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Tuesday, 08 July 2008 |
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 File photo
Competitors in the pirate costume contest strut their stuff as judges rate them. The event will make its return as part of the Pirates of St. Marys event Saturday.
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — Visitors to downtown St. Marys Saturday will get a chance to get in touch with their pirate side thanks to the return of a summer festival.
The Second Ever Pirates of St. Marys festival is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m Saturday and will feature a brood of pirates and activities. Captain Jack and a few of his buddies also are scheduled to make an appearance at the event, slated to be held in the basement of the St. Marys Hobby Center. For those looking for a sneak peak, a dance is scheduled to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Hobby Center.
“It starts out back with the farmer’s market and we will have games out back that will be ran by the Memorial High School Student Council,” Ohio Promotions organizer Emery Rogers said. “All the money will go to the school. The Knights of Columbus will be having a cookout in the back and all the money goes back to that group.”
In addition to children’s games, Rogers said the event will feature a pirate costume contest as well as pirate-themed events throughout the day. Registration for the costume contest starts at 10 a.m. and contestants must register by 2 p.m.
“The big change this year is how we are doing the age groups,” Rogers said. “I also have separated the males and females. This year there also will be first through third place awarded in each division and a grand champion, best act and best dress.”
Age breakdowns for the contest are 1 to 5 years old; 6 to 12 years old; 13 to 17 years old and 18 and older. The competition is scheduled to run from 2 p.m to 5 p.m. and Rogers said the selection process has been revamped since last year.
“Last year we just put the judges out there and told them to pick one,” Rogers said. “This year there will be 36 points they will be looking for.”
Rogers said the decision to move the festivities indoors should make the event more manageable for organizers. Several stages as well as activities will be available during the contest.
“We aren’t weather restricted,” Rogers said of the indoor event. “It’s a little cooler and if it rains, we wouldn’t be rained out.”
The event also will feature histories of pirates throughout the years as well as tips on how to talk like a pirate. Rogers said the event should have something for all members of the family.
“By moving indoors, we can do more history type things,” Rogers said. “We are trying to put together a spokesperson for clipper and pirate ships.”
A sidewalk sale atmosphere will be coupled with the event as downtown businesses will be participating in the Pirates of St. Marys. Rogers praised the participation of the businesses for helping to make the planning process a success.
“Hopefully Spring Street will have that festival feeling,” Rogers said. “That’s what they want. That’s part of the structure to help make it grow.”
Tickets for the event cost $6, however various discounts are available based upon age, participation in the costume contest and if a visitor is dressed in pirate garb. Children 5 and under are free.
“It really isn’t about the money,” Rogers said of the ticket price. “I am encouraging people to talk like pirates and I want people to interact (like pirates).”
With an estimated 1,600 visitors last year, Rogers said he believes the pirate event could continue to grow.
“Everyone out there feels this is important for revitalizing this area,” Rogers said.
“I am really proud of this area.” |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 11 July 2008 )
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