The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
PIRATES WEEKEND
Swashbucklers bring contests, entertainment for weekend slate
They’re back.
Pirates will invade the Village of Sylvan Beach for the 5th annual Pirates Weekend.
The invasion starts Thursday July 20, 2017 at 5 p.m. when Sylvan Beach Mayor Greg Horan officially proclaims that the pirates have landed and taken over the village.
Activities for children and adults alike will run fromThursday to Sunday and include feature events such as the Pirate’s Parade, fireworks, the Pirate 5K Rum Runner, and a sand castle contest.
This year, Carol Clements and Pat Goodenow were unanimously selected to serve as Grand Marshals of Pirate’s Parade. The duo was tabbed to lead the swashbuckler sortee based on their dedication and commitment to the Sylvan and Verona beach communities, organizers said.
This action packed weekend also includes capturing local celebrities and holding them for ransom. Fortunately, these are generous pirates so funds raised through any sort of ‘kidnapping’ will be donated to a local organization.
In addition to the altruistic swashbucklers, Captain Jac will be teaching his usual “How to Be a Pirate” classes. Pirate’s Weekend will also include the Pirate Pub Crawl, live music, a bonfire, and Miller Lite recovery specials.
Organizers are also encourag-
ing community members to don a pirate hat and dress in latest pirate fashion for the 3rd annual Pirate’s Weekend 5K event. Participants will tackle a 3.2 mile run/walk through the Village of Sylvan Beach.
A family friendly race, strollers and dogs are welcome. The race will begin on Sunset Boulevard adjacent to Canal View Cafe. There will be free parking for participants as well as bathrooms available. The first 150 pre- registered participants will receive a free t-shirt.
Proceeds from the Pirate 5K Rum Runner benefit Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program.
Thursday, July 20
•5:30 p.m. – Pirate invasion in the park. Pirate flags displayed in village. The Mayor will officially sanction Pirate’s weekend by raising the pirate flag at the Bandstand. A number pirate activities will take place throughout the village at local businesses.
•5:45 p.m. – A local celebrity is kidnapped by pirates and held for ransom. The captured celebrities are taken to many businesses to obtain ransom for release. All proceeds will benefit a local organization.
Friday, July 21
•9 a.m. – Crafters, Antiques, Vendors will sell their wares throughout the village.
•7 p.m. – Best of the Beach Pirate’s Grog Competition will begin. Participating establishments will have signature pirates’ grog available for sampling. There will also be various entertainment shows at local businesses.
Saturday, July 22nd – Family Fun Day
•9 a.m. – Crafters, Antiques Vendors throughout the Village.
•10 a.m. – The Pirate’s Booty Treasure Hunt will take place on the beach at 15th Ave, where participants can dig for buried gold coins to redeem for a toy at the “treasure chest.”
•12 p.m. – The “How to be a Pirate” class will be hosted by Captain Jack at the Bandstand on Village Green.
•1 p.m. – 5th Annual “Pirate’s Parade” begins south of the village and moves north.
•8:30 p.m. – Family Bonfire on thebeach@ 15th Ave
•9:30 p.m. – Pirate Fireworks on the beach - sponsored by Sylvan Beach Amusement Park.
Sunday, July 23rd
•8 a.m. – 5K Pirate Rum Runner/Walk throughout the village to benefit “Sitrin Veterans.” If you have any questions about this race, contact the race director at piratesweekend@gmail.com
•11 a.m. – Sand Castle Contest – For further information, you may contact event coordinator Bill Shaughnessy at ironman5253@yahoo.com. Admission to the contest is $10 for Adults and FREE to anyone under the age of 16.
•12 p.m. – The Bloody Mary Crawl will take place while various entertainers will perform at local businesses.