Tiffany, went from a Ybor street kid to a lovely young lady and
definitely a Sugar Palm Chic. She knew how to dress, apply her makeup,
and fix her hair in the 40's tradition. We danced a lot and did the
Intermission Shows several times. She developed the Marilyn Monroe style
singing Happy Birthday for special occasions, in the style of Marilyn
when she sang to President Kennedy.
Valentine's Day was celebrated on Saturday February 13,
1999. It was advertised as SWEETHEARTS DANCE and Tim and Carmen
were used in the advertising. General Admission was $20.00 with
champagne and hors d'oeuvres. A lot of non-regulars were there
that were not normally on the Club Scene. They could not have picked a
better venue. Michael Andrews and Swingerhead were playing. I am sure
that it was better than the traditional Whitman's Sampler of chocolates.
-Tim and Carmen-
-Valentines Postcard-
The Month of February is always State Fair and
Gasparilla in Tampa. Ybor has one of the best night parades in the
country. Again the Club paid its entrance fee and we got our float
ready, once again with Dan Electro and The Silvertones playing. There
were over 200 entrees and we were way down on the list. It was extremely
cold that night, close to freezing. We were lined up at the old
Channelside; the Aquarium and Pier was there, but none of the retail and
restaurants that now adorn the area. The Parade started there, proceeded
up Nuccio Parkway and East on 7th Avenue to 21st. St. As we waited for
over an hour for our turn we were all cold and feet almost num. We would
huddle in the car from time to time for warmth. I gave Angel an extra
sweater I had brought. I especially felt sorry for Chris who was our Mud
Flap girl.
-Taylor on board the
Sugar Palm Float-
The Parade finally got moving and headed toward 7th. The cold never seems to bother the crowd. They are there to load up with beads. I heard "Frank Frank" coming from the crowd, then "Grand-pap Grand-pap." A very nice surprise from my two Granddaughters Marlin and Rachel. I got off the car and draped them with beads and some hugs.
-Gasparilla 1999
The end was near and we wanted to get back to the warm Club. We did not win a prize, but had fun and continued the party upstairs.
-Kris and Dave-
The St. Patrick's Day Parade we were in was the same concept but in Green and White. It was successful, but shorter and warmer.
-Sugar Palm-
The last week in March I got to the club early, as usual. We heard the
dreaded news. The Club was closing the following week.
To be continued...
