Kids Pirate Day drew between 2,000 and 3,000 attendees, supported by over 50 volunteers at the Ladysmith Community Marina. This success was due to several months of planning and collaboration between the volunteers and staff of Ladysmith Maritime Society, Rotary, Kinsmen, and the town of Ladysmith, with the support of many of the businesses and community organisations in town.
Pirates Walk - June 2
Captain Jack and Miss Scarlett arrived at the Aggie Hall for a visit to LaFF. Children, parents and volunteers surrounded the pirates who sat for photos, hugs and stories. A big shout out to Jacquie Nelligan for her amazing LaFF team.
Next the Pirates visited businesses in town who supported the event by displaying posters, dressing windows and setting up displays. First stop was the the 49th Parallel Store. Other stops included the offices of Take 5 Magazine, Pemberton Holmes Real Estate, Little Otter Kids Consignment, Left Coast Fashions, Little Rascals Pet Supplies, Old Town Bakery (because bakery), Salamander Books (always the best display), Royal Bank ($1,000 donation for lifejackets and RBC staff volunteers on site) and the Wild Poppy Restaurant (because awesome). Next year we would like to get more businesses involved and hopefully we can help drive more business to the town.
Swarmed at the Primary School
At lunchtime we headed to the Ladysmith Primary School where we were met by 240 screaming Pirate Fans. The pirates handed out posters, and signed autographs on the posters, arms, hands and foreheads. Sorry parents but at least this year we used washable markers instead of sharpies. Principal Bob Brooks attended to make sure that none of his charges ended up as crew on a pirate ship.
Pirate’s Feast on the Dock
Friday evening was the first annual “Pirates Feast” themed Dine on the Dock at the Ladysmith Community Marina. It was sold out and this pirate was almost unable to get a ticket! This pirate called out the majority of people who were not dressed in pirates gear. It was either walk the plank or make a donation to Rotary’s “Disaster Aid” Charity.
Kids Pirate Day - June 3
The big event started at 8:00 am Saturday as teams set up tents for glitter tattoos, first aid, petting zoo and the bouncy pirate ship and slide. A big thank you to the Ladysmith Rotary Community Service team that set up their big tent, the Disaster Aid tent and two smaller tents.
Adults and kids by the hundreds began to swarm the parking lot and docks at around 10:00, many dressed up as pirates and pirate families. The annual Kinsmen Bullhead Derby was a big hit. Kids all over the docks were vying for derby honours and a nice rod and reel combo as first prize. Thanks to Justin from Yum Yum bait for providing free bait and ice.
Ladysmith Rotary Club manned the food tent and provided hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks to the hungry and thirsty attendents and volunteers. Many thanks to that team of committed volunteers.
Pirates Coming
The Saravan arrived at the dock with 3 pirates on board, fully decked out with pistols and cutlasses, Captain Jack, Miss Scarlett and Captain Barbossa. The crowd went wild and the friendly pirates spent the next 4 hours meeting with their fans and posing with the kids for pictures.
The pirates were clearly the highlight of the day and later they commented on what a wonderful town Ladysmith was and what a sense of welcome and community they felt from their visit. They were also happily amazed at the love and politeness they got from the kids. They look forward to attending next year as they have for the past 6 or 7 years.
Make sure you plan to attend again next year. This event sticks in the minds of kids and adults alike. Each year it will be a little different but the main theme will always be making memories for kids while enjoying the beauty of our waterfront…. and PIRATES!!!
Gerry Beltgens is Chair of the Kids Pirate Day Committee, a board member of LMS and past president of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith. He is the co-manager of the Ladysmith office of Pemberton Holmes. He lives in town and was born in Ladysmith.