Weekender is busting out with excitement because Pirates Week, presented by SaxonMG, is now in full swing. We have been cultivating a beard for ages in preparation (like, six years) and although it still looks like we’ve been attacked with some iron filings and a magnet at least we can say we’ve made the effort.
Friday, 11 November
If you are into the 5k run – and let’s face it, why would you not be? – you’re going to want to register between 3.30pm and 4.45pm. And it’s the first real athletic moment of the week – starting from Bayshore Mall at 5pm. For those more interested in exercising the elbow muscles, the party really does get going from 5.30pm with the Happy Hour and Pirates Rock at the Hard Rock Cafe. Guess where Weekender is going to be?
The Pirate Costume Competition is always a great one that showcases the wonderful invention of pirates young, old, male and female as they vie to be crowned as the best costume. This Home Gas-sponsored contest takes place at the Goring Avenue stage from 6pm onwards and the organisers tell us that it’s all about discovering your inner Pirate-ittude. Should be very colourful indeed – as will the fireworks, which begin at 7.30pm at Harbour Drive. They’re provided by Cayman Fire Power and sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Atlantic Star, Margaritaville, Hammerheads and the Hard Rock Cafe. Standing on the street surrounded by pirates, their wenches, kids and dogs, gazing over the Caribbean Sea as these ultra-colourful bangs and whistles whizz and fizz over your head is something that’s got a hint of the surreal about it, which is why it’s such a brilliant experience.
The sounds are going to be sweeter still at 8pm as the Budweiser-sponsored Pirates Week Song Contest takes place. These talented acts will be presenting their specially-composed songs to a packed crowd. Who will be the winner? Who will take the people’s choice crown? As Bob Marley sang – Time Will Tell. And when Bob say it, you better listen, BoBo.
From 9pm onwards the traditional street dance and food festival rules the roost. It’s traditionally a lot of fun, with fab local eats on offer plus a chance to compare costumes and show the lasses exactly what moves you can do with your cutlass. And thus Pirates Week truly does start to ramp up the absolute excitement for all the family.
Saturday, 12 November
Another extremely popular event is the 5k Sea Swim, which begins at the excellent hour of 8am. There’s really nothing better to wake up those aching limbs than getting into that amazing water we have and tuning in to the sounds of the sea. Timeless, healthy and a good dose of competition too. Wonderful, in other words.
And then, it’s the big guns. Harbour Drive will be full of people readying themselves for the vibrancy of the day and to entertain them there will be a whole host of exciting performers on show, from 2pm. This pre-landing entertainment will feature some of the most engaging acts ever drawn to these fair shores for Cayman’s National Festival so get down early and experience what a party really can be all about. Expect tightrope walkers, jet skis, dancers, swordfighters and freerunner Ryan Doyle courtesy of those fine folks at Red Bull. If you’ve never seen what a free runner can do then stick around for this chap – you literally won’t believe what the human body is capable of clambering on, through, round and up!
And then there’s the landing pageant at Hog Sty Bay followed by the float parade, sponsored by Davenport Development and Flowers Foam. This scenario is always a well-acted out one. Basically, those roughneck pirates invade these fair shores and take ‘the governor’ hostage and terrorising all and sundry before the gallant redcoats recapture them. That’s the short version! It really is an unmissable display of acting skills, crazy-eyed pirates and noble loyal troops and it’s a whole lot of fun, starting at 3pm. Immediately after the landing is the long-awaited float parade. These floats will be designed and dressed by public and private entities, schools, offices, firms and every section of the community – the theme this year is Cayman’s Marine Life, so it’s going to be exceptionally colourful and amazingly delivered as ever.
After all that excitement the evening runs on with another street dance and food festival and for the kids the Teen Up Teen Disco at Cayman Craft Market. Strictly no adults allowed, except for the excellent staff whose job it is to keep things safe and happy for the youngsters. Always a very popular event, this starts at 7pm.
Sunday, 13 November
Lionfish are on the menu first thing – or, to be exact, it’s the start of the Pirates Week lionfish culling competition, from 7.30am. Take your opportunity to assist in ridding Cayman of this invasive menace. From midday onwards, the entertainment is focused on the Children’s Fun Fair at Camana Bay, sponsored by Progressive Distributors and Cayman 27. Be there when the Seattle Seafarer Pirates invade Camana Bay, bringing with them swashbuckling fun and games including a bouncy castle, mask making, a costume competition, crafts and more. Families will have fun playing with adorable dogs from the Cayman Islands Humane Society while learning about the shelter’s adoption, fostering and sleepover programmes. Kids will also enjoy a free BBQ courtesy of Rotary, too. There’s loads more of course so head down any time until 4pm. And don’t forget the always-fun and sometimes silly Underwater Treasure Hunt at DiveTech, West Bay. That begins at 1pm.
At 3pm, the Surrender the Booty boat cruise casts off its anchors. This one’s sponsored by Coconut Joe’s and Tropicana. And to round off an eco-friendly Sunday, Cayman Turtle Farm’s sponsored turtle release is at Safehaven at 4pm. They’re being released into the North Sound, which has a large expanse of turtle grass for them to feed on. The green sea turtles released this year are both hatchlings and yearlings and can be sponsored by locals.
Upcoming events
Heritage Days rule the week with Bodden Town/Savannah on Monday, 14th November, George Town on Tuesday, 15th. East End on Wednesday, 16th, West Bay on Thursday, 17th and North Side on Friday, 18th.
There’s also the Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet at the Lions Pool starting at 3.30pm on Wednesday, 16 November. and running through the next weekend. The Hard Rock Cafe has a live music night on Wednesday, too, with steak and ribs and the whole deal starting at 7pm. Yum!
Check out next week’s Weekender for much more on the events taking place on Saturday, 19 November and Sunday, 20 November. Until then, keep it Pirate!
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