For the Adults...

My Dearest Lucy!

I realized that I probably should have written more in my last letter, to let you know that of course there is more than enough to entertain adults as well as children! The annual Pirate Festival is unusually successful at ensuring that people of all ages are entertained all day long! Over the last few years, I have spoken with people of all ages who found our festival to be completely their particular brand of fun!

Other than the children’s stage I mentioned in my last letter, there are an additional 3 stages of fun and entertainment – most of the shows of them are children friendly, but some of the humour is more suited to a more mature audience! The program of events will guide people to the shows they will enjoy! As an adult without children myself, I have always enjoyed that there is much at the Pirate Festival that is geared towards adults as well as children!

There is much that is scheduled to happen in Dry Bluffs on the day of the Festival – I have called a village council meeting, where you, my dear Lucy, can sit and overhear all the latest news – although Mr. Sparsgood calls it more gossip – and learn what is going on in the village! I know you will forgive the interruption to our shopping – I am the Chairperson, and must attend, or nothing at all will be accomplished!

The Shipwrecked stage usually hosts shows more suited to an older crowd – last year there was a full fledged fight during a pirate’s parlay – you must stop by to find out what occurs this year! There is rumour of a “Dating Game” of some kind – but I have as of yet been unable to find out more details! “Zoltan the Adequate” – an entertainer without peer; will also be doing several shows throughout the day – his show usually involves some audience participation which keeps things fresh and new!

Throughout the day, there is much to see in our village – if you dare, you could visit one of our two sea sages who may make more sense than usual! If you are watchful, you may be able to witness one of the several duels that seem to occur on an almost daily basis! Living with so many Pirates in town makes it difficult to get through a day without at least 2 or 3! I tell you, Lucy, I have been considering taking a few lessons in fencing myself – terribly unladylike, I know, but one of these days I am sure that only with a blade in my hand will I be able to effect any lasting change!

Lucy, I know you enjoy live music, so we will be sure to take an opportunity to pause in the tavern awhile, and catch a few musical shows – between The Pirates McKenna, the ScIrish Mob, and Captain Tor, there is always something happening in the Thirsty Parrot Tavern! As you may have guessed, I am also known to enjoy a nice tankard of grog as the day draws to a close!

On Saturday night, the tavern will be staying open late for our annual Captain’s Keg – a party specifically for adults! The bar Mistress is kept quite busy this evenings, and songs and entertainment last well into the night – it is a late night to be sure, but not to be missed! No one parties quite so well as pirates!

I have quite run out of room – and shall have to rely on my earlier correspondence to remind you of the mud show, and all the things there are to see in our village! The shopping is unparalleled – things you cannot buy anywhere else! I can hardly wait until our festival days!

Affectionately, Anthea

Children's events at the Pirate Festival

My Dear Lucy!

The other day I was asked by a friend in a neighbouring village if there were activities for children at the Pirate Fest, and I thought I should let you know how I answered her! Although you do not have children, I know that on your journey here, you may meet others who wish to know more about our festival! It is only right, therefore to share all I know! We DO appreciate you spreading the word – the more who attend, the better time we all shall have!

For those who attend with children, there is so much to do and see! First and foremost, we have an entire stage dedicated to events for children! Seek out the Barnacle stage – you will know it by the towers and background – it looks like a castle or fort! Throughout the day, there will be shows geared to children that the adults will enjoy as well! Shows range from a variety of story telling, juggling and comedy, and a school for pirates, as well as a sing along! Every attendee will receive a schedule as they enter the gate – which will tell them what type of shows are available at what times of the day!

Also available this year is a special activity area for children – an assortment of actvities and crafts guaranteed to entertain and keep the young ones occupied! Children can participate in a treasure hunt – a quest to solve clues and find out answers that will allow them to finally dig for treasure as a prize!

Our Pirate ship will be available for most of the day; children can climb aboard and make belief that they are setting sail on the high seas! Kids and adults are also welcome to dress the part – costumes always enhance the fun, and provide endless crowd watching opportunities! As families walk the village, they may have an opportunity to interact with a pirate – or to watch a duel! Children also always enjoy the mud stage – what is not to love about playing in the mud? With so much to see, there will be memories that last a long time!

The above activities are free of charge and included with admission! For a small fee, children may also enjoy playing our games, exploring the maze, or having their face painted! The marketplace offers many items that will appeal to the young and old alike!

In short, the Pirate festival offers so much fun for children, they are often loathe to leave at the end of the day! Families of all ages find fun throughout the day! Parents and grandparents will love the fun that is around for them too! More on that in my next letter!  

Affectionately, Anthea

Scavenger Hunt 2012

My dearest Lucy!

I have just had the most wonderful piece of news! At this year’s Pirate Festival, there will be something new! As you might imagine, in a Pirate village such as Dry Bluffs, there is always much talk about searching for treasure! This year, anyone who comes through the gates will have an opportunity to quest for a treasure – photographic gold!

Allow me to explain a little more – when you arrive, you may find the information booth and ask for your own copy of clues. Participants must simply solve the clues and take a picture (It is just like painting a portrait, I am told) of their answers! All pictures must be taken at some point during the festival – August 4^th, 5^th or 6^th. Those that complete all the answers will be entered into a draw for a prize. Even if you cannot solve all the clues, you can still submit your answers and be considered for a “Best picture” award, and also get a prize! The full rules are available on the newly updated website!

And also, for the wee pirates and young ones, there is to be a treasure hunt designed just for them! This one does not involve taking pictures, but it does involve solving clues and finding the answers, which are located all over the festival grounds! A completed answer sheet will ensure the children can have a chance to dig for buried treasure as well!

Looking forward to seeing you – this years festival is sure to be the best one yet!

Affectionately, Anthea

Dressing up for the Pirate Festival

What do I wear?

Many people choose to dress up to attend The Pirate Festival, which we love – it is great way to show your love of all things piratical. Putting on a costume can help you feel part of the action in a whole new way – whether you are dressing up as a family, forming your own band of pirates with friends, or simply wearing that “Ahoy” shirt that has been tucked into the back of a drawer! The important thing is that you are comfortable, so always take the weather into consideration when planning – and please remember to keep it family-friendly! For those who want the assurance that they won’t feel “silly” in their wardrobe choices, here are a few ideas – mix & match, or just do a piece or two, or go all out – whatever you choose, you will fit right in!

Remember that there are a wide variety of vendors at the Pirate Festival that carry excellent options for shirts, bodices, pants, skirts, hats and many other accessories that will allow you to build your own unique ensemble – pieces that are not available in stores. Halloween style pirate costumes are available in many stores – a quick solution, but you may see someone dressed very similarly to yourself! Most pirates like to express themselves through their clothing – so have some fun – it is almost impossible to go over the top!

Historically, Pirates tended to wear the fashion of the day – and while most pirate movies display a certain flamboyant style, most pirates probably would have tried to blend in a little more. For those who prefer a more historically accurate portrayal – The Pirate festival spans many cultures and years in history so any pieces reflecting clothing between the years of 1550 up to about 1790 will fit in very well, and whether you choose to portray Pirates, Navy, Mercenaries, or common folk, you will fit right in! Of course the pirate festival is all about fun, and so whether you choose to wear historically inspired garments, or take a cue from the movies, you will have a wonderful time! We are always delighted to see crossover genres at the pirate festival as well – so feel free to wear medieval, renaissance, or even Steampunk garb to the Pirate Festival if that is your particular flavour of fun!

For the closet raiders & thrift store shoppers:

Hats – look for something with a brim to protect your face from the sun – traditionally pirates are know for wearing large hats with a side (or 3) pulled up, and often ornamented with bunches of feathers. Either felt or straw make excellent choices.

Bandanas – the brighter the better – look for non winter scarves, or bandanas to wrap around your head, or waist as a belt. 

Shirts – big baggy shirts are a great option, and few ruffles (80’s fashion, anyone?) will fit right in. The colour is completely optional – white & black are usually the most popular. Remember that some fabrics (cotton, for example) are more summer friendly than others. T shirts – especially stripes automatically bring to mind nautical themes. Sleeves are optional – pirates did not have dress codes (but the navy did!) so perhaps a dress shirt without collar & sleeves may be an option for you.

Vest / Bodice / Jackets – Always optional – vests are appropriate for both men & women, and cooler than jackets. Some ladies prefer a bodice (like a fitted vest), or a corset style of top. Pirate coats are more difficult to find – but also hotter to wear! Vests and bodices are a great way to display some colour in your ensemble!

Belts – anything with big buckles, or scarves as sashes work well! Try looping a belt over a shoulder to make a bandoleer.

Pants / Skirt – these can be short or long! For pants, sailors tended to wear a wider pant (although Errol Flynn certainly liked his tights!) Some ladies like to layer a few skirts on top of each other, pulling up the outer one on one side to show off the lower layers.

Footwear – keep in mind that the Pirate Festival is an outdoor venue – grass covered for the most part. Boots are popular (but hot!), but sandals were also often worn on board ship.

A quick reminder about weapons – many pirates enjoy the opportunity to wear a weapon – please ensure you check our  Weapon Policy for a detailed description of what is acceptable. Parents – if you choose to equip your children with toy weapons, please ensure your children understand how to act responsibly – even a foam sword can be wielded improperly and cause injuries!

 Maybe dressing up isn’t your thing – you can still enjoy The Pirate Festival in your “normal” clothes! Dress for the weather – and remember that August is usually quite warm - we work hard to provide plenty of shade – at stages, for lunch, and in the tavern, but many guests find a hat and some sunscreen go a long way to making their day pleasant!

We are looking forward to seeing you at The Pirate Festival!

Treasure!

My Dearest Lucy!

I cannot believe I have failed to mention this in more detail! The most astonishing thing is on display in the midst of our village! No one can quite remember when precisely it appeared, but we have seen it so long, that at times it seems almost commonplace! It is the topic of much gossip in our village, as you will imagine – but I will not keep you in suspense any longer – in the midst of Dry Bluffs is displayed an immense pile of treasure, guarded by only a sign as protection! Now, as you might imagine, this is a bold thing in a village so full of pirates!

As of the writing of this letter, no one has dared get too close, but everyone who passes it pauses for a good long moment, considering the risks! Let me tell you, it is not just the pirates who eye this hoard – even I myself have considered what a treasure like that could mean for me! Imagine! The opportunity to move to somewhere that I could actually shop and get new gowns for any occasion! The opportunity to travel, and not be tied to this meager existence!

This treasure is on display, taunting each of us, but one thing stops us from crossing the line, one thing too terrible to risk. The sign I mentioned previously – states clearly and irrevocably that the treasure belongs to Blackbeard – the most fearsome pirate that any of us knows of! There is a general fear that if we were to take even a single piece, Blackbeard would appear and raze the entire village to the ground! This threat stops even the boldest among us from attempting anything!

I shall endeavour to keep you apprised of this situation as we get closer to the festival days on August 4^th, 5^th and 6^th – it may be that if you visit, you too will be able to behold this wonder with your own eyes! We shall all pray that nothing happens between now and then to change the status! Looking forward to seeing you!

Affectionately, Anthea!

Fun in the Mud!

My dearest Lucy!

It has been so long since last I wrote – I trust you will forgive me! They say the mail is uncommonly slow – most like the pirates are slowing the ships that so regularly travel between here and there! As I have yet to hear back from you, I can only hope that you have received my last few letters! At the risk of being repetitive, I will again entreat you to attend on August 4th, 5th, and 6th, beginning at ten in the morning!

Plans for this year’s festival days are well underway, and I thought I would tell you more about a unique entertainment that is very popular at the Pirate festival! Every day, running 2 or 3 times each day, we are pleased to host a Mud Show! Now – as you can imagine, I never choose to sit too close to the front, being careful about my gown – but it is a very popular entertainment with people of all ages! Despite the risk of getting too close a look at the mud, I try to watch as many as I can, for it is a rare form of art!

Imagine if you will, a pit full of mud – 2 feet deep at least, and larger than any of the other stages - a group of performers then appear, and reveal the story they will tell! Past years have involved belly flops of cosmic proportions – and the squeals of mixed delight and disgust fill the air as the actors get more and more immersed in their work! I have not yet heard what stories are in the works for this year – but every year there is something new, and even to watch the same story again is entertaining every time!

I shall save you a spot at the back – there is usually shade for such shows, but do ensure you have a hat as well – it is one of the most popular shows to see, and there is no guarantee that we shall be able to sit! Or – if you prefer, wear an older gown you do not mind getting muddy, and we shall brave the front!

Looking forward to seeing the festival through your eyes!

Affectionately,

Anthea