TOPSAIL ISLAND – Pirates will invade Topsail Island and set up camp in Surf City’s Soundside Park for Scallywags Weekend, May 4-6. They will celebrate the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard and the adventures of Stede Bonnet, two pirates who lurked the waters along Topsail Island’s coast.
“Mateys of all ages will be entertained on Scallywags Weekend,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County tourism director.
Pirates will set up camp Friday afternoon. Pender Tourism and Surf City parks and recreation will show the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales in the park at 8:15 p.m.
On Saturday, May 5, pirate reenactments will begin at 10 a.m. and go throughout the day. Black powder demonstrations face painting, a scavenger hunt, a parrot rescue, and more will take place at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave.
Participate in Pirate Olympics from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in New Center Town Park in Topsail Beach with the Historical Society of Topsail Island. For only $10 per team, competitors of all ages will Walk the Plank, Dress-Like-A-Pirate race, Hunt for Buried Treasure, run a Peg Leg Race, and Capture the Pirate Flag. Pre-registration for Pirate Olympics is available online at topsailhistoricalsociety.org.
“We will have activities for all ages and we encourage families and friends to sign up now for the Pirate Olympics,” said Janine Stidley of the Historical Society of Topsail Island.
The Greater Topsail Chamber of Commerce and the Topsail Steamer will serve an old fashioned Low Country Shrimp Boil from noon- 6 p.m. at the picnic shelters at Soundside Park. Tickets will be available on the chamber website. The cost will be $20 per ticket.
Scallywags will not leave Topsail Island with hungry bellies. The Boy Scouts of America will serve a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning at the Surf City Welcome Center, 102 N. Shore Dr. Pre-sale tickets will be available on the Topsail Chamber’s website, topsailchamber.org.
“This is a family-event that all ages will enjoy,” said Proctor. “We have a rich pirate heritage and we’re celebrating May 4-6.”
For more information contact the Pender County Tourism Office at 910-259-1536. For Scallywags Weekend updates visit the Scallywags Weekend Facebook page or visitpender.com.
