Pirate Fest draws near for residents/visitors
The 6th annual Fort Myers Beach Pirate Fest will take place along Old San Carlos Boulevard and throughout Estero Island during Columbus Day Weekend, October 7, 8, 9 and 10. The Pirate Fest draws adventurers from far and near to enjoy Columbus weekend activities with historical re-enactments, period correct encampments, black powder demonstrations, Sea Shanties and more.
This year’s expanded event will include more interactive entertainment and encompasses a larger area, including themed vendors and live performances under the Matanzas Bridge from 1st Street to 3rd Street. Be sure to “troll” under the shaded canopy of the bridge and catch the live mermaid shows, live music and creative exhibitors. Old San Carlos Boulevard will once again be flourishing with more exciting pirattitude, including live entertainment on the Old San Carlos Stage, the Nervous Nellies Stage and the Pirate Encampment as well as more unique pirate and nautical themed vendors along Old San Carlos Boulevard. Hundreds of professional actors and actresses from SW Florida and beyond will bring one of the most exciting events of the year to the Fort Myers Beach area. Guests young and old are encouraged to garb up as their favorite buccaneer, swashbuckler or movie themed pirate character and join the excitement while reliving a few golden days of piracy.
Family Friendly Activities will include a Children’s treasure hunt, Pirate Quest, costume contest, roving musicians, strolling street performers, stage shows, the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise Ship to Shore battle, Live Mermaids, interactive games with pirates and a bon voyage breakfast at Yucatan Beach Stand on Monday morning. A VIP party, open to the public, will be held on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at Caribbean Pearl Restaurant. Bungee Jump and Gyro Rides will be available for a fee at the Shipwreck Motel Parking Lot.
Admission for the weekend event is free to attend, although a suggested donation of a “buck-an-ear” ($2) will help offset the cost of the events production.
Here is a brief overview of the festival hours: Friday, Oct 7, 7 to 11 p.m. (Pirates Ball); Saturday, Oct 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (street festival); Sunday, Oct 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (street festival) and Monday, Oct.10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (grand pirates feast at Yucatan Beach Stand).
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Fort Myers Beach Little League, a Florida 501c3 non-profit organization.
The 6th annual Fort Myers Beach Pirate Fest is proudly sponsored by the Town of Fort Myers Beach, the Lee County VCB and many other local businesses. The event is produced by SIK Promotions, Inc. and Pirates of the Treasure Coast. Additional information can be found on our website; www.FortMyersBeachPirateFest.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FMBPirateFest. For the cyber seas tested, please call 727-322-5217.
-submitted by Suzanne King