Head up north to the city of AuGres during the first Saturday in August where the annual AuGres Pirates Festival is being held.
Pirates in AuGres? Well, why not? If communities can celebrate perch, brown trout, Venetians and an elk, why not Pirates?
Organizers of this event are planning on throwing a party that will help draw attention to the City of Au-Gres and the great opportunities for vacations that abound in this area.
In 2007, the first year goal of organizers was to have two live bands, pirates in costume, authentic sword-fighting by a theater combat group, “Ring of Steel,” and a homemade raft building contest and race. Plans also call for a treasure hunt and adult and children’s costume contests. Food and beverage tents are also planned.
The raft-building contest promises to be the highlight of the day with entry forms requiring contestants to include several features to ensure a homemade vessel. The raft, for example, cannot have a conventional hull; it must boast its own stay afloat materials. The raft must also have a name, fly a Jolly Roger, or pirate’s flag and display citrus fruit to fight off scurvy.