10 things to know before you hit the Gasparilla parade

Ready for Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Saturday? We've compiled a list of things you should know before you head into the crazy, crowded party on Bayshore Boulevard.

1. Bring an umbrella. The weather forecast calls for rain, but even if there aren't any drops, you can turn the umbrella upside down to catch those high-flying beads.

2. Set up a group meeting place in advance. If you get separated from your friends or family during the celebration, don't count on reaching them by phone - many cell phone networks will be jammed with calls, and text messages may be delayed, too.

3. Take hand sanitizer or wet wipes. You'll want to clean your hands after using the portable bathrooms and after handling slimy beads that either hit the ground or fly out of the hands of a beer-swilling pirate.

4. Speaking of portable toilets, scope out the nearest ones to your spot. Officials say the number of portable toilets along the route will be doubled, from 800 last year to 1,600 this year.

5. Bring a mini basketball hoop or other sign for the pirates to aim at. Veteran bead-throwers say they're more likely to throw beads toward people who make it fun.

6. Beware of overhanging trees. As the start of the parade draws near, there will still be great-looking spots to stand under trees. Why? Beads get caught in branches, so you won't catch any booty there.

7. Have a parking plan. The city offers parking in some downtown garages and a shuttle service from the Centro Ybor Parking Garage. A better bet? Call a friend that lives near Bayshore and ask whether you can park at their house.

8. Bring an extra bag for beads. You don't want the Krewe members to think you have too many beads.

9. The early bird gets the bead. The parade starts at 2 p.m., but if you want to get a good spot on the parade route, the best time to arrive is between 10 and 11 a.m.

10. Know the rules. Yes, there are rules. The city is cracking down after people living near the parade route complained about excessively bad behavior. Read the initiative here.