TAMPA, Fla. (December 26, 2017) – Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, along with EventFest, Inc. and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa, announced today that former Tampa Bay Lightning Centerman and NHL All-Star Vincent Lecavalier will be the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest and the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.

“Vinny Lecavalier was the perfect choice as our Grand Marshal this year as we host the NHL All-Star Weekend in Tampa” said Christopher Lykes, Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. “Vinny was a force with the Lightning and a force as an NHL All-Star. He has continued his leadership by being an active and positive role model in our Community” added Lykes.

“I am honored and grateful to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for selecting me to be the Grand Marshal of the 2018 Pirate Fest and Parade, especially at a time when the Lightning will be hosting the All-Star Game in our community,” said Lecavalier. “Tampa Bay is a special place with great traditions and the Lightning and Gasparilla are two of them. I look forward to representing both with pride in the parade.”

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is title sponsor of Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which is scheduled for January 27, 2018. Tampa’s historic Community celebration features the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla since 1904, and hosts the Pirate Fest Street Festival, presented by Budweiser with live entertainment in downtown Tampa before and after the Parade of the Pirates. Up to the minute event details can be found at www.GasparillaPirateFest.com, with reserved Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Gasparilla Parade tickets available at www.GasparillaTreasures.com, or by calling Gasparilla Tickets at (813) 251-8844. Officially licensed Gasparilla Treasures™ merchandise and Tampa’s signature Gasparilla events are marketed, managed and produced by EventFest, Inc.