Treasure Coast Pirate Fest 2012 - Stuart

Caribbean Pearl

 I have often stated that I write this blog for my friends and family. Now that my Blogger counter is telling me I have 70,000 hits this year, I think I may be getting a few fans too. Even with that minor success, I still like to try new things and invite my friends and family to do them with me. This weekend's exploration - the 5th annual Treasure Coast Pirate Fest in Stuart Florida.

Captain Hook

I have not been to this festival before but heard it's been growing and needed a new venue this year - the Martin County Fair Grounds. It appeared most visitors were bringing their children but I did the next best thing and brought my parents who live in the area. And my camera.

I have gotten to know a few of the performers this year so to add to my fun, (maybe not theirs) I had Mom and Dad pose with various characters from the South Florida Pirates and Treasure Coast Pirates. If you are not familiar with these groups, click on their links (the bold text) and get to know them. They do various events and festivals, raise money for children's charities, and other good deeds not always mentioned in pirate lore.

Lassie Lyons of Pirates for Sail

I have been going to pirate themed events a long time and two of my favorite pirates,  Caribbean Pearl and Captain Hook were only too happy to make my parents feel like part of the show. Speaking of shows, the Treasure Coast Pirate Fest had several bands playing continuously during the day. My favorite band was one I've never heard before - Pirates for Sail. I'll be enjoying them for a while as I was so impressed with the music, and especially the fiddle playing of Lassie Lyons, I bought their CD. They are not a local band and this show was the farthest south they had been from their home port of Baltimore. I added a video (not mine) so you can get an idea of what the festival music was like.

Larry Rabin up to his new tricks

Mom remembered Larry Rabin, a 20 year veteran of South Florida festivals . She came "this close" to being pulled up on the stage of the Hopeless Romantic show a few years back. What's Larry been up to lately? Well about 10 feet in this picture but he also told me about his latest project. I will be sure to report on it in a future post.

So have you had enough of the family photos? Then click here to head over to my Flickr site and see the rest of my event photos. Great food, continuous shows, shopping under cover out of the blazing hot sun, and fun for the kids including a costume contest. I'm not sure how you make memories with your family and friends but this is how I make them with mine.