TAMPA, Fla. — It’s hard to imagine a time when women weren’t just as big of a part of Gasparilla, but the Krewe of Alegría says you only have to go back a little more than 30 years.
“My girlfriend, Diane Henry and I started this back in 1986. We crashed the parade, and therefore we decided at that time we were going to go ahead and do the parade from then on,” said founder Rocky Valdez. "The guys got all the glory, all the glamour, and we were on the sidelines with all the women waiting for those 50 cent beads. We decided at that time it was time for a change and we founded the crew, and I tell you what, we're at least 70 strong now, and we're doing really, really well.”
Misty Hendry, president, said the members are more like family, and they’re committed to service all year long.
“Crew of Alegria is a sisterhood and we look out for each other. And, it's truly like a sorority. We're involved in every aspect of everyone's lives. We are there for each other through the good and the bad. We do charity work all throughout the year, and this is our reward. This is our fun day to kind of say, 'this is what we work hard for all year long,’” she said.
While Valdez said the Krewe of Alegría is the first all-female Gasparilla Krewe, there were several others peppered throughout the parade, making a place for themselves in what was once a male-dominated event.
“It brings joy to me to know that I'm a part of an amazing group of women in the Bay area,” said Christine Joseph, vice president of the Krewe of Alegría. “We're moving up and we're really getting out into the community more and doing a lot of charitable events, so we're really excited.”
The annual Gasparilla Parade is one of several events that comprise the Gasparilla season. There is still the Knight Parade that takes place in Ybor City in February. There are also film and music festivals in March.
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