Pirate Weekend draws close in Palmyra

The Pirates of the Erie Canal invade the Village and Port of Palmyra, New York during the fifth annual Palmyra Pirate Weekend, August 5 and 6, 2011, bearing a boatload of family-friendly fun for all ages. Bed racing, 5K race, Pirate Kazoo Band Parade, children’s treasure hunt, canal trail tours and boat rides, and Historic Palmyra pirate tales and museum tours are just a few of the exciting events featured in this year’s celebration of Palmyra’s canal connection.The Pillage ‘N the Village Bed Race Regatta returns, streaking straight through the heart of the historic Main Street business district. Five-person pirate crews will compete head-to-head against other speedy scallywags and scoundrels for a cash prize and other awards. Pirates of all rank are welcome to enlist, with local service, community organizations, and businesses expected to round out the racing field. Race applications, information, and complete racing bed specifications are available online now at www.eriecanalpirates.com.The Pirate Kazoo Band and Parade also returns to the streets immediately preceding all the bed race action. An official engraved Pirates of the Erie Canal Kazoo with lanyard, available for purchase at Palmyra events prior to Pirate Weekend and at the Palmyra Village Hall, is the ticket to join the fun. Bed racers will be pressed into parade service as they are escorted–and serenaded—up Main Street towards the Pillage ‘N the Village starting line.New activities for 2011 include the Jolly Roger 5K run, jog, or walk to raise funds for Pal-Mac High School’s award winning Select Choir and an expanded live musical lineup in the Palmyra Village Park and Marina. Other highlights of Palmyra Pirate Weekend 2011 include:* FREE Movie in the Park – The Goonies (1985, PG), Friday, Aug. 5, at dusk in the Palmyra Village Park* Palmyra Pirates’ Shopping Bazaar at the Marina* Erie Canal boat rides and human powered watercraft at the Port of Palmyra Marina* Music by: Towpath Volunteers Fife & Drums and more* Lock 29 Tavern’s Fantastic Pirate Costume Party, Saturday, Aug. 6, 6 PM til late, 222 E. Main Street* Pirate Puppy Parade and Captain Kid’s Games, featuring stories, pirate games, activities, and booty for all* Rum tasting, music and food, including turkey drumsticks at the Palmyra American Legion Post* Historic Palmyra museum tours, Pirate’s Cove, and pirate tales with Bloody Mary* Eat Well & Play Hard Treasure Trail Canal Walk* Village Blacksmith & friends demonstrations* And much, much more!About Palmyra Pirate Weekend. Palmyra Pirate Weekend is a family-friendly, experiential festival intended to showcase Palmyra, New York, the Queen of Canal Towns. The visit of the Lois McClure to the Port of Palmyra Marina in August, 2007 was the first wind in the sails for Palmyra Pirate Weekend, yet this grassroots event has grown by the hard work of some creative and talented people who have long recognized Palmyra as the perfect place to live, work, and play. And we’re pretty sure we’re the only Pirate Festival on the Erie Canal!