50 Things to do at The Pirate Festival...in no particular order!

1. Dress the part – raid your closets, the second hand store, the costume shop – everyone has something piratey to wear!
2.  Bring the kids, bring your grandparents, nephews, nieces, and anyone else who wants to have fun!

3. Watch a show – there are musical shows, shows with magic, shows that you will laugh at, or learn more about the village of Dry Bluffs!
4. Shop in the vendor’s market – jewelry, chain mail, weapons, clothing, leather goods, accessories, games, art, and so much more!
5. End up on stage as part of a show – some audience participation encouraged!
6. Come with friends – build a crew for your own ship!
7. Make new friends – with so many people attending, you are sure to make a new friend in the tavern, or in a shop, or in jail…
8. Talk with a pirate – or a townsperson – better yet, talk with both!
9. Play a game – games of skill, games of chance, games to keep the children busy, or just to watch!
10. Avoid getting muddy while you watch the mud show – or at least try!
11. Dare to sit in the muddy seats while you watch the mud show – the way it SHOULD be enjoyed!

12. Sing some piratey songs at the pub sing – sing along – no one sings worse then Cyrus!
13. Tuck the kids in, and return for the Captain’s Keg – a party with pirates – how often can you do that? 14. Enjoy some grog – if you haven’t tried it, you should! It’s a gift from Neptune himself!
15. Eat a turkey leg – or share with the family!
16. Pose for pictures by the pirate ship, or watch as your kids climb aboard!
17. Do some kids crafts – sailing boats, colouring pages, and more!
18. Follow a storyline that takes the entire day to unravel – interact with the cast to learn a bit more!
19. Listen to live music – which is available all day, and well into Saturday night!

20. Learn about blacksmithing
21. Visit the sea sage!
22. Enjoy our unique pirated fairy-tales – and watch out for the dragon!
23. Watch the Birds of Prey Show –  yes, the birds are live!
24. Enjoy lunch – a variety of offerings (including vegetarian options) can be savoured!
25. Test your skill at the archery range!
26. Buy a pirate a drink – or some grog for the Chandler’s wife (it was worth a try!)
27. Put the kids in jail, or your parents, or your siblings…
28. Prevent the gypsies from stealing your children! (Yes, you have to try to stop them, it may be a lawless town, but it’s not a lawless country!
29. Watch traditional belly dancing, and other traditional dances – perhaps even try it out!

30. Participate in the NEW photo scavenger hunt!
31. Hug a member of the mud crew…after the show!
32. Enjoy a pickle, yes, a real pickle.

 33. See what the Chandler is selling from his cart – and arrange supplies for your ship.
34. Find out more about the Treasure that seems to be the topic of a lot of conversations in Dry Bluffs
35. Steer clear of Blackbeard – but get to know his daughters – they may know more than they are saying!
36. Find out how loud a bellyflop into 2 feet of mud can be.

37. Enjoy plenty of shade while you eat your lunch, and watch the shows.
38. Learn how to play “loo” from a bunch of pirates – and make sure they don’t cheat!
39. Ask William Dampier about his last exploring trip
40. Dance a jig with Billy Bones – but don’t get caught in the cross fire!
41. Find out if Zoltan is really more than Adequate.
42. Learn about famous pirates
43. Try the kettlecorn, and take some home!
44. Watch a duel – in village of pirates this far from water, there is bound to be some sort of fight!

45. Enjoy live music at the Captain’s Keg by The Pirates McKenna, ScIrish & Eclectic Revival
46. Speak with the vendors to find out more about the products they offer – many of them hand made!
47. Learn more about the festival exploring the website: thepiratefestival.com
48. Want to get involved on a  whole different level – volunteer for the day!
49. Find a seat in the shade, and spend some time watching everyone else!
50. Enjoy your visit to Dry Bluffs so much that you return for a second or third day!

Photos used by gracious permission!

What else do you think should be added to this list?

Accosted by Mad Mary!

My Dear Lucy,

In a town as small as this, it is impossible to keep anything a secret. (Well, unless it is to be kept from my husband!) Word has gotten out that I am writing to you on a regular basis, and I was accosted (that is really the only word for it) this morning by none other than Mad Mary Teach. It matters little to her that you do not know her; she insists that her enclosed artwork be shared.

I have not dared write to you about her until today for fear that it should do the opposite of what I hope – I fear hearing this that you may decide that the Pirate Festival is no place for a fine lady such as yourself, but allow me to assure you that Mad Mary is relatively safe. She is mad – quite mad indeed, and can be counted on saying the oddest things imaginable at any time! More than one resident of our town walks the other way when they see her approaching, but most have learned to tolerate her little oddities. She can in fact be quite humorous – although she may share in a different type of jokes than the rest of us can comprehend.

She is, as you may have surmised, the daughter of none other than Edward Teach – you may have heard of him, although you more likely know him by his moniker “Blackbeard”, one of the fiercest pirates on the seas! Let me assure you – I have met the man, and “fierce” is a most apt description. He was among us just last year, and there was a good deal of discussion about treasure, and all that you might expect. As his daughters Mad Mary, and her sister Angelica do live among us for most of the year, one can never be sure when he might turn up again – for such a large man, he has an uncanny ability to appear with very little forewarning!

But, I digress – I was telling you of Mad Mary. I am including a portrait of her; that you may recognize her, and the aforementioned artwork that she insisted I include. Arguing with her does no good at all! I am sure that at one time logic ruled her mind, but what has replaced it must come from the depths of a storm. Some say that her father whispered one too many secrets into her ear, while others claim that she took one too many a spill on the decks, or spent too long trying to converse with fish. Whatever the reason, I have always found it helpful to treat her gently, and to do as she asks. Doing otherwise results in tantrums, sulks, and a Mary one cannot live with.

It is as well so few of the village can read or write – and most of all a good thing that Mad Mary cannot focus long enough to see what I have written. She is unpredictable, but is generally a nice person – and an exceptionally nice mad person. She is content to see that her artwork is enclosed in the envelope. I have no wish to hurt anyone’s feelings by my sharing these little descriptions of our village with you! I know I can trust your discretion – know that what I write, I do so for your edification, entertainment and to help convince you to attend on August 4th – 6th. Remember that the village is called Dry Bluffs, in the region of Country Heritage park, near Milton, Ontario. I shall hope to see you at the gate by ten in the morning!

Mary insists that I send you her love, and you know my fondness for you!

Affectionately,

Anthea