Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade to honor first responders as grand marshals

TAMPA, Fla. (January 17, 2014) -- This year’s Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade presented by MOR will honor Tampa Bay area first responders and The Gold Shield Foundation as grand marshals, while the parade will also feature the return of famed TV personality Jerry Springer as a special guest, the Krewe announced today.

The Knight Parade is set for 7 - 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, part of an entire weekend of activities presented by MOR in Ybor City.

“We are proud to honor some of our finest first responders by having them serve as our grand marshals,” said parade chairman Jamie Lowrance of the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago. “The Knight Parade is one of our region’s most attended and notable events of the year, and we look forward to another successful celebration.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Feb. 7 with “The Concert Supporting America’s Finest” featuring singer/songwriter Theresa Sareo. Since being struck by an impaired driver in 2002, which forced the amputation of her right leg, she has focused on performing for and inspiring Wounded Warriors and trauma victims. Theresa has shared her powerful story while performing on NBC’s Today with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, CNN and New York Magazine.

Proceeds from this concert benefit the Gramatica Family Foundation, which supports wounded combat veterans.

The event continues on Saturday, Feb. 8 with pre-parade festivities starting at 4 p.m. in Centro Ybor, including an opportunity to meet Jerry Springer and a live broadcast from WHPT-FM 102.5 The Bone radio personality Drew Garabo. Additional pre-parade activities in Centro Ybor will feature the Renaissance Fair players, “Stewie” from Family Guy and more.

At 7 p.m., the Knight Parade begins, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, thousands of participants, scores of beads and talk show legend Jerry Springer as special guest. The parade will honor Tampa Bay’s first responders and The Gold Shield Foundation, which helps families of fallen heroes in the area with financial assistance, including funds for college educations.

First responders from Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Fire Rescue and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue will be honored on the Grand Marshal float, along with representatives of The Gold Shield Foundation.

“MOR-TV welcomes the opportunity to support this event, which will offer a way to thank the first responders who do so much to help our community,” said Ken Lucas, President and General Manager of MOR-TV.

The event is free, but attendees can get a better view by purchasing a ticket for one of the reserved seating areas. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at www.KnightParade.com or by calling The Italian Club at (813) 248-3316.

ABOUT THE KREWE OF THE KNIGHTS OF SANT’ YAGO

Since the early 1970s, The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago has organized and hosted the Knight Parade, an annual celebration of Tampa civic pride. Each year, the Knight Parade, as well as other fundraising events, helps raise funds for the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation, which has provided more than $1 million in scholarships for local students.

ABOUT MOR-TV

MOR-TV is a Hearst Television owned and operated television station in Tampa Bay and is one of America’s top Independents.  MOR-TV, America’s most watched independent television station, features the best in off-network comedies and dramas featuring The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Family Guy, 30 Rock, The Office, Law & Order: SVU and more.  MOR-TV is also one of three stations in a group that includes thisTV Tampa Bay, a 24-hour over-the-air movie channel featuring blockbuster motion pictures, and estrellaTV Tampa Bay, the fastest growing Hispanic entertainment channel in America.  MOR-TV’s website is www.mor-tv.com.