If you're looking for a swashbucklin' good time with the entire family, consider coming in a costume to Barnegat Township's annual "Pirates Day" this Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. A giant wooden ship will mark the spot downtown on Bay Avenue at Route 9. 

Barnegat Pirates Day/photo by Dianne DeOliveira TSM News
Barnegat Pirates Day/photo by Dianne DeOliveira TSM News
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The event is co-sponsored by the Barnegat Chamber of Commerce and the Barnegat Township Recreation Department.

"Pirates Day has always been a celebration of our Revolutionary Pirates that were in Barnegat Bay, and a theme throughout the year that we've celebrated is Proud to be an American Day," said event co-chairman Jerry Thompson.

The patriotic theme will be reflected in opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., which will include Color Guard observances and a parade and a medley of patriotic songs by local favorite Jim Kelley.

This year's celebration will include an expanded kids zone featuring trackless train rides, inflatable bouncy houses, an obstacle course, gaming trailers and more on a practice field at Barnegat High School, according to Thompson. He also said there will be Pirate reenactors, a huge vendor and craft fair, and lots of food.

Food vendors include some non-profit organizations such as the Masonic Lodge, first aid squad, Rotary Club and Boy Scouts. St. Mary and St. Paul Coptic Church will be selling Mediterranean specialties again this year. Serpico’s and Sweet Jenny’s will have special menus Saturday.

Bands are lined up for the daylong list of live entertainment. In the main band shell on East Bay Avenue and Birdsall Street, Jersey Sure Cats will perform at 10 a.m.; September’s Brew takes the stage at noon; After the Reign brings country sounds at 2 p.m.  An evening concert begins at 7, when Tommy Edwards as “Sir Rod” rocks the public dock on East Bay Avenue.

With favorable weather predicted for Saturday's event, Thompson said they're anticipating a huge crowd and have added extra seating this year, as well as more shuttle buses.

Free shuttle buses will run continuous loops all day from remote lots at the Barnegat Municipal Complex and the adjacent shopping plaza, as well as the rear of  St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, all on West Bay Avenue, and the Barnegat Docks.

 

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