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It's Come As You Aren't At FunFest

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By NEIL JOHNSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 28, 2007

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TAMPA - Before the 'adults' took over the streets of Ybor City for their alcohol-fueled, R-rated celebration Saturday night, it was time for the kids and their G-rated Guavaween Family FunFest.

It was an afternoon for tiny fairies, cheerleaders, ninjas, pirates, Power Rangers and a sprinkling of some costumes not easily identified.

'He's some kind of monkey thing,' said Melanie Pacecca describing the outfit worn by her son, Dakota Putnam.

Covered with fur, woolen gloves on his feet and hands, and bulbous rubber ears the size of large pork chops, the 5-year-old's costume was capped by what could only be politely called a sprawling, plastic, flesh-colored behind.

'I debated whether to put a tail on it,' Pacecca said.

Kaley Valdez also wore a homemade costume, though one with some history.

The 2 1/2 -year-old wore a genie costume that has appeared in 32 children's costume parades, said her aunt, Iris Valdez, who wore it when she was about 6 years old.

The family adapted the costume each year according to the size and age of the girl wearing it. For Iris Valdez of Tampa, it was not a really pleasant day when it was her turn.

'I wasn't happy wearing it,' she said. 'But in the end, I'm glad I did it.'

Power Rangers and Spider-Men with muscles sewn into the torso were popular along Seventh Avenue this year.

Toy vendors peddled plastic trumpets that made surprisingly loud noises for their size, much to the delight of the children and regret of the parents.

Trace Thomas wanted one. A blue one, he said.

It wasn't in the cards, said mother Crystal, who sat on the sidewalk while Trace, 4, darted around her, powered by sugar.

After nearly two hours at the festival, she was ready to rest, especially after working until 2:30 in the morning at an Ybor establishment and facing another shift at 9 Saturday night.

'He's got the candy,' she said. 'It doesn't work for me.'

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731 or njohnson@tampatrib.com.

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