Foto: This pirate is not as scary as he looks.
Phot by Bernie Goldstein
Gather your crew and head to Ventura “Aarghbor” Village for swashbuckling fun at the 10th Annual Pirate Days Festival on Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Ventura Harbor Pirate Days is one of Ventura’s most popular public festivals that attracts “pirates” of all ages for buccaneering and other piratey pursuits.
This year’s theme is “X Marks the Spot: A Decade of Pirates” in celebration of the festival’s 10th year. Exciting new elements include strolling sea shanties by Sisters of the Coast, pirate bubble shows, chalk painting by artist Lysa Ashley, exotic birds, all new professional pirate shows, dockside tours and two sails daily aboard The Schooner Bill of Rights historic Tall Ship and performances of “Peter Pan 2: Hook’s Revenge” by Fairy Tales in the Park. Back by popular demand are festival favorites- Lunch with the Pirates at The Greek Mediterranean Grill & Lounge at 11:45am (both days), the Reece Ryan Kids’ On-Land Pirate Ship, Tinker Bell (look-a-like) meet and greet, and pictures with mermaids.
Festivalgoers will meet enchanting mermaids and famous pirate re-enactors, including Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook. Mateys strolling through the Pirate Marketplace can spend time at Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment, visit unique vendor booths for face painting and henna body art or find precious wares, such as woodcrafts, pirate attire, jewelry, handcrafted glass and metal gifts and nautical-themed loot.
The fun continues throughout Ventura Harbor Village where children, tweens and adults dressed to impress can strut their stuff in the daily costume contests at 2:30pm (Kids 0-7 yrs.), 2:45pm (Tweens 8-15 yrs.), and 3:30pm (Adults 16+ yrs.) for a chance to win theme park tickets. On Saturday at 3pm piratey pets will vie for $50 in Ventura Harbor gift certificates.
Wee ones will enjoy the Mermaid Treasure Hunt ($2) and free craft activities provided by Macaroni Kid and Village galleries. Treasure seekers can find pirate merchandise, pirate hats, swords, gifts, eye patches, flags, and gear at seaside shops. For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum drink specials. Live music and entertainment provided by Ship of Fools strolling pirate band and Pirates for Hire (daily professional pirate shows).
For pirates who seek adventure on the water, The Schooner Bill of Rights Tall Ship will be offering sails at 9:00am and 4:00pm and dockside tours from 11:00am to 3:30pm and on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. Sails cost $25 for children (14 years and under) and $35 for adults (15 years and up). For more information and to purchase sail tickets, visit SchoonerBillofRights.com and click on “Tickets.”
Admission, parking and shuttle buses are free. Pirate Days shuttle parking is located at Schooner Drive and Harbor Blvd. or Schooner Drive and Anchors Way Drive both Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 5pm or catch the Downtown – Harbor Trolley for a free ride to the festival.
For a list of shopping and dining specials and entertainment schedule please visit VenturaHarborVillage.com/PirateDays , or call 477-0470. The 2015 Pirate Days is supported by Gold Coast Broadcasting, Cumulus Broadcasting, VC Reporter, The Ventura County Star, and the Ventura Breeze.
