Pirates invade Ceday Key.

Posted on by Thor

The Cedar Key Pirate Festival became a mecca for pirates from all over Florida and Georgia in September of 2015. The drive north west from Orlando passed by the Ocalla National Forest. The pirates invaded the quiet city of Cedar key on the first day landing on the beach and fighting their way towards the city park. They set up a thieves row and a pirate encampment.

A gazebo in a corner of ye park, becomes the main stage for Arrr Ink, which is short for, Acme Rogue, and the Ruffian Recruits. Arrr Ink offers the crow card trick, walking the plank, and get hi patrons to jot the Pirate Union, which is an organization of their own invention. Their show consists of light hearted comedy that is family friendly. I was picked out of the audience, and got to play along side the pirates.

Music consisted of sea shanties and folk must reminding me of the simple days crewing on board the Clearwater Dutch Sloop on the Hudson River. We used to wall up to the gent strumming on a banjo. Of course there was plenty of grog, and decent food at various vendors. In the evening the pirates dance with fire on the beach, and invade the local pubs. A quiet evening out could suddenly become quite boisterous.

I sketched pirate performers as they rested near a tent that acted as their green room. Pirates have an appreciation for art and several watched as I worked, saying “Arrrr you an arrrrtist?” “No, I’m a deck hand, I just do this for fun,” I might respond.

Mark Ye Calendars for the 5th Annual Invasion September 15-17, 2017. The Pirate Invasion Weekend website will have more information as the date approaches.

Pirate Festival in Cedar Key Florida.

Posted on by Thor

Terry and I drove to Cedar Key for the Pirate Festival in September of 2015. The motel had a gorgeous view overlooking the water. That first day, I hiked down to where the Pirate encampment was to be found on the map. X marks the spot. Sure enough, pirates of all shape and sizes were milling about the camp. A mini pirate ship on wheels was parked on the street. A skull and cross bones fluttered along wit the American flag in the distance. Wenches were cinched up tight, showing ample bosoms. All the pirates were a bawdy fowl mouthed lot.

I’ve heard that the pirates invaded the beach at sunrise battling Cedar Key residents. Unfortunately I didn’t witness or sketch the skirmish.  Thieves Row offered every imaginable apparel should you decide to become a pirate yourself. We spent mos of the day huddled in the shade watching musical acts performing on a white octagonal Victorian band shell. Acts included, The Bawdy Boys, Anchors Away, and Arrr Inc.

Mark Ye Calendars for the 4th Annual Invasion!
September 16-18, 2016.

Celebration Pirate Ship

Posted on by Thor

On the day after Halloween, I found out about this pirate ship display at 160 Celebration Avenue in Celebration FL. Photos I had seen showed the ship lit up with spot lights. When I arrived it was still light out. I sat under a street light and started to sketch. As it grew darker it became harder and harder to see the details of the display. I probably missed up to a dozen skeletons hidden in the darkness. I wasn’t the only one hoping the display would light up one more time. People parked in the street and got out to take flash photos of the dark facade.

The display was actually a bit ominous in the pitch black. I wonder if this was someone from Disney Imagineering who needed a creative outlet. The use of the roof line to hang ripped sails was the least well planned aspect of the display. Black plastic garbage bags were taped up behind the sails to guarantee black negative shapes.  The crows nest was tilted uncomfortably to the side. Maybe next year they will devise some sort of masts.

Although November 1st is the Day of the Dead, the pirate ship stayed dark. Twice cars stopped to ask me directions to the Celebration High School. I couldn’t help. If you sit on a street corner, you become a community expert. Walking back to my car I passed a much smaller Halloween display that featured Mickey and Minnie Mouse. My stomach turned.

Pirate Day!

Posted on by Thor

I was running late getting to the Orlando Science Center (777 East Princeton Street, Orlando Fl)  to attend and sketch Blog Con. It was raining so I sucked it up and paid $5 to park in the parking garage across the street. Walking across the glass enclosed walkway to the museum I passed children in costume as pirates. The place was packed full of pirates. The conference I was there was informative but I played hookey long enough to sketch the pirate at the entrance who quickly made balloon sabers, swords and cutlasses for the kids. The second two kids got their swords, they would be fencing and stabbing each other in the belly.

Leonardo Da Vinci‘s flying machine was suspended from the ceiling. Made of wood, I highly doubt it would fly, but the pirate seated next to me said the pulley systems would multiply the force applied to the winch six times.  Any time folks would walk by this friendly pirate would say, Arrrrre ye having a good time. I heard this said so often that I wanted a saber to run me through. Pirates behind me were rolling dice to pick crew mates. A wench informed me that quarters below deck were quite cozy.