Greetings:

 

What a whirlwind of activity! We haven't stopped to slow down at the Ybor City Chamber since August. Gala, OktoberFest and Guavaween - all major events in their own right, have been back-to-back-to-back. But, Guavaween is the "big one" and I would like to recognize our leaders, sponsors and public/private partners in this community joint-venture.  

• Arturo Fuente, Jr., Immediate Past Chair, who got it all moving in the right direction
• Angela Rodante, Guavaween Committee Chair, and her committee who have provided both strategic guidance and day-to-day support: Michelle Cardamone, Kris Fernandez, Arturo Fuente, Jr, David Harvey, John Trujillo, Ken Soule, Vince Pardo, Tom Keating, Tom Favata, Michele Keating and myself  

"Day of" volunteer managers:

• Tickets - David Alvarez (Vice Chair Events) & myself 
• Parade Marshals - Marc Hamburg (Vice Chair Marketing) & Wes Miller (Past Chair)
• Parade Judging - Andrea Gonzmart (Chair-elect), Arturo Fuente, Jr. (Immediate Past Chair) and Jaclyn Witmer Kilpatrick
• Costume Contest Judging- Angela Rodante 
• VIP Reception- Gassen Gutierrez (Secretary) 

Sponsors:

• Savtira Corporation - Presenting Sponsor
• Centro Ybor - Stage Sponsor
• Halloween Express - Costume Contest Sponsor
• Tampa Digital - Parade Sponsor

Media Partners:

• Bright House Networks
• CBS Radio
• St. Petersburg Times/tbt
• Digital billboards - courtesy of YCDC

Key Vendors:

• Sentry Event Services
• Complete Ticket Solutions
• Smith Fence   

Key Government Services:  

• City of Tampa Office of Special Events
• Tampa Police Department
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
• Ybor City Development Corporation

 

I want to thank our merchants and residents who support this annual All Hallows' Eve Bacchanalia. The promotional value that Ybor City and the Tampa Bay Area receive as the home of "one of the top-ten Halloween events in North America" is invaluable. Also, let's not forget our visitors who come from far and wide to celebrate Guavaween - many of whom have been coming here year after year.

 

Until next month,  

Andrea White 

 

Events and Announcements by Tom Favata

November 11 & 12- Ybor Thunder Bike Fest, Fri & Sat.- Iron horses ride into Ybor starting today to kick-off the inaugural year for Ybor's new bike rally. Live music, Pin-up & Tattoo Contests, and Veterans Day Salutes are highlights to the event. 813.220.1474

November 12- Winter White Italian Ice, Sat. 10:30AM- 2PM- The Italian Club's Winter Fashion Show will spread winter glee during an afternoon dedicated to fashion, shopping and lunch with friends and  family. 813.248.3316

November 12- Crafternoon at Singing Stone Gallery, Sat. 3PM- 6PM- Ornament decoration, crafts and keepsakes will be on the menu for an afternoon of handmade gifts. Join instructor Gail Marceau as she teaches the ins and outs of putting your personal touch on cherished heirlooms. 813.247.2787

November 19- The 13th Annual Ybor City Heritage & Cigar Festival, Sat. 10AM- 5PM- Mark your calendars for the Ybor City Museum Society's renowned annual benefit. Come out for live entertainment, antique cars, beer and wine, food and of course, world famous cigars! www.oursmokinevents.com

November 18 & 19- Square One's Cosmopolitan, Fri. & Sat.- Bust out your passports, and get international at this year's Square One Fall Event. Travel around the world through the works of many artists as the event expands to a two night exhibition. Friday encompasses an Art Walk that stretches from one side of Ybor to the other, while Saturday remains the main event hosted at the Ritz Ybor, and features the works of 75 artists along with 40 live performers. Become part of the show and dress in your finest red, white, and blue. 813.394.0559

November 19- All Jazzed Up Art Festival, Sat. 7PM- 11PM- The Cuban Club will be hosting this fundraiser featuring the works of emerging and mid-career professional artists. 813.833.7843

November 20- The Blue & Green Project, Live on Stage!, Sun. 3PM- Join the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus and the Tampa Jazz Club as they host Jazz Ybor Series performer Jack Wilkins at his CD release celebration and concert.  The saxophonist's concert will have an Americana feel drawing from his inspirations in Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Mountain music that helped create his new cd. 813.253.7695

November 26- Le Teaze presents Aphrodisiac, Sat. 8PM- PinUp America and the Le Teaze Burlesque Troupe are set to charm audiences with another tantalizing show at the Cuban Club of Ybor City. There will be raffles, variety acts, comedy, and of course burlesque. Get ready to be enticed! 813.765.9649

November 30- Tree Lighting Ceremony, Wed. 6PM- Mayor Bob Buckhorn will be on hand to light the 34 foot tree located in Centro Ybor and will "officially" kick-off the holiday season in Ybor City. Come out for the lights and stay for the carolers. 813.242.4660

December 10- Art In The Park, Sat. 9AM- 5PM- The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department will be holding an arts festival with a juried art show in conjunction with the weekly Saturday Market. Come out for live performances in the park and catch a snap-shot with Santa. 813.274.5188

December 10- Holiday Connections, Sat. 9AM- 5PM- The TECO Streetcar is offering one way rides for a quarter to all of the holiday festivities offered on Saturday the 10th. Plan accordingly and don't forget your quarters. 813.384.6611

December 10- Deck the Walls, Sat. 5PM- 10PM- The Ybor Art Association wants to put art on your walls and wish lists this holiday season. The associations artists will be highlighting affordable gifts for giving in a cultured artistic atmosphere! www.yborart.org

December 16- 22- Holiday, Inc: This Season's Musical Makeover- If you are in the mood for a holiday show this season join ESP Theatricals and the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts in their tale of an elf that has lost her holiday spirit and what it takes for the Board of Holiday Inc to make her merry.  The show will leave audiences inspired and ready to celebrate the season. 813.251.8866

November 25th thru December 3rd
Society for Marine Mammalogy
HQ Hotel: Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
Anticipated Attendance: 500

December 6th thru 9th
Department of Defense
HQ Hotel: Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
Anticipated Attendance: 1,500