Shiver me timbers! It's the Portland Pirate Festival!

This annual Portland event is proof positive of the uniqueness of the city and the people living here. Sure, there are other Pirate festivals and events held around the country and the world, but the one here always seems to outshine all the others, in one way or another. For example, in typical Portland style, a decent chunk of the proceeds from the festival goes to various charities in the area. Past recipients include the Make A Wish Foundation and the Children's Cancer Center Association. In 2008, the Portland Pirate Festival was honored to receive the 10Best Bet Award, proclaiming to all just how cool we are. The list goes on....you just can't beat this enjoyable, Portland family event!

Decked out in full pirate regalia, locals come to enjoy tons of food, games for the kids and adults alike, shopping, sword fights, puppet shows, face painting, live music and so much more. You may think that a 2-day event that had nothing more to it than the common niche of pirates may get tedious. Not a chance! The organizers and large variety of merchants and sponsors turning out make sure that there is never a dull moment.

I attended in 2009, the year that the Portland Pirate Festival first decided to go for the Guinness World Record for "The Most Pirates in One Place at One Time." We believed we could shine as bright, if not brighter, than most and we were out to put that attitude to the test. The record to beat was set that May in Brixham, England when their event topped out with 1,469 blood-thirsty pirates. Long story short: We did it! We beat them to hold the Guinness Book of World Records 2009 entry for the "Most Pirates In One Place at One Time!" Woot! Now the goal is to hold onto that coveted title as long as we can.

The entertainment at the 2009 Portland Pirate Festival was really terrific! My highlight was the pirate band of Captain Bogg and Salty. Who would have thought that there were bands out there, dedicated to nothing but pirate music...in their case, a strange and laughable twist on pirate music.

I spent nearly the entire time down at Cathedral Park, underneath the St John's Bridge, taking in the sights and sounds of people who set aside a weekend to play captain, buccaneer, renegade and wench (I don't recall ever seeing so many push-up bras in my life!). It was an unforgettable time. When I attend next year, I may just have to dress up, too! ;)

I highly recommend you do the same. Bookmark the Portland Pirate Festival web site and keep yourself in-the-know of when the next celebration will be held. Bring the family....you're going to love it!

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