TAMPA, Fla. — Hundreds of kids dressed in their best pirate costumes invaded Bay Boulevard for this year’s Children’s Gasparilla Parade.
Parents with decorated wagons and strollers wheeled their kids up and down the street.
Kids said they all had one mission and that's to capture as many beads as possible.
Tiny pirates like Tamiya Conner said getting a neck full of beads takes some skill.
"You got to catch them and then if they fall on the floor you got to try to like pick them up with your feet," Conner said.
It also helps if you can convince your parents to put you on their shoulders or have them build your own personal parade ladder.
"They do have the best seat in the house," Shannon Farrell said, a mother who was at the event.
Elliot Farrell and Everette Batan were living large with the best view of the Children's Parade. They were able to see some familiar faces like the Boys and Girls Club, the Special Olympics and local law enforcement agencies with floats in the parade.
"They just love every aspect of the parade, the floats, the people, the experience. They have a blast," Farrell said.
"Parents said they go the extra mile, so their kids enjoy Gasparilla," Renelle Whitegun said, another mother who was at the parade.
Parents said it's not just about the amazing food and endless supply of beads, but also the atmosphere.
"I want her to realize the diversity in Tampa Bay to be quite honest," Whitegun said. "This will be the first time she will be able to see everybody, every creed, race, shade of color, just enjoying the moment, enjoying the weather and having a good time."