Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade February 9, 2013

Illuminated floats will light up the streets of Ybor City Saturday, February 9, when the Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade begins at 7 p.m.

The parade, presented by MOR, will run along 7th Avenue, from Nuccio Parkway east to 22nd Street. It will last approximately two hours, after which the shops and restaurants in Ybor City remain open for your enjoyment. Free spectator viewing will be available along the parade route, and bleacher seat tickets are $24 and are available for purchase at www.knightparade.com.

The Knight Parade is a Tampa tradition, hosted by the Knights of Sant' Yago since 1974. The nighttime parade features an array of illuminated floats, costumed participants, marching bands, lively music, and lots of beads. In the krewe’s 40 years as hosts of the parade there has been tremendous growth. Last year, more than 7,500 participants and over 110,000 people turned out for the event.

The 2013 grand marshal is Agustin Iglesias Caunedo, mayor of Oviedo, Spain, which is one of Tampa’s Sister Cities. The Sister Cities Program is administered by Sister Cities International and was initiated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to encourage greater friendship and understanding between United States and other nations through direct and personal contact. Special guest of MOR, Steve Wilkos, will serve as an honorary grand marshal.

The parade is the Knights of Sant' Yago's largest fundraiser of the year. A portion of the parade proceeds benefit the Krewe of Sant' Yago Education Foundation, which is now in its 18th year, and to date has contributed in excess of $1,000,000 to endow scholarships at local colleges and universities.

For more information call 813-248-3088, email info@kreweofsantyago.com, visit www.knightparade.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/KnightParade, or follow the parade at www.twitter.com/KSYKnightParade.