TAMPA, Fla. — At 95 years old, Dick Clarke knows exactly why he eagerly puts on a pirate outfit every January.
“Let’s not kid ourselves,” he said, “It’s a fine time.”
He should know, after all, this is his 73rd Gasparilla and 45th with Ye Mystic Krewe.
He’s served in so many different ways for his krewe, including being king in 1977.
After graduating from the University of Florida, Dick joined because his dad was a part of it.
Little did he know that that decision would create a family tradition that’s continued over the years.
Now, he shares this moment with his son, Richard, 69, who said, “it’s part of the family, it’s ingrained in the family,” Bryan, Dick’s 38 grandson, who said, “clearly has been part of the family and has been for a really long time,” and Hudson, Dick’s 10-year-old great grandson, who said, “I love being on the floats with my dad, him and the entire thing.”
Though their city has grown and changed over the years, for the different generations of Clarkes, Gasparilla is something that brings them together in a way other events can’t.
“It’s really neat to see that through the generations you know that, way back when, your grandfather put on the same type of costume and had a great time, too,” Bryan said.
It’s apparent as they look through memories of Gasparillas gone by.
Each picture showcases a moment that’s shaped Gasparilla for this family, whether it’s being royalty or just a part of the experience.
Even though things around them change, their love for this event and for each other grows every year they put on their costumes.
“I’m very proud of my family,” Dick said, “really.”
While it might be fun to throw beads and take in the sights and sounds of Gasparilla, for Dick, he doesn’t have to look beyond this couch to understand why this weekend means so much.