BARNEGAT – Argh Matey! The 27th annual Pirates Day celebration is now in the history books as hundreds of local residents and visitors flocked to downtown Barnegat’s Gazebo Park for the swashbuckling good time.
The free fun family event brings all the pirates of Barnegat, and other local towns, to enjoy a day of pirate themed activities, live music, professional pirate re-enactors, food, a farmer’s market, bounce houses, over 170 different vendors and much more.
The event was coordinated and organized by the Barnegat-Waretown Chamber of Commerce and the Barnegat Recreation Department, along with the support from the Barnegat Public Works, Barnegat Police and the dedication of local volunteers.
“It is events like these that truly bring a community together,” said Bill Clanton Jr., the president of the Barnegat-Waretown Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of WBNJ radio. He adds “Pirates Day 2017 would not have been a success without the great support of Barnegat Township and the many volunteers that came out to make the event possible.”
Several township dignitaries including Mayor Al Bille attended the event. The Kids’ Zone returned this year, made possible by a donation from Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Manahawkin Kia, who setup their own outdoor showroom with a display which had a series of brand new 2017 and 2018 vehicles. Bounce houses and a trackless train were made possible by Party Crashers, along with a martial arts presentation and kid friendly music.
Over at the “pirates cove” stage, pirate groups like the Ye Pirate Brotherhood, Pirates of Fortunes Folly the Valhalla Pirates and pirate comedian David Engle, featured live and comedic skits, shows and re-enactments. Live musical entertainment was also found at the end of Bay Ave., featuring groups like the Jersey Shore Cats, The Jersey Shore Roustabouts and Strictly 60’s.
Along with elaborate attractions, several businesses and organizations came out to show their support. Some offered products, services, foods and demonstrations for the public.
The event concluded with a concert by Strictly 60’s down at the Barnegat docks.
Pirates Day will be returning to Barnegat next year and there are hopes for an even bigger turn out.
