Bad news for all you Guavaween booze hounds. According to The Tampa Tribune, the consumption of alcohol will likely be prohibited on the sidewalks and streets during this year's Guavaween festivities in Ybor City.
The ban comes as part of a plan to make the event more family-friendly as well as eliminate the event's temporary fencing to grant patrons more access to businesses and streets.
The motivation behind this was, at least, partially fueled by concerns from a handful of Ybor City merchants who agreed the event could be detrimental to their businesses. In March, the newly-formed Ybor Merchants' association voiced their concerns at the Tampa City Council and proposed alternatives for Guavaween 2012 which takes place on Saturday, October 27.
The alternative proposed includes having a motorized parade and costume contest, both regular staples of the Guavaween celebration. It also includes an indoor music festival. The kicker? All but the music festival at Guavaween 2012 will be completely FREE to attend as opposed to the typical $12 in advance/$17 at the gate it costs to attend Guavaween.
Bands and venues still need to be recruited and the proposal still needs support and sponsorship from the city.
While seemingly beneficial to businesses, the jury is still out on how well this will play over with the thousands that will likely attend Guavaween 2012. What do you think? Good idea for Guavaween or are they shooting themselves in the foot with this one? Let us know in the comments below.
