Time: 3-11 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sat.) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Friday, May 11, 2012-Sunday, May 13, 2012
Location: John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
Cost: FREE, although “a gate donation of a buck-n-ear is appreciated” (A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial Fund); PARKING: Parking is FREE at Madeira Beach Fundamental School with a FREE Shuttle to John’s Pass
Info: (727) 322-5217; Website
What’s Doing?
This 3-day festival celebrates the discovery of John’s Pass with a variety of events including a Pirate’s Ball, sea battle and boat parade, a family treasure hunt, adult and children’s costume contests, pirate performers, and more. Here are some highlights of the event’s kid-friendly activities, but be sure to visit the website for a complete schedule of festival events:
— Family Treasure Hunt (Begins and snds at The Alligator Attraction)
The village-wide treasure hunt begins on Saturday, May 12 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and continues on Sunday, May 13 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Participating families are encouraged to dress in pirate garb. Participants will be given a map and a list of clues to find all of the spots on the treasure hunt and qualify for the grand prize drawing. Participating merchants will provide a “trinket” for each family on the treasure hunt as proof that they have found their “spot”. NOTE: Treasure maps are limited to the first 500 families. All families who complete the hunt will be entered into the grand prize drawing, which will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 13.
— Children’s Activities will include face painting and family-friendly pirate entertainers. (Some fees may apply.)
— Children’s Costume Contest (Saturday, May 12 at 4:15 p.m.)
Every child will receive a prize, with several larger prizes being awarded to the best dressed. There is no entry fee for the costume contest.
— Merbellas “Live Mermaid Exhibit” (At the Bell tower several times throughout the weekend)
— Boat Parade and Sea Battle (Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m.)
The Flotilla will set from just north of the Treasure Island Bridge and will continue past Eleanor Island before entering the battle zone in front of the Johns Pass Boardwalk at High Noon. The Loyalists plan to surprise their foes by out-flanking them and engaging in a sea battle with water pistols, super soakers, and black powder cannons. Behind the scenes, judges will be searching for boats that are the best decorated, most lively, smallest, and have the wettest crews.
— Parade (Saturday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m.)
Following the invasion, the sea Loyalists will rendezvous with their land-side troops and parade through the Village handing out beads and other trinkets to the children. The parade will wind through the Village and end at the center square tent where prizes will be given to the winners of each boating category.
Address:
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
150 John’s Pass Boardwalk
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
FREE parking and shuttle available at:
Madeira Beach Fundamental School
591 Tom Stuart Causeway
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
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[...] The 11th Annual John LeVique Pirate Day Festival at John’s Pass Village and Broadwalk: This 3-day festival celebrates the discovery of John’s Pass with a variety of events including a Pirate’s Ball, sea battle and boat parade, a family treasure hunt, adult and children’s costume contests, pirate performers, and more. Visit the website for a complete schedule of festival events. [...]