Your first visit?? Some Ideas for circumventing culture shock!

If the Pirate festival is the first event of this type that you are visiting, there may be a little bit of culture shock. There are people in different styles of clothing who are waiting to interact with you – perhaps speaking with an accent, or using words you are unaccustomed to hearing. There are not many places in our everyday life that that this type of interaction occurs, so it is natural to feel a little nervous. 

Here are a few tips to help you get into the spirit of the day.

1. Relax, and remember that fun is the main intention here. Any question posed to you is intended to help spark your imagination, not test your knowledge.

2. If you are not sure of who the person speaking to you is, don’t be afraid to ask them – or better yet, introduce yourself. You don’t need to use your full name, or even your real name. It’s a pirate festival – so pick a persona – “I’m Bob the cabin boy”, or “I’m Captain Blue”, or “I’m the Duchess of Tortuga” all work equally well. If you want to be yourself, that is fine too – but a pirate may not understand what a computer programmer does, so be prepared to explain.

3. Try to find out who different people are – are they a pirate? Who is their Captain? Why have they chosen this village? Are they a villager? What do they think about the pirates? Most of the time, you may not have to ask the question – the performers are more than ready to tell you all – but asking the question will give you a starting point.

4. The more involved you get, the more fun you will have. Watching a game is fun, but playing it is better! There are plenty of games to be played - from a game of checkers, to Rat Pucking, or participate in either the kid's scavenger hunt, or our photo scavenger hunt, all designed to give you something to DO while you get the lay of the land. 

5. Try to overcome the fear of saying the wrong thing – saying anything is preferred to ignoring an interaction. Most performers are heartened by your attempts, and will try to help you out of a sticky verbal situation.

6. If someone is doing something interesting, or carrying something that you find intriguing, it is appropriate to ask questions about it – so long as you are not interrupting an obvious show. (For example – don’t ask a pirate about the weapon they are using WHILE they are fighting a duel!)

7. If you are uncomfortable getting involved in a specific situation, a smile and a firm “no” should be sufficient to deter any further promptings. Performers will respect your polite refusal to participate if you make it clear that you are not interested in interacting with them at the moment. For a more fun approach, you could always try to deflect an advance with a bit of humour “Alas, good pirate – I would join your crew if I were a free man, but my captain would flay me alive were I to jump ship!”

8. Try to think things through before you ask a question – if the answer is obvious, try to think of a different question. Yes, if it is a warm day, the people in costume are indeed hot. Yes, the pickles are actual real pickles. Remember that the obvious questions have probably been answered at least 20 times today - but we are happy to answer them again if you want!

9. If it sounds a little outlandish – it is probably for fun. If the Chandler tries to sell you 100 barrels of tar, you can likely play along without needing your wallet. If a merchant is offering a particularly lovely piece of jewelry – the price is not likely to be a jest – and they will expect your wallet to become involved. That said – don’t trust the mud pit actors – they WILL hug you if encouraged!

10. Figure out what the most common words / sayings mean, and use them yourself whenever appropriate. If you are not sure, ask! 

11. Watch some shows. You can follow the storyline of the day through a variety of different shows, beginning with opening gate, and ending at the pub sing show. Decided to sleep in, or need to leave early? Find a resident of Dry Bluffs, and find out what you've missed so far!

12. Dress the part - if you feel like it! We've seen it all - from grandma wearing ripped jeans and a bandana to little tykes dressed in historically accurate clothing. Many people come in "regular" clothing, buta hat and some sunscreen will keep you from turning into a lobster. Want more ideas of what to wear? Check this out!

In short, have fun, and let your imagination out! We're glad to see you, whatever your level of comfort!

Rat Pucking!

Dearest Lucy,

My goodness, there is much news to be shared as the Festival approaches! The entire village is busy preparing, the merchants are preparing their wares, and the entertainers are practicing – it promises to be an excellent 3 days of festival fun!

Pirate Kitty is very interested in Rat Pucking!

 Mr. Sparsgood, on the other hand, has been playing games. He recently met a man named Emrys Fleet, who introduced him to the “sport” of Rat Pucking (Enunciation is important here, my dear!), and Mr. Sparsgood is quite mad about it! I’m just glad it keeps him out of the house, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to bear it!

 

Emrys Fleet, the originator of Rat Pucking

You will recall that Mr. Sparsgood holds the position of Chandler – as a reminder to you, that is the person who is responsible to sell supplies to ships – but now that the waters have well and truly receded and we are several days from the nearest port, there is not much business to be had. That said, Mr. Sparsgood always kept a hand in, as it were, keeping a stock of supplies on hand that might have other uses. You will recall that I complained quite heartily of his irrational insistence that I too sell wares from a basket – an insistence that he has not rescinded, even though I noted that he himself is spending more time on his new hobby than anything else. To make matters worse, Mr. Sparsgood’s hobby is taking the village by storm, and people (read “certain captains”) who previously spent their leisure time in my company are now finding less and less time for the likes of me!  

Explaining the rules of Pucking

A rat for pucking purposes

Mr. Sparsgood is currently busy planning Dry Bluff’s first annual Rat Pucking tournament, and as it is all he talks about of late, I trust you will allow me some latitude to explain what it is all about. The game is played with a “rat” – artificial, I assure you;    and a stick. The stick must be used to fling the rat towards a specified target, and the person who takes the fewest “pucks” to get there is the winner. To make the game more challenging, the route taken to get to the target is decided on the spur of the moment. For example, yesterday, Mr. Sparsgood and Captain Dampier were playing a “quick round” before dinner. They had decided that the target was my laundry tub, and although they began at the fence line, rather than make the straight shot (a mere 20 feet, to be sure), they decided they would first go over the clothesline, then around the well before they aimed for the basin. This of course results in much merriment, and a few sheets on the line that were previously clean now need washing again. 

Addressing the rat with the stick

Between us, I must admit that the game does look fun, and were it not for the fact that I abhor my husband’s company, I am sure that I would enjoy the game – especially if we could play right after that “so called mayor” put her laundry on the line! As it is, I shall have to content myself with watching from a distance. I do think, however, that I will encourage festival attenders to join in the fun, that way, perhaps I will have more time to myself to pursue my own interests.  

CHEESE!

The tournament will run all three days of the Festival – August 2nd, 3rd, and 4^th, and there will be three different games each day – at 10:30, beginning at the Mud stage, at 1:00, beginning at the Keel Haul Stage, and at 4:00, from the Mud stage. There is a one time adoption fee of $10 for the rat, which you can then name, keep, and reuse whenever you play. There will sticks available for borrowing, or you may bring your own, keeping in mind that they must be wooden.  All puckers are responsible to keep their rats well away from any bystanders, and must cry out “CHEESE” when it is their turn as a warning, so if you hear that, please ensure to keep an eye out for flying rats. Although anyone is welcome to play, please note that there is limited space available, and games may be limited to a certain number of participants.

Well, Lucy, that is all the room I have for this letter – I hope I have amused you with my description. If it sounds a little ridiculous, it probably is, but I hear that ridiculous games are all the rage these days! If you do attend, I shall do my best to overcome my dislike for my husband and endeavour to play a round with you!

Affectionately,

Anthea

New for 2014!

My Dearest Lucy!

There is so much to tell! Our village was recently hit by a storm, and a s a result, the entire village has moved closer to the main gate! Those that have visited our village before will find it is much less of a walk to get to the village proper! This means that there is much new to discover at our Festival on the August Long Weekend. I will endeavour to tell you a little more about the expected changes.

First and foremost, Captain Jess Kidd has captured a portion of the village, and had claimed it as an area that is dedicated to children. We will have a children’s stage, which has entertainment designed for our young scallywags, including stories, songs, and more! All the games in this area will be FREE for kids to play as often as they like.  Additionally, there is a new version of the children's scavenger hunt – an activity guaranteed to lead the seekers all over the festival to find the answers to the provided clues.

The Photo Scavenger Hunt has also changed formats - this year,right in the program, our seekers of fame will receive an alphabetical list of things to look for. They will need to find 26 answers - ONE for each letter of the alphabet, and take a picture of that item. By submitting your answers, to photocontest.piratefest@gmail.com you could win tickets to next year's festival,including lunch, and pirate swag!

On a completely different tack, Captain Kheir ed Din and Captain Dampier have been plotting and conspiring to provide the best Captain’s Keg party to date! This is an adult only event, held one night only, on Saturday August 2^nd, in our Tavern. There is a cover charge of $5 per person, and the bar will be serving until 11:00 pm ! There is entertainment of all kinds, including dance, music, and other piratical shenanigans. This is the party of the year, and one that the pirates certainly look forward to!

Our Galley, the Kitchen, is under new management, and I’ve heard (word does get around!) that there may be new things on the menu to enjoy! There was talk of chili fries and other things! We also will have a snack shack, so that those looking for something small won’t need to join the line for lunch!

We are very excited about the festival, and hope that you will join us! The place to be on August 2nd, 3rd, and 4^th is Country Heritage Park, just north of Kelso in Milton, On. Gates open at 10am, where you can find out about the storyline for the day, and meet some of our pirates. Gates close at 5pm, and Saturday night only, the fun of the captain’s Keg begins at 7pm. More details can be found by following this clue: http://www.thepiratefestival.com/

Affectionately, 

Anthea

An Interview with Dry Bluff's expert on all things ale and grog - Smee!

My Dearest Lucy,

I was so pleased to receive your last letter! I am glad to hear that you enjoy hearing about the people living in Dry Bluffs! I am pleased to say that I was able to spend some time in the pub yesterday, and managed to speak to Smee, the person who is most likely to be found there at all hours of the day and night! Luckily, I spoke to him before he was very deep in his cups, so his answers, while quite singular, do still make sense!

Smee was at one time a Doctor on either Kheir ed Din or Captain Dampier’s ship (his memory seems a little fuzzy on that score) , and while he did serve as quartermaster for Blackbeard for a time, he is currently pursuing a career in the area of testing the ale and grog that our pub features. 

Anthea: If you had a day in which you could do anything within the village, what would you do?

Smee: Yarr, a day in the Thirsty Parrot, singing an’ stealin’ ale tis the perfect day fer Smee (a Pirate has to keep his hand in)

Anthea: What accomplishment are you the most proud of? What are you famous for?

Smee: I can’t says for most of the bilge rats and swabs that be around the docks of the world, but the fact, the very fact I be heres to speak to ye, is to date, me proudest moment. All the days I be not Keel hauled is a victory for Smee and Piracy!!!

As to fame and glory, I leaves that to the Captain’s, though I have known for me thirst!

Anthea: How extensively have you travelled? In what way has it shaped you?

Smee: I has sailed the world from England’s fair shore to the far corners of South Seas, Van Dieman’s land, the Americas and the Spanish Main.

I has learned this, where ye be, ye be. Be there, be safe, cozy, and among good crew mates, then all is right in the world

Anthea: What are your greatest stresses / anxieties?

Smee: That the Pub will run dry before I has had me fill

Anthea: What comes easiest to you as a pirate?

Smee: A life of little responsibility and less work

Anthea: What is the best compliment you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you?

Smee: The best that I Smee ever got was from Katy, the day she said she liked me singing…ahhh a fine, clear summer’s day that was…mind ye, she was not well that day…down with some tropical fever, but I cherish the moment!

Anthea:  What do you think about most?

Smee: Ale, then Grog, then Grog, followed by Ale

Well, my dear Lucy, there you have it. Smee is a simple soul, enjoying above all the simple joys of grog and ale. Were you to visit on our festival days (August 2 – 4^th), you will likely find him in the pub, or somewhere close to it!

Affectionately,

Anthea

An Interview with Smash!

Dearest Lucy,

I have managed to track down one of the stars of a travelling troupe of Entertainers known as Smash, Bash, and Crabbe, who have promised to return for all three festival days!. I was fortunate enough to speak with Smash, and here is a transcript of our conversation so that you may get to know her before you see her in action. I am so pleased that I managed to track her down for you!

Anthea:    Please introduce yourself, and include any nicknames you may be known as.

Smash: My name is No-Patch, Two-Eyes, Sophia Smashing, but my friends just call me Smash, since I tend to smash into things, cause I’m a little accident prone!  I don't really have a rank at the moment.  I'm kind of ... between ships you might say.

Anthea: How and when did you come to Dry Bluffs?

Smash: I arrived in Dry Bluffs just recently.  Still getting me bearings and I'm chasing a trea... I mean I'm looking for new shipmates, if they'll have me. (Phew that was close).

Anthea: If you had a day in which you could do anything within the village, what would you do?

Smash: It would certainly not be swabbing the decks.  That's what I calls BOOOOOOORRRRRRINNNNNNNGGGGG!  I suppose I might find someone who wanted to do a real pirate toast with me.  That would be smashing!

Anthea: If you hadn’t become a pirate, what other role / job might you have done?

Smash: Probably would be a bored housewife in some land-locked village somewheres.  Having to wash floors all the time.  Ewwww.  Whew dodged me that bullet!

 Anthea: What are your greatest stresses / anxieties?

Smash: Stress?  Why stress if you're a pirate?  If something or someone stresses you, you just fix it (usually by smashing it) or by telling the person rather loudly (or smashing them).  No stress.

  

Anthea: What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?

Smash: Finding a land locked village full of so many pirates.  It's uncanny.  Well that and the time a man with a hook tried to poke me eye out.

So Lucy, there you have it. The life of a piratical entertainer. Now that I think about it, it doesn’t seem so different from the life of any other pirate in the village. That said, the show that Smash stars in is still very entertaining, and I highly recommend taking time to watch one if the performances by Smash, Bash, and Crabbe!

Affectionately, 

Anthea

An Interview with Blackbeard!

My Dearest Lucy,

Thank you for your last letter! Yes indeed, I am pleased to tell you that preparations for this years Festival (August 2 – 4) are well underway! As I have been doing for the last few weeks, I have been busy speaking with all the residents of Dry Bluffs in order to introduce you to them before your much anticipated visit!  This week, I spoke with Captain Blackbeard, otherwise known as Edward Teach, but hereabouts we call him Blackbeard.

You may remember that I wrote to tell you that the young ladies in town – those that we thought were the Major General’s daughters were revealed to actually be Blackbeard’s daughters! So it is that Blackbeard is the father of at least 8 girls (yes indeed, not a boy among them!), those who I have met are Angelica, Mad Mary, Mabel, Missy, Maude, Matilda, Meredith, and Maddy. One is never sure, with Blackbeard, just what else he has hidden away, so there is no telling how many more there actually are! 

Blackbeard, although a fierce pirate at times, also has a gentler side, although he would not thank me for telling you this! I know you will guard this a close secret, so I may sleep soundly, and not worry that he lose his temper! Many a festival day I have watched Blackbeard consort with the younger children, trying to recruit them to his crew. 

That said, he does also have a reputation for being the fiercest pirate in living history, and he certainly has a manner of speaking that one does not quickly forget! He has a propensity for wearing black to match his beard, which I tell you so you may recognize him!

Anthea: What prompted you to choose a life of Piracy?. Are you happy with that choice?

Blackbeard: The one thing that got me into piracy was MONEY!!!!!! Is there any other reason? I am so happy with my choice because it made me a captain.

Anthea: What is your greatest Stress or Anxiety?

Blackbeard:  My greatest stress since being in Dry Bluffs is that I can't get out of this damn town because there is NO WATER for our ships, we are so dry docked it isn't funny. If by some miracle we got rain and it gave us enough water to get out of here, I would leave to sail the seven seas again and stay out until we needed provisions. If we needed to dock, I would make sure the place was FULL of water so that we could leave once provisions were gotten.

So, there you have it, Dearest Lucy, a peek into the private, village bound life of the fierce pirate known as Blackbeard! Do write back with any further questions you might have!

Affectionately, Anthea. 

An Interview with Pubmistress (and Mayor) Katy

My Dearest Lucy,

I have been much delayed with writing this letter, in part because it was an onerous task I was not looking forward to. I have continued to interview the residents of Dry Bluffs, but I must admit, this was one of the more difficult interviews. Best to get it out of the way early on, I suppose!

You will recall that I spoke to you already about my greatest… affliction in the village (besides my husband, I mean!). Pubmistress Katy has been on the Village Council with me for some years, and last year (or was it the year before?) had the audacity to declare herself Mayor of Dry Bluffs, a title she insists on flaunting, knowing full well that I had my own heart set on such a position! Despite her attempt to aggravate me during our interview, I shall endeavour to relay her answers in as honest a fashion as is possible. I hope you will forgive the grammatical errors, as I was merely attempting to capture the unaltered flavour of Katy.

Anthea: Please introduce yourself, including your name, and your place in the village.

Kate: I be Kate the Mayor of DryBluffs and the owner of the Thirsty Parrot.

Anthea: What sort of childhood did you have?

Kate: Now what a silly question that be.  I was a babe in arms, learned to walk and work to learn me trade.  What other kind of childhood could you me meanin, is there any other kind. no sense complainin. got fed most days, had a dry place to sleep, and me clothes ne'er had too many holes in them, shoes didn't always fit, but ya learned to be quick on your feet to dodge the blows when you did complain. Ah dems were da days.  Had me Da and me Mam, there'd be 8 sisters (myself being the oldest) and a we squalling boy, the last of the litter. 

Anthea: How and when did you come to Dry Bluffs?

Kate: The ship got blown off course and here I be.  Tis a far cry it be as I was headed in the other direction entirely! Afor I boarded that blasted ship, never been more than the next village in me whole life. 

Anthea:  If you had a day in which you could do anything within the village, what would you do?

Kate: I'd be sitting in my pub drinking all the day long, and convincing all else to be there as well.  A grand old time would be had by all! Me customers love my establishment, not accountin for it be the only establishment in the town.

Anthea: What is your favourite memory of something that happened on a Dry Bluffs Festival Day?

Kate: Aye the best was the day they called the villiage council.  The whole kitten kaboodle of dem, got into a huff and left the meeting.  There I be all on me lonesome, left to deal with the public whats come to listen to the council, I called for a motion to make me the mayor of the town, got a second and a majority vote.  It be my pleasure since to be the Mayor of dis fair town.

Anthea:  What accomplishment are you the most proud of? What are you famous for?

Kate: No doubt it would have to be my ale and rum, old family recipies they be.

Anthea: What are your greatest stresses / anxieties?

Kate: To be sure it would be running out of rum and ale.  That be the worst disaster since landing on this god forsaken land. 

Anthea: What do you think about most?

Kate: How to keep making more ale and rum to take the profits from me pub, so to keep it safe from the pirates. 

Anthea: What was the happiest moment in your life?

Kate: The look on Mrs. Sparsgood’s face when she found out I be the Mayor of Dry Bluffs.  The memory of that moment will keep a smile on me face for years to come!

So there you have it, Lucy, a peek into the life of another of Dry Bluff’s residents. For all her faults, I must say that Katy’s pub is indeed one of the finest in the land, and although I am unsure just what she does in her capacity of mayor, the village still stands, and functions as well as any village full of pirates can! 

Be sure to write back with any questions you might have!

I shall write again as soon as I have had the opportunity to conduct more interviews!

Affectionately, Anthea

An Interview with Mad Mary!

My Dearest Lucy,

I have decided to introduce you to the “regulars” in the village, by conducting a series of interviews so that you might become better acquainted with those you might encounter when you visit Dry Bluffs this summer! I hope to interview as many of the resident pirates and villagers as I can manage to track down!

The first interview I had was with Mad Mary, whose artwork you have previously received. I must say that this was a most challenging interview, as Mary does not seem to think as most do. Nevertheless, I hope that my account of the interaction will tell you all you need to know! I trust you will forgive me for some slight editing of our encounter, which was circular and full of topic changes, punctuated by no fewer than 3 episodes where I had to physically chase after Mary in order to continue!

Anthea:  Mary, can you tell me a little about yourself, how you came to this village?

Mary: I am Mad Mary Teach! Blackbeard is my Daddy! My Mommy is a princess, and my sisters are stupid! I am the best at steering!

Anthea: Mary, is it true that you steered Captain Dampier’s ship into the rocks?

Mary:  Hee Hee!  (There was an extended giggle, followed by a skip around the village until I caught up with her and could continue with the interview)

Anthea: Mary, why did you choose to be a pirate?

Mary: I'm a really good pirate! I've got a hat and boots and I'm the best at steering and I'm not allowed to have a sword because of what happened last time but look there's little skullies on my bodice and they're cute and I love them and their names are Francis, Ronald and Peter and they're shiny and they have sparkly eyes and My Daddy is a pirate!

(At this, Mary spent three minutes trying to look at the skulls on her back, fell down twice, and then decided she needed to go and find her Father, Blackbeard, and I was forced to chase her for some time before she got tired enough for me to ask a few more questions!)

Photo by Sharon McGuire

                                               

Anthea: Mary, some people in the village call you Mad Mary – do you have any other nick names?

Mary:  My name's not Nick, it's Mary! I'm Mary. How are you?

Anthea: I’m very well, Mary, Thank you for asking. What is the nicest thing someone has said about you?

Mary: My Daddy said it’s a good thing I’m pretty!

Anthea: That was very diplomatic of him! Mary, what is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?

Mary: One time I swallowed a fly, and I thought I would die, so I swallowed a spider..

Anthea: Oh dear! Mary, what was your favourite thing that happened to you on a festival day?

Mary: I made a friend! He was a bug!

(Mary decided at this point that she needed to make another friend, and went searching for more bugs. I tried to explain that it was winter, and that bugs were hard to find, but Mary got very close to a tantrum, and so I was forced to help her look for a bug. Thankfully, we found a pretty rock instead, which Mary decided to adopt. )

Anthea: Mary, thank you for talking to me today! Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mary: I love you! (This may have been to her rock, but I chose to think it applied also to me!)

Anthea: Thank you Mary, I love you too! Take good care of your rock!

As you can see, Dearest Lucy, Mary is quite an individual. She is generally harmless, so long as you agree with her. Her Father’s reputation keeps most mischief makers at bay, for Blackbeard will suffer no harm to come to his Daughters, and in fact many of the pirates see Mary as some sort of mascot.

I am looking forward to introducing you to her in August!  

Affectionately, Anthea

Scavenger Hunts 2014!

My Dearest Lucy,


Such news to share! The Town Council has just met, and put me in charge of this year’s scavenger hunts! I am sure that I have mentioned them in the past, but I shall save you searching for past letters, and tell you straight what I am working on! I am to make 2 different hunts, so shall explain them separately!

The first hunt will be one suitable for children, comprised of rhyming riddles that they must solve. This hunt will be available at the Children’s Activity Tent on the day of the festival (August 2^nd , 3^rd, &  4^th 2014). Children can work with their families to solve the riddle, and travel the length of the village in order to find out answers that they then record. Once they have all the answers, they can bring the completed sheet back to the Children’s Activity Tent and will have a chance to dig for a piece of buried treasure to keep for themselves!  Now, I must work hard at my rhymes - not much rhymes with Pirate!

The second hunt is to be designed for adults. Last year’s contest involved solving riddles and taking a portrait of the answer, but I think this year I will take it in a different direction! This year’s contest will be comprised of a list of Piratical things that must be found, the answers again supplied back to us in portrait form. In fact, I shall come up with 3 things for each letter of the alphabet that my questors must find! Prizes shall be awarded for the most complete set of answers, and for the best overall photograph.

Last year’s contest was won by Sylva Marsh, who supplied us with the pictures that I have featured here! We shall who wins this year! I so look forward to seeing the festival through the eyes of someone else!

Affectionately, 

Anthea

2014 Festival News!

My Dearest Lucy,

Such exciting news to share! First and foremost, I must remind you of the dates for this year’s Pirate Festival, In Milton, at Country Heritage Park – August 2, 3, and 4^th 2014. We are hoping that many visitors will attend the village of Dry Bluffs and join in Piratical shenanigans! The gates will open at 10 in the morning!

The council has just agreed to accept new people into the village! That means that there may be many new faces at this year’s festival, interesting characters, no doubt, of both the piratical and village persuasion! Those who are interested in Auditioning to join the village and entertain our festival audience may apply in person at the Country Heritage Museum (upstairs meeting room), on March 9^th, between the hours of noon until 3pm.

Our good master of the webpage has been toiling to make updates to the Pirate Festival Web page, and while not all the details of this year are confirmed, the Storyline and Pictures from the winner of the Piratical Photo Scavenger Hunt are viewable! Do visit, and check back for more updates!

There is more to tell – the entire village is working hard to ensure that this year’s festival will be the best yet! I shall also endeavour to help you learn more about the characters that you will encounter at PirateFest!

We hope that you will join us again!

Affectionately,

Anthea