Boyne City Pirate Fest sets sail with swashbuckling fun

1 month ago 41

BOYNE CITY — The Boyne City Pirate Fest has kicked off, bringing adventure and excitement to all pirate enthusiasts.

With a lineup of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Treasure Town, USA.

Festivities begin Thursday, with the Pirate Princess and Queen Pageant. From 6 -10 p.m., head to the Entertainment Tent in Sunset Park for the crowning of the Pirate Fest Princess and Queen, who will reign over Treasure Town and Lake Charlevoix.

On Friday, The Invasion begins! At 7 p.m., decorate your ship and join the fun as pirates invade Boyne City by way of a flotilla led by the 95-foot schooner "Madeline" and the Little Traverse Bay Ferry. Watch the pirates disembark at Sunset Park and begin their search for treasure.

The 95-foot schooner "Madeline" will take part in the Boyne City Pirate Fest fun.

The 95-foot schooner "Madeline" will take part in the Boyne City Pirate Fest fun.

From 6-11 p.m., there will be live entertainment under the tent with "The Remedee!" and the Eagles Club will also host a pirate costume contest with prizes and drink specials starting at 6 p.m.

The PirateFest Parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, traveling down Lake Street and ending at Veterans Park. The Cap'n Kid's Fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Old City Park with treasure hunts, crafts, face painting, juggling and more.

From 12-6 p.m., join in the Pirate River Raft Adventure featuring pirates, mermaids and water battles. Live entertainment and street shows will start at noon in Sunset Park, with nonstop fun including sword swallowing, juggling, acrobats and escape artists.

Led by festival organizer Scott MacKenzie, young pirates yell a battle cry at the Battle of Boyne River at Boyne City's Pirate Fest in 2023.

Led by festival organizer Scott MacKenzie, young pirates yell a battle cry at the Battle of Boyne River at Boyne City's Pirate Fest in 2023.

The Kids Pirate Costume Parade will take place at 1 p.m. in Old City Park, and then at 3 p.m. people will gather in Old City Park to lead a march to drive the pirates out, culminating in a reenactment of the famous "Battle of the Boyne River."

For more details on the swashbuckling fun, visit boynecitypiratefest.com.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 2024 Boyne City Pirate Fest sets sail with swashbuckling fun