TAMPA, Fla. — Every year, pirates storm Tampa to take the key to the city.
Amid the festivities, there's an adults' Gasparilla parade and a children's Gasparilla parade.
But what about man's best friend?
For the first time, Water Street Tampa will host a Pirate Pup Parade, "giving mutts of all types a chance to strut their stuff down Water Street."
On Sunday, Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., event organizers say that whether you're a dog owner or just a dog lover, you're invited to Water Street Tampa to participate in the parade and other activities.
The parade will officially begin at 11:30 a.m. Afterward, there will be a "pirate pup costume contest" beginning at 1 p.m. at Sparkman Warf.
Face painting, pet caricatures and pet adoptions will also be ongoing throughout the event in Raybon Plaza.
And of course, for your very good girl or boy, free pup cups will be offered to the first 100 dogs at "The Barking Lot" dog park.
The annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest has been a Tampa tradition for 120 years, and this year, the city says more than 300,000 people are expected to line the streets for the annual Gasparilla parades.
The Gasparilla Children's Parade will begin at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20 with events throughout the day starting at noon.
And after the pups and kids have their fun, the adults have their turn at the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates beginning at 2 p.m. on Jan. 27.
Once the parades have come and gone, the spirit of Gasparilla will remain as the Gasparilla Music Festival kicks off in February.