Plus, get a sneak peek of the official Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla trading bead.
Who: Photo opportunities galore with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates (executives) dressed in costume, John Fontana President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Seminole Hard Rock Girls dressed as pirates and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Trading Beads.
When: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 4pm.
Where: Plum VVIP Invite-Only Lounge, located directly above Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.
**TV note** Live Trucks welcome on property that day only. Please call Gina Morales for more information and to confirm.

About the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Fla. is Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination with 178,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action casino featuring Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Asia Poker, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus and Mini Baccarat now in play along with 3,400 of the most popular slot machines plus Florida’s largest and smoke-free poker room, with 50 live action tables dedicated to Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud. For the fourth year in a row, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded this 250-luxury room hotel its prestigious Four Diamond rating. Enjoy a variety of critically-acclaimed restaurants and bars, including Tampa’s premier steak house Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and Fresh Harvest for a seven live-action kitchen dining experience. Garage parking is free and valet parking is also available. Authentic Native American arts and crafts store Rainmaker now open! The hotel & casino is located off I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, between I-75 and I-275, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, call 813-627-ROCK (7625), 1-800-937-0010 or visit www.seminolehardrocktampa.com.

EventFest

EVENTFEST ANNOUNCES
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO-TAMPA
AS TITLE SPONSOR OF THE GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST

November 17, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Darrell Stefany
EventFest, (813) 251-3378

TAMPA, FL – EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla are excited to announce that Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa expanded their Gasparilla Pirate Fest sponsorship to title sponsor for the next three years, 2010 through 2012.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa, one of last year’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest presenting sponsors and a Gasparilla Stage Sponsor for several previous years, has elevated their support as title sponsor.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Gasparilla Press Party: With their new title sponsorship, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa will name a prominent public figure as Grand Marshal for the 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, an element that has only been done four (4) times in the event’s 106 year history! The Grand Marshal will be revealed on December 9, 2009 at the Press Party to be held in the Plum VIP Lounge of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa located directly above Council Oak Steaks and Seafood from 4-6 p.m. Drinks and hors d’ oeuvres will be served at this “piratical” affair and members of the press will receive goodie bags to take home. There will be photo opportunities with the Seminole Hard Rock Girls and the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirates as well as a chance to interview John Fontana, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Tampa, and Jim Robbins, Captain of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Media is invited and encouraged to attend this event and learn all the new and stimulating components of this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Press will receive free valet parking, please make sure to bring your press credentials and get your parking ticket validated at the check in table outside of the Plum VIP Lounge by Gina Morales, Public Relations Manager, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa.

“Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are very proud to be the title sponsors for this year’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Gasparilla is the premier event in central Florida each year and a very important celebration for the Tampa Bay community both socially and economically,” said John Fontana, President, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa. “We appreciate this opportunity to give back to the people of Tampa Bay and we hope that our sponsorship will help to make this year’s event the most successful ever!” added Fontana.

“Free Community events only happen with the support of sponsors, and Gasparilla has been blessed for many years by their support, including the multi-generational support from our founding sponsor Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla” said Darrell Stefany, President, EventFest. “While Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa has sponsored Gasparilla for several years, their multi-year commitment to title sponsorship of Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest will not only help continue this unique Tampa tradition, their involvement will elevate the festival and parade to new heights as they add a touch of their celebrity culture to Gasparilla festivities in the coming years,” added Stefany.

Additional entertainment stages will be located at Platt and Bayshore (Invasion Stage) and at the Hyatt Regency Tampa (Whiting and Franklin) in downtown Tampa. Entertainment schedules will be released in mid-December detailing performance times and musical genre for each location.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Fla. is Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination with 178,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action casino featuring Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Asia Poker, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus and Mini Baccarat now in play along with 3,400 of the most popular slot machines plus Florida’s largest and smoke-free poker room, with 50 live action tables dedicated to Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud. For the fourth year in a row, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded this 250-luxury room hotel its prestigious Four Diamond rating. Enjoy a variety of critically-acclaimed restaurants and bars, including Tampa’s premier steak house Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and Fresh Harvest for a seven live-action kitchen dining experience. Garage parking is free and valet parking is also available. Authentic Native American arts and crafts store Rainmaker now open! The hotel & casino is located off I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, between I-75 and I-275, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, call 813-627-ROCK (7625), 1-800-937-0010 or visit www.seminolehardrocktampa.com.

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest Sponsors as of the date of this release include:

Title Sponsor – Seminole Hard Hotel & Casino - Tampa

Alley • Clark • Greiwe; Anheuser Busch, Inc; Carey O’Malley Whitaker & Mueller, P.A.; Catering By the Family; CENTRO Tampa; The City of Tampa; Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay including: WBTP-FM 95.7 The Beat, WFLZ-FM 93.3 FLZ, WFUS-FM US 103.5, WMTX-FM MIX 100.7, 620 WDAE The Sports Animal, 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio; Diageo - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum; Hadlow Family; Harrod Family; Hillsborough County; Horizon Bay Senior Communities; Hyatt Regency Tampa; La Maxima 92.5 FM; Nelson Construction Company; National Brokerage Services, Inc.; Professional Insurance Center; Skanska USA Building, Inc.; Rosemurgy Family; Sunset Salsa; TAMCO; The Tampa Tribune; TBO.com; Telemundo Tampa; Turner Family; WFLA – TV News Channel 8 and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

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1200 W. Cass Street, Suite 110
Tampa, FL 33606
www.EvenFest.com

EventFest

2010 Children’s Gasparilla Parade,
Gasparilla Invasion Brunch &
Gasparilla Parade of the Pirate Tickets On Sale October 1st

Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates Route Change Expanded in Downtown Tampa

September 29, 2009
CONTACT: Darrell Stefany
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (813) 251-3378

TAMPA, FL – EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announce reserved tickets for the 2010 Children’s Gasparilla Parade, the 2010 Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and the 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates go on sale Thursday, October 1, 2009. The 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will feature a new, extended parade route in Downtown Tampa.

The 2010 Children’s Gasparilla Parade, scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2010, is a signature component of the Gasparilla Extravaganza, an alcohol-free, family event which annually launches the Gasparilla festival season in Tampa. This parade takes place along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and gives pint-sized pirates the opportunity to stroll, march and ride up part of the same route as the historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, scheduled for the following Saturday. Reserved bleacher tickets for the Children’s Gasparilla Parade are $16 per person, tax included, and are available on-line at www.GasparillaExtravaganza.com or by phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844 in Tampa.

The 2010 Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2010, has been a Gasparilla tradition since the late 1980’s. Brunch ticket holders can join in the excitement of awaiting the Pirate’s invasion of the City of Tampa. Enjoy a bountiful feast and live entertainment at the Tampa Convention Center as the Krewe’s fully rigged pirate ship – the Jose Gasparilla – sails up Seddon Channel, accompanied by a flotilla of boats. The ship will dock "tableside" at the Tampa Convention Center at approximately 1 p.m. Reserved Tickets for the 2010 Gasparilla Invasion Brunch are $63 per adult and $53 per child, tax included, and are available on-line at www.GasparillaPirateFest.com or by phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844 in Tampa.

The 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, will begin at 2 p.m. on January 30, 2010 and is a key component of Tampa’s premier community celebration - Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The parade boasts approximately 130 units including colorful floats, bands, and of course, Jose Gaspar’s appropriately costumed swashbuckling pirates. Reserved bleacher tickets for the 2010 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates are $30 per person, tax included. A COMBO Ticket will be offered again in 2010 for Gasparilla Pirate Fest guests that wish to purchase tickets for both the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and the Parade of the Pirates. COMBO tickets are $88 per adult and $78 per child, tax included, and are available on-line at www.GasparillaPirateFest.com or by phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844 in Tampa.

EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla are also excited to confirm the expansion of the 2010 Gasparilla parade route in downtown Tampa. The parade will continue its start at Bay to Bay and Bayshore and march up the northbound lanes (eastside) of Bayshore Boulevard and cross into downtown Tampa over the Brorein Street Bridge. The parade will turn left (northbound) at Ashley Drive, and conclude at Ashley Drive and Cass Street, with the pirates bringing their "piratical" revelry into the heart of the newly defined cultural arts district in Downtown Tampa.

Curtis Hixon Park – located on the east side of the Hillsborough River across from the University of Tampa between Madison and Polk, will re-open in December 2009, and once again will host the main Gasparilla entertainment stage for Gasparilla Pirate Fest (1/30/2010). Live entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and will be scheduled prior to and following the historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. The abundance of available parking and the expansion of the parade route will combine with the re-opening of Curtis Hixon Park, to make downtown Tampa the prime destination to celebrate Gasparilla in 2010!

For additional information or to purchase Gasparilla Extravaganza, Invasion Brunch and/or Parade of the Pirates tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto www.GasparillaExtravaganza.com or www.GasparillaPirateFest.com and click on the "Tickets ‘n’ Treasures" link to be directed to the shopping cart. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844. A ticket representative will be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Reserved Seating for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Parades are limited, and have been relocated in many areas for the 2010 event(s). All reserved tickets are assigned in the order they are received, therefore guests should order their reserved tickets early to best accommodate any seating preference they may request.

Sponsors under agreement as of the date of this release include:
Gasparilla Extravaganza
Clear Channel Radio Stations including: WBTP-FM 95.7 The Beat, WFLZ-FM 93.3 FLZ, WFUS-FM US 103.5, WMTX-FM MIX 100.7, 620 WDAE The Sports Animal, 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio; City of Tampa, FOX 13, Hillsborough County, Hyatt Regency Tampa, MyFoxTampaBay.com, The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Alley ? Clark ? Greiwe; Anheuser Busch, Inc; Carey O’Malley Whitaker & Mueller, P.A.; Centro Mi Diario; The City of Tampa; Clear Channel Radio of Tampa Bay including: WBTP-FM 95.7 The Beat, WFLZ-FM 93.3 FLZ, WFUS-FM US 103.5, WMTX-FM MIX 100.7, 620 WDAE The Sports Animal, 970 WFLA FOX Newsradio; Diageo - Capt. Morgan Original Spiced Rum; Hillsborough County; Horizon Bay Senior Communities; Hyatt Regency Tampa; La Maxima 92.5 FM; Nelson Construction Company; National Brokerage Services, Inc.; Skanska USA Building, Inc.; Sunset Salsa; TAMCO; The Tampa Tribune; TBO.com; Telemundo Tampa; WFLA – TV News Channel 8 and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Tampa’s Gasparilla events, including the Gasparilla Extravaganza, Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Gasparilla’s Outbound Voyage are marketed, managed and produced annually by EventFest, Inc. of Tampa.

1200 W. Cass Street, Suite 110
Tampa, FL 33606
www.EvenFest.com

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