Charlotte County Florida Weekly

Pirate first person





 

 

Ahoy, my name is Captain Bloody Spike Pierce. I am here to tell ye the stories and history of the highly regarded Fishermen’s Village Pirate Fest.

In 2010, Fishermen’s Village held a small, yet fun, pirate’s day with just five pirates. The following year it grew to about 25 pirates. Coming up on its third year, Fishermen’s Village wanted the event to be more — a lot more. They really wanted to grow this event.

So, a fine young lass named Hope Petkus hired in Pirates of the Treasure Coast, an event production company that produces themed events.

Now, I know this may sound odd, but Pirates of the Treasure Coast’s specialty is producing pirate festivals. Being that they do this sort of thing all over the state, they have a good following of patrons, which translates to a built-in crowd at any location.

Their name is on many other pirate festivals, including the Fort Myers Beach Pirate Fest, Treasure Coast Pirate Fest, John Levique Pirate Days, Peanut Island Pirate Fest, Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest, and many more. The list is as long as me sword — good thing I carry a boarding cutlass or we could be here all day.

Last year there were three days and 100 pirates entertaining young and old alike. Record numbers of crowds gathered at Fishermen’s Village, with well over 10,000 people in attendance. The whole weekend was just absolutely filled with piratical activities and entertainment. Friday night alone, such a large number of people came out to the Pirate’s Ball they had to turn more than 100 away.

Now that brings us to this year’s Pirate Fest, which will be a literal blast.

There will be live firing black powder weapons and cannons, a living history pirate encampment and a Pirate Flotilla Sea Battle on Saturday. Survey a scaleddown replica of Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship, feed a mermaid, watch a fire show and enjoy live entertainment on three stages. You can even sign up to walk the plank. There will be an expanded kids’ fun zone, some great food, cold beer and more merchant shops and vendors than you can count.

Pirate’s Ball will be held this year at Harpoon Harry’s. This new venue has a nice stage, plenty of seating and three bars to help accommodate a much larger turnout.

The fourth annual Fishermen’s Village Pirate Fest starts at noon Friday, July 27, and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Best of all, this pet- and family-friendly event is free — though we do suggest a donation of a buck-an-ear — that’s two dollars for you landlubbers.

Programs with the event schedule and other important info will be given to those making a donation, and a portion proceeds benefit C.A.R.E.

For more information, visit www.FishermensVillagePirateFest.com. ¦


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