Calling all scallywags and buccaneers! During the weekend of July 17-19, Smith Mountain Lake will be transformed into a pirate’s paradise for the fourth annual Pirate Days.
“Everyone is encouraged to participate whether you’re a resident, business, or visitor,” says Annette Stamus, marketing and communications manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.
All weekend, the lake will be home to pirate ship battles, treasure hunts, skulls and crossbones, and fireworks. Live music from Untaxed Whiskey, Robotic Jive, and more, plus a special pirate-themed cruise aboard the Virginia Dare are just a few of the exciting features of this beloved weekend-long celebration.
“Pirate Days has grown bigger every year thanks to the recognition by area businesses as well as the visitors to the lake,” says Stamus.
The weekend kicks off with live music and drink specials at lake restaurants including Jake’s Place and Hot Shots. Saturday attendees can partake in any number of pirate-themed activities, from face painting and treasure hunts for the kids to a mock pirate ship battle between Bay Roc’s Revenge and Capt. Party.
“After the battle, the pirates will come ashore for a bounty or rum and food and harass the guests,” says Tom Gordon, owner of Jake’s Place. As former chair of the chamber’s “Visions Committee” that developed the idea for Pirates Weekend, Gordon has been involved with the event since the very beginning. “In addition our staff will dress up like pirates and have several contests.”
And, of course, no pirate celebration would be complete without a few eye patches and bandanas. Dress up as your favorite scallywag for special discounts all weekend!
Pirate Days is so much more than a celebration of swashbucklers and walking the plank. “This is a lake-wide event, not just a single event in one location of Smith Mountain Lake,” says Stamus.
This year, Humana is a Bronze sponsor of Pirate Days, joining Conspirator sponsors Heavy Seas, Jake’s Place, Capt. Party, and SMLPBA. Now in its fourth season, Pirate Days continues to be “an investment for the future of the lake,” according to Gordon.
“The lake is the draw, but add all the activities and it becomes a family destination year after year,” says Gordon. “It gives visitors a good impression of what the lake is all about: fun, fun, fun!”
For more information and a list of all the pirate happenings, visit www.visitsmithmountainlake.com.
