Record Crowd for Pin Chasers Knight Parade
TAMPA, Fla. – February 22, 2012 – The 2012 Pin Chasers Knight Parade attracted nearly 120,000 spectators and more than 8,000 participants Saturday, February 18 in Ybor City.
There were 123 units in the parade along 7th Avenue, including four high school bands, grand marshal Mrs. World, April Lufrui, special guest Jerry Springer, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, and Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward. Among the other guests also appearing in this year’s parade were Telenovela star Fernando Carrillo, Miss Florida Teen America Eleana Frangedis, Miss Tampa Collins Medlin, Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman and Tampa City Council Chairman Charlie Miranda.
For the second year in a row, police reported no incidents or arrests were made at the Knight Parade.
A Tampa tradition, the Pin Chasers Knight Parade has been hosted by the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago since 1974. The celebration features illuminated floats, costumed participants, marching bands, lively music, and lots of beads. The event is the Knights of Sant’ Yago’s largest fundraiser of the year. A portion of its proceeds benefit the Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation, which to date has contributed in excess of $1,000,000 to endow scholarships at local colleges and universities.