Groups of pirates fight with each other on land during the annual Pirate Fest at the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House in Havre de Grace. This year's Pirate Fest is Friday and Saturday, July 13-14. (Aegis file photo, Homestead Publishing / June 28, 2012) |
Pirates are on their way to Havre de Grace this weekend! The Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House, a private organization dedicated to preserving Havre de Grace's local history, will be holding its annual fundraiser, the "Pirate Fest", this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 13-15.
The festival takes its theme from the nearby Garret Island which, in 1635, became the location of the first acts of piracy within Maryland. The "Pirate Fest," however, eschews violent pillaging for child – and adult – friendly activities.
The festival begins with a "Pirate Pub Crawl" Friday evening, organized with assistance from local businesses, including Laurrapin Grille and Tidewater Grille. The pub crawl, which features a scavenger hunt, begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Havre de Grace and runs until 10 p.m.
A 5K run will be held Saturday morning. Following the run, historical re-enactments will be held at the Lock House, accompanied by story-telling, live music and a children's costume contest.
The historical pirate encampment will be Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Lock House grounds.
On Saturday the 5th Annual Pirate Gala, also held on the Lock House grounds, will feature live rock 'n' roll and reggae music, catering by the Laurrapin Grill and both silent and live auctions. The gala runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Pirate-themed attire is not necessary, but it is encouraged for all events.
Registration and fee information for the "Pirate Fest" is available at the Susquehanna Museum's web page, http://www.thelockhousemuseum.org.
This is an updated story containing additional information and a correction about the weekend's events. The pirate encampment is both Saturday and Sunday.
