Holiday Spirit in Ybor City 2011

The lit garland strands were hung up with care by over 160 GaYBOR Coalition members and city workers volunteering their time decorating all along the Nationally famous Ybor streets. The big lighting ceremony of the Central Districts 34′ Holiday Tree in Centro Ybor was setup, lit and witnessed by thousands. There was a Juried Art Festival in the Park bringing in new visitors to Centennial Park and 25 cent TECO Streetcar rides offered for families to ride clanking along the historical waterfront and Channelside Districts. A big unleashed holiday spectacular was around the corner though. “SNOW IN YBOR CITY” was experienced by the many thousands of visitors. It happened all along 7th Ave between 15th and 17th Streets, with the surprise appearance of Santa Claus on the Ybor City Fire truck.

The lit garland strands were hung up with care by over 160 GaYBOR Coalition members and city workers volunteering their time decorating all along the Nationally famous Ybor streets. The big lighting ceremony of the Central Districts 34′ Holiday Tree in Centro Ybor was setup, lit and witnessed by thousands. There was a Juried Art Festival in the Park bringing in new visitors to Centennial Park and 25 cent TECO Streetcar rides offered for families to ride clanking along the historical waterfront and Channelside Districts. A big unleashed holiday spectacular was around the corner though. “SNOW IN YBOR CITY” was experienced by the many thousands of visitors. It happened all along 7th Ave between 15th and 17th Streets, with the surprise appearance of Santa Claus on the Ybor City Fire truck. It was just like a northern blizzard hit a small quaint historical area of Tampa, Florida. TV coverage was huge. There were kids letting the flakes fall upon their heads, drivers driving through the snowy maze with their car tops down. . .and where did that marching band come from?

Happy Holiday’s from Hamburger Mary’s

Three cheers for Hamburger Mary’s. This holiday season they have raised over $6,000 for local charities with their famous Monday and Wednesday night BINGO! New at Hamburger Mary’s is the 7th Ave. Balcony Bar! This is the perfect spot for big and small parties. Every Saturday night you will find Tea Cup behind the bar!

Two Year Anniversary & Turn-A-Bout @ Hamburger Mary’s

If a photo could tell a 1,000 stories then check out this collection! The many servers, bartenders and staff really had their acts together — from single to duos to a full stage production number. All the money collected by the impressive cross-over changers was given to Metropolitan Ministries charities.

Caught @ Jack’s Holiday Party

A new resident moved into in Ybor City, Jack G., who hosted a Holiday/Housewarming Party. Over 100 guests dined on wonderful catered munchies. Josh was the bartender keeping the drinks flowing. In Jack’s home, there was a fun collection of Historic Ybor City photos printed on canvas. Can you pick out G.BAR, the Honey Pot, Ritz and more?

Featured GaYBOR Member of the Week: Vince Pardo

Vince is the City of Tampa’s Manager of the Ybor City Development Corporation aka YCDC. Everybody knows that Vince is an all around helpful and great guy, but many of you do not know that he is also a great wine and sausage maker. Check out his site Vincepardo.net

Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/ Niece of the Week: Neily Cornacchia

We are all used to Neily behind the bars at The Honey Pot, Social and The Ritz just to name a few. Neily and business partner Shane are now the proud owners of Collage in Ybor. They are offering a variety of daily and weekly musical events and are located on the corner of 8th Avenue and 17th Street. Stop by and say hello! Collageybor.com

Mark And Carrie

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