History of the YMKN Float

Float 1:

YMKN’s first-ever float was a humble rented vehicle featuring a striking Neptune head as its centerpiece. It carried only the King and Queen, with the rest of the Krewe walking alongside. Despite the simplicity, the thrill of parading before enthusiastic crowds clamoring for beads made those early members feel like rock stars. However, as rental costs increased each year, the Board of Directors decided that owning a float would be more economical.

Float 2

The Krewe’s first self-built float was modest compared to today’s standards. Constructed on a bus frame, it was small, unstable, and towed by a Ford Explorer. This led to an unfortunate incident. On its way to the Ybor Knight Parade via I-275, the float – towed by YMKN XO Gary Parker, with Jerry Babcock and reigning King Bob Mattioli as passengers – faced disaster. A passing semi-truck created a wind draft that caused the float and Explorer to fishtail, eventually flipping and rolling over.

Thankfully, injuries were limited to minor bumps and bruises. The real casualties were the float, the Explorer, and the ample stash of beverages on board. The situation could have been worse – King Bob had wanted to ride on the float, but his companions insisted he travel in the Explorer. Their insistence likely spared him from becoming YMKN’s first “flippin’ King.”

Despite losing their float, the Krewe was undeterred. They marched the parade route on foot, without a float, libations, or even a King atop a grand centerpiece. Insurance funds and the dedicated efforts of future Captain Matt Bryant, who spearheaded the rebuild, led to a brand-new version of the float. XO Gary Parker humorously dubbed the rebuilt float “Flipper” in honor of its infamous tumble.

Float 3

While Flipper faithfully served the Krewe for years, it was eventually time for an upgrade, and here’s why:

• Roadworthiness: Despite hiring a professional driver, Howard Spaulding, Flipper was never entirely trustworthy for long hauls. Memories of its infamous flipping incident kept everyone on edge.

• Limited Capacity: Only a select few could ride during parades – the King, Queen, Court, Captain, a bartender, and those with physical impairments (though some joked this included intoxication). The rest of the Krewe had to walk, hopping on and off the float for drinks or bathroom breaks.

• Aging Members: As some members’ legs wore out before their bead-throwing arms, the Krewe decided to build a float that could accommodate anyone who wished to ride.

The new current float addressed all these concerns. It was larger, more stable, and packed with amenities – a two-story marvel boasting two bathrooms, a killer stereo system, multiple refrigerators, and a freezer. With its impressive upgrades, the float resembled a cruise ship compared to its predecessor. Given its superior size and strength, it was only fitting to name this new float Son of Flipper.

Float 3.1

The Float Gets a Lucky Upgrade

Sometimes, the best treasures come from the unlikeliest places, and the current YMKN float owes much of its grandeur to a lucky break involving a bankrupt cruise ship.

The story begins when a gambling cruise ship from New Orleans docked at the Tampa port during bankruptcy proceedings. The ship, once a floating palace of entertainment, had been abandoned, and its centerpiece – a spectacular King Neptune-themed casino display – was left to collect dust. Word of the ship’s treasures reached the Krewe, and we saw an opportunity too good to pass up.

Gathering a team of dedicated members, we descended upon the docked cruise ship to explore what could be salvaged. Climbing aboard, we made our way through the darkened halls and up to the casino deck, where we discovered the Neptune display in all its glory. It was magnificent: King Neptune stood tall, surrounded by mermaids, dolphins, seashells, and swirling seaweed. It was the perfect tribute to our Krewe’s namesake.

But rescuing Neptune and his court wasn’t going to be easy. The display, massive and intricately constructed, sat seven stories above the ship’s lower decks. Armed with saws, drills, and a hefty dose of determination, we carefully dismantled the structure piece by piece. Each cut had to be precise to preserve Neptune and his supporting cast.

The real challenge came when we had to lower the display through a cargo door on the ship’s side. Coordinating ropes and pulleys, we slowly guided the enormous pieces down to the waiting truck and trailer below. It was nerve-wracking work, but Neptune and his court finally made it safely off the ship and onto dry land.

Back at the Cove, the Krewe got to work incorporating the rescued display into our float. King Neptune, magnificent but oversized, had to be cut in half to fit. The upper half, featuring Neptune’s torso and trident, now proudly adorns the front of the float, while his tail was mounted inside, hovering gracefully over the staircase.

The dolphins, too, were split and mounted along the sides of the float, their playful forms adding motion and whimsy. The giant seashells were placed strategically, and vibrant canvas seaweed was draped to give the float a dynamic, oceanic vibe.

Through creativity and hard work, Neptune and his entourage were given new life, transforming our float into a true showstopper. It’s a fitting testament to the YMKN spirit – resourceful, adventurous, and always ready to make something extraordinary from a bit of luck and a lot of effort..