Every plan a festival? need pirate ideas

[Tiggeroo]

As a big pirate fan, history buff, and writer of both, I go to Renaissance faires and Pirate festivals. I began thinking that my little beach town would be the perfect spot for a pirate festival. I've approached some local businesses and the hs art and drama directors and am getting very positive feedback. I spoke to our town PR director and he likes the idea. On Monday I meet with our town rec director to give a loose proposal. Have any of you ever organized a festival? Does anybody have any suggestions? Here are some ideas
Pirate costume contest, treasure hunt, scavenger hunt, pirate trial, talk like a pirate lessons, skits, haunted stories, sea crafts, face painting, picture with a pirate, pirate movies, pirate games, cardboard boat race, breakfast with pirates, old tyme photos in pirate costumes, spin your best pirate/sea yarn, art contest

Also sprinkle me with pixie dust so I don't hyperventilate or break out in hives while doing this presentation.

 

[Cindy B]

I just did this at my job !

I work with 7th graders, and the entire team (90 plus kids) all had to do a booth in conjunction with History, Science and Language Arts....

They read Treasure Planet
They researched ships
They also did other stuff/like dimensions etc.


Ok, lets see here some of the better ones were 15th Century Marriages... they talked about marriage customs, and anyone that wanted to was paired up.. and they read wedding vows from that time period, and got a scroll wedding certificiate.. very very cute!

Another was creative about strenght of pirates. One of my students is a weightlifter. He found out how strong the pirates were and you were capable of a strength test.. he took a 60-75 wieght covered it in burlap.. and said something like test your strength

Another was English terms translated to Pirate language. You had to (using researched terms) say a phrase that was in English to PIRATE SLANG! It was pretty funny.

Of course this is seventh graders at my NJ middle school. But it can be done, and it is fun.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Well Cindy if this works out it will be in Ocean City, NJ.

 

[Cindy B]

I thought so.. I'm in Camden County.

But the fair was fun, the students came up with all sorts of idea..

My kids (my group of special needs kids I work with) did boat races, food on pirate ships, a treasure game, a change into pirate gear thing, another one on flags, (match the flag with the pirate!), a dig for trasure (with play sand!), and a mapping one!

 

[Micca]

There is a pirate themed event each year in Tampa. Google that and I think you'll find it. I believe they have been doing it for a long time. Sounds like fun.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That soungs like a great idea! My neighbor did a pirate theme for her class for a party and she made up a game called "Walk the Plank". She made these wooden "ski" shoes and it was a relay race-type thing.

Sounds like alot of fun. Good Luck on your presentation!

 

[Tiggeroo]

All good thoughts. The walk the plank game sounds cool. What I really need is some practical advice. For example fund raising. If I get area businesses to donate some money or goods, how can I compensate them in the form of advertising. Perhaps if they sponsor a skit I will arrange for them to have a pirate in front of their business for an hour or two, handing out candy or business cards, etc.
I am soliciting area businesses to do tie-ins to the festival. To create events that will benefit their business. For example, There is an old tyme photo booth that I would like to see do "Get your pic dressed up like a pirate". I would like a restaurant to do Breakfast with the Pirates for the kiddies. If a business creates an event, they will be listed in our schedule, on our web site, in any advertising that goes out. So should a business be charged for this opportunity? It would be nice to find a way to start raising some funds now so I can calculate how much entertainment I can hire.
If the events are going to be on city property, will I need to purchase an insurance policy?

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by Micca
There is a pirate themed event each year in Tampa. Google that and I think you'll find it. I believe they have been doing it for a long time. Sounds like fun.

It's called Gasparilla and this February will be the 100th anniversary! It celebrates the legend of Jose Gaspar, a pirate who supposedly roamed the waters of Southwest Florida.

Here's a link to the official site:

www.gasparillapiratefest.com

Sounds like you've got some great ideas, Tigeroo!

 

[Tiggeroo]

I've already plundered Gasparilla web-site for ideas. I've been to a few pirate fests, and will be attending Pirates in Paradise this Nov. in Key West. Gasparillla looks crazy. Thanks guys.
Tina