The easternmost city in the U.S. will once again host the largest pirate festival in northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes. The festivities for the 11th annual Eastport Pirate Festival will begin on Friday, September 9, and continue through Sunday, September 11, for three adventure-filled days of swashbuckling family fun. Pirates of all ages will descend upon the island in their favorite pirate garb to watch or take part in many of the events. All festival sponsored events are free to the public.
     "We're very excited about it this year," says Chris Brown of the Eastport Pirate Festival Committee. "There are a lot of things to do, and we're going to have a professional encampment with more authentic pirate displays."
      The Brethren of the Granite Coast will entertain with cannon fire, a flag walk and a barrel fountain, and the public is invited to explore the pirate encampment complete with period cooking and small arms demonstrations. Everyone is encouraged to be on the lookout for Peter Pan.
     "We have a blow-up obstacle course for the slightly older kids," adds Brown. The G‑Force inflatable course will be set up above the post office and challenge competitors to navigate a series of military‑style obstacles rivaling a first week of boot camp. The course is complete with tires, giant barriers and a huge slide. There is even a vertical wall to scale. There is a challenging hill to climb, and everyone still must face another obstacle before climbing their way to the top and sliding to victory.
     Returning performers include Rockin' Ron, the friendly pirate, and 2F Pirates, Felicity and Fenris, who will provide combat training with foam cutlasses, provide educational and informative talks on the era of piracy and entertain and amuse the crowd with petty acts of larceny. Nick Penney, "the Human Marvel," will put on a show complete with sword swallowing and other fantastic exhibitions.
     "The Human Marvel will be bringing someone with him this year, and there will be dual sword swallowing," promises Brown.
     Festival goers can enjoy the Pirate Parade on Saturday afternoon while munching on all their favorite street fair treats.
     Children will enjoy the bounce house. "We got the petting zoo back in library park," reports Brown. "That's free, and kids can come as many times as they want."
      Festival vice president Don Dunbar says, "This year we have more live entertainment planned for our downtown stage than in any prior year."
      Saturday afternoon events will include the always exciting Pirate Bed Race. The boys and girls pirate pageant is great fun for children. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed. Anyone who likes a challenge and doesn't mind getting wet can enter the crate race on Sunday.
      Street vendors will be there to tempt everyone with their treats and treasures. There are many art galleries, restaurants and pubs in which to relax or enjoy the large variety of musical entertainment.       
      A juried craft fair with some pirate-themed booths and specialty food and snack vendors will turn downtown Eastport into a pirate treasure trove.
      The full action‑packed three-day schedule is available on the Eastport Pirate Festival Facebook page or at <www.eastportpiratefestival.com>.