Ahoy matey, a festival for you!

Buccaneer Days May 12 – 15

Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~

In true nautical flare, with a sly nod to the navy, Esquimalt is holding its annual Buccaneers Day, May 12 to 15.

Community members of all ages are invited to fish out their pirate-themed clothing and join in on the festivities at Bullen Park.

“A buccaneer is a pirate, so the event really has everything to do with Esquimalt being by the water and its maritime history,” says Kim Vis, festival parade coordinator.

People can pull up chairs along Dunsmuir Road where the parade starts Saturdsay May 14, heading all the way along Esquimalt Road ending at Admirals Road.

Leading the parade will be the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy with Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell in attendance.

Later on that night, a 19-and-over Buccaneer Days Dance will be held at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Rainbow Kitchen and children’s sports programs in the community.

Pirates who come alongside the park during the festivities can groove to live music in the field while enjoying the tasty offerings from 10 home-made food stalls ranging in ethnicity from Greek to German.

Artistically-inclined pirates can enjoy the arts and crafts show, while those looking for a slower pace can stop by the seniors barbecue.

For families with little pirates, there is a blow-up obstacle course, or they can purchase a midway wristband for $40 if they want to test out any of the 20 rides.

For more information, visit: www.esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca/events/