The third annual Tennessee Pirate Fest is on the horizon. This outdoor regional daytime costume-play entertainment-oriented festival will come to life in Harriman at the Tennessee Medieval Faire grounds--just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek. Patrons will feel transported to the fictional Caribbean town of Port Royale in the Tortugas, circa 1700-1800’s.
“The Governor of Port Royale is celebrating his birthday and everyone is invited including pirates! Come enjoy great entertainment and hours of fun,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager and Entertainment Director.
Rotating on several stages will be professional musical and comedy acts. Nautical, Celtic, and Caribbean music will be performed by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers, The CrossJacks, steel drum by PanEZ Steelband and Vere Henry, The Minstrel Rav’n, Black Mash Hollow, and Sabrina Duvall. Portable benches will be available for seating, but patrons are welcome to bring lawn chairs for their comfort. Performing interactive comedy shows will be The Tortuga Twins (PG), Einstein Simplified (performing as Blackbeard Simplified), and Up Down Go (a circus duo). Some of the acts will be different each weekend, and schedules will be available online and at the entrance.
Although costumes are not required to enjoy the festival, patrons are encouraged to dress in costume and enter the patron Costume Contest. This will be held twice a day with contestants grouped by age (4 and under, 5-12, 13+), and winners will be determined by audience applause. Patrons will also be encouraged to share their talents on stage in the Pirate Gong Show to join a pirate crew. New entertainment this year will include Tales of the True Pyrates, by the Trenton Street Irregulars, where patrons will learn about actual pirates. Other shows will include Pirate School, Folk Tales and Fairy Tales, the Royal Variety Show, and Combat Croquet performed by the Royal Players interactive street characters. There will also be a daily parade and on Saturdays the Bucketeers will be participating.
Available for the brave of heart will be a trick or treat Trail of Doom (PG). This is a 7-10 minute walk in the woods with slightly spooky displays and interactive characters giving out candy. Other free activities include corn hole, volleyball, croquet, tetherball, stocks, and steel drum. There will be other games to play for $1 each and a treasure hunt for $2.
Merchants will help create the village by selling custom crafts such as chainmaille, leather, and jewelry. Delicious food will be available including smoked BBQ, turkey legs, ribs, grilled brats, gyros, Bourbon chicken and rice, Philly steak and chicken sandwiches, homemade ice cream, Dixie fried donuts, cobblers, fresh fruit, shaved ice, and hot and cold beverages (including beer--21+ years with valid ID). A list of vendors and their fare can be found on the festival website.
The media are invited to take sneak-peek pictures at the final dress rehearsal on October 6, from 3-5pm ET, at the festival site, meeting in the pub tent. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP.
The Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on October 13-14, 20-21, from 11am-6pm ET. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman. Free field parking is provided. Ticket prices are $16 for ages 13+, $8 for ages 5 to 12; and free admission for ages 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit. Ticket prices include sales tax; however, a $2 convenience fee will be added per total transaction for credit usage. There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience.
Festival safety rules include no pets (service animals only), no firearms or sharp weapons (all stage weapons must be sheathed and zip tied), and no outside food or drinks. There will be no onsite public camping, but a motel discount is available with free breakfast at the Baymont Inn in Harriman (call 865-590-9097 with promo code LKDE).
For more information, please visit www.TNPirateFest.com, like the Tennessee Pirate Fest on Facebook, or call 865-376-0319.
Get Yer Pirate On!
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