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