By Land or Sea, Visit Key Largo Pirates Fest Oct. 18-21
KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — More than 200 years ago Key Largo was reputedly a haunt of the notorious 19th-century pirate Black Caesar. The island celebrates his "return" Oct. 18-21 during its infamous Pirates Fest.
Revelers are to don pirate wear and unleash their inner buccaneer as Blackwater Sound transforms into a pirate stronghold during four days of piratical shows, interactive demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family.
The event kickoff is the Captain Morgan Look-Alike Pirate Plunder Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Snapper's Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 94.5. Attractions include special deals on grub n' grog, live music and contests. Friday, Oct. 19, a Black Caesar's Pirate Parade featuring sword-swinging wenches, decorated floats and vehicles is to head down U.S. Highway 1 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Caribbean Club, MM 104 bayside. The procession continues south to "invade" the beach at Sundowners Restaurant — near where some believe Black Caesar buried treasure worth millions.
Judging for best parade pirate or wench, "motleyest" crew, best float and more is to follow along with a Pirate Bash. Pirate Karaoke at Cactus Jack's, MM 103.9 bayside, is scheduled for 7:30-11 p.m.
The family-focused Pirate Bazaar and Thieves' Market is set for noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday at Sundowners, MM 104 bayside, with pirate paraphernalia, memorabilia, art, interactive kids' activities and games. Attendees might even spot Caesar and his buccaneer brethren there. At sunset Saturday, enjoy a re-enactment of Black Caesar's return, complete with artillery line, encampments, sword battles and skits on Blackwater Sound. Spectators can watch from Sundowners and the Big Chill, or from the water.
Sunday, a by-land-or-by-sea pirate poker run starts at noon at the Elks Club, MM 92.6 bayside. Entry fee is $15 per hand. The festival concludes Sunday with a 4 p.m. Buccaneer Bash and costume finale on the beach at Sundowners. Prizes await the likeliest lad and loveliest lassie, as well as the best buccaneer and sauciest wench.
Admission is free to most events, and all are open to the public.
Festival information: keylargopiratesfest.com or 305-394-3736
Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088
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Black Caesar was considered a notorious 19th century pirate.
The family-focused Pirate Bazaar and Thieves' Market features pirate paraphernalia, memorabilia, art, interactive kids' activities and games. Attendees might even spot Caesar and his buccaneer brethren there.