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By BABITA PERSAUD
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 28, 2000
TAMPA -- Oh, what clever costumes will the masses dream up this year? How rude will they get?
Guavaween 2000, Ybor City's Halloween celebration, is tonight. But, before the adult fun begins, it's kid time.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids rule in the Family FunFest. Booths and stages near and along Seventh Avenue will feature spooky story time, arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating and a chance to make a bug house. There also are amusement rides and interactive sports exhibits.
A children's costume parade and contest starts at 14th Street and Seventh Avenue at 3 p.m. There will be a scavenger hunt between 1 and 3 p.m. at Centennial Park on Eighth Avenue. Trick or treat bags are available at the Radio Disney booth at Centro Ybor between noon and 2 p.m. Kids can pick up treats at different booths and Ybor shops.
The cost is $2. Children in costumes get in free.
Shuttles are available from the Florida State Fairgrounds beginning at 11 a.m. The round-trip charge is $3 for adults and free for children before 4 p.m. Parking is available at the city parking garage on Fifth Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets, $1 for the first three hours.
The grown-up fun starts at 4 p.m.
The Mama Guava Stumble parade begins at Seventh Avenue and 20th Street at 6:30 p.m.
Creative types might want to jet over to the stage at Seventh and 14th Street (Pleasuredome parking lot) for Features Costumes Contest at 9 p.m. First-place prize is $1,000. Past winners include the headless couple in wedding attire (with headless minister), the giant life boat and the sumo drill team.
The Guava Love It! cooking contest is on stage at Ninth Avenue, between 13th and 14th streets, at 4 p.m., where creative edible guava recipes will be judged. First place, $250.
Tickets are $10 for the nighttime portion. Shuttles are $13 for a round-trip and Guavaween admission, $6 for round-trip only. The last shuttle departs from Ybor City at 3 a.m.
Pickup points:
Florida State Fairgrounds. Orient Road entrance. Service begins at 11 a.m.
Gandy Boulevard and Manhattan (approximately one mile west of Crosstown Expressway). Service begins at 4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Center near Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Service begins at 4 p.m.
Tampa Port Authority at Channelside Drive, near the Ice Palace. Service begins at 4 p.m.
USF Sun Dome off Fowler Avenue. Service begins at 4 p.m.
For information, call the Guavaween Hot Line: (813) 242-4828.