The air surrounding Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing will fill with the sounds of cannon fire and singing pirates this weekend when York County presents Pirates Invade Yorktown.
“Kids love pirates. People love pirates,” York County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Event Planner Kevin Ritchie said. “It’s a themed event to get folks down there.”
Some may not realize how rampant piracy was around Yorktown circa 1700. As a major hub for importing and exporting products such as tobacco, it became a target for rum-filled, peg-legged pirates.
This weekend’s event puts a fun spin on history to encourage checking out local businesses and learning about the past at the adjacent Watermen’s Museum, which is helping organize the event.
“It’s very family friendly,” Ritchie said. “There’s a lot of things for kids to do.”
Attendees can enjoy encampment recreations, pirate school and more. Captain Mayhem’s Pirate Adventure Cruise will teach children how to set sails, steer the ship and fire its cannons. A treasure hunt will encourage kids to search for gold coins that they can redeem at businesses in the area. Vendors will be on site to offer refreshments.
There are events geared toward adults as well. Yorktown’s 105-foot schooner, dubbed “Alliance,” will set sail at 2 p.m. on both days, offering the older crowd a chance to get away for a moment. Saturday evening’s Captain Mayhem Schooner Soiree is a two-hour, child-free cruise with music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
The event has grown since its start seven years ago. It began as a single day celebration before encompassing two full days.
“We’ve grown this event,” Ritchie said. “It’s a neat thing. It’s a great weekend.”
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
Want to go?
Pirates Invade Yorktown runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown. For the full schedule of events and more information, call 757-890-3500 or check out visityorktown.com. Most attractions are free. Tickets for the Yorktown Pirate Ball are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; Captain Mayhem’s Schooner Soiree is $55 and spots can be reserved by calling 888-316-6422.
