Loutit District Library (LDL) and Harbor Island will be the port of swashbuckling, piratical fun for the whole family as the ninth Annual Michigan Pirate Festival invades Grand Haven, August 3-9.

With their theme, “Pirates through the Ages,” pirate re-enactors from historical to fantasy personas come from around Michigan and the Mid-West to entertain everyone from young powder monkeys to seasoned buccaneers.

The pillaging’ and plundering’ begins August 3 at 9 a.m. when LDL opens. Kids are invited to pick up a treasure map from the chest located at the Library’s Youth Services Area. This treasure map will lead young pirates and their families around downtown Grand Haven in search of fortune. Visit www.loutitlibrary.org, this year’s home port for festival events.

New this year is the “friendly abduction” of a city dignitary during the sail-in on Friday, August 7 at 6 p.m. as the pirates hold their victim for ransom throughout the night. Everyone is invited to bailout their captive during a public meet and greet at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 20 N. 2nd St., Grand Haven. The band McSpillin will provide piratical music. Adults may purchase beverages provided by The Eagles.

There is a $5 cover charge with a silent auction of donated items from local businesses throughout the evening with the funds going to ransom their captive. The pirates will donate the proceeds to the Waterfront Stadium Project.

For an exact location on the waterfront for Friday’s pirate sail-in, visit www.loutitlibrary.org prior to the event.

During the weekend, the pirate festival moves to Harbor Island on Coho Drive with family activities from Saturday, August 8 through Sunday, August 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 13 years old are free.

The following is a list of characters, events and activities for Saturday and Sunday on Harbor Island.

Entertainment by; * Thee Bluebeard * Gypsy Raqs * Bocca Musica * Drunk N Sailor * Wonder Elixir of Life * Morgan’s Privateer Pub provided by the Grand Haven VFW * Members of the Brethren of the Great Lakes * Jackie Sparrow * Crew of the Laughing Corpse * Soss Boss

MPF is sponsored by the Brethren of the Great Lakes and LDL. Festival brochures may be picked up at the Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, and Michigan, during normal business hours, otherwise visit or www.loutitlibrary.org.

Support your local geek events.
For more info, check out:
http://www.michiganpiratefestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MichiganPirateFestival