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June 1st, 2002
This event is free and thus ticket-less. The brochure for it is above. This is an annual event that takes place in Hampton, Virginia, along the oceanfront. Events include people dressed up like British and Pirates. A "sea battle" which is basically just cannons going off from shore to a small boat or two... and they fire muskets back. Blackbeard the Pirate usually roams and tells a story of what happened to him. Pirate singers sing on stage. A few boats in the harbor dress up in Pirate regalia, flying the skull and crossbones and putting 'skeleton' crews on board...Touristy items about pirates, foods and a small encampment with a blacksmith is there. That's it really, but it seems to be growing. Face paintings, sketch artists and other things should be there in 2007.
Blackbeard, Boat w/Pirate Skeletons, British Ship, Pirate Encampment, Blackbeard crew
Shooting a Cannon, Pirate Camp, Woman & Man Pirates Battle, Hampton Harbour, Shooting a Cannon
Pirate Drinking Rum, Street Scene, Woman Pirate wins Swordfight, Virginia Air & Space Center (located a block from the festival), Two Pirates
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June 11th, 2005
Same stuff as previous time we went. Might have been slightly bigger as a few new vendors were on a street that weren't there before.
Going to Battle (2005) Fighting Back(2005) Forging a Weapon (2005) Singing Pirates (2005) Tall Ship (2005)
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No ticket or pamphlet
July 9th, 2010
This is a free annual festival in the town that celebrates the pirates of old, and most notably Blackbeard, the pirate who was beheaded... Vendors line the streets with wares from homemade Jewelry, pirate style wares, clothing, and food. Actors roam the area and put on shows where they sing and dance. There's a little encampment and they do a small "battle" which is basically one small ship goes by and they shoot off canons. Sometimes they have other entertainment. This year was "Blue Oyster Cult" which I've showcased under the concert section of this site. Usually, we go here, spend an hour walking around, grab a funnel cake or something and go back home. It's a very small event... but something to do on a nice day.
From Left to right: 1) A tethered owl 2) Actors in song 3) packing up after a couple ditties 4) packed up goods area 5) a tethered vulture
From Left to right: 1) Corn dogs anyone? 2) a Celtic band 3) Blackbeard and the lady from the local news lady (forget her name sorry) 4) Pirate tents where goods and food are sold
From Left to right: 1) Kalmar Nyckel - The Tall Ship authentic seagoing re-creation of a 17th Century Dutch pinnace 2) Closer view of Kalmar Nyckel 3) A pirate and his parrot
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