Fri, 04/10/2015 - 13:56

Greg Latimer

Broadside! Game: One of the favorite games at the Kids Pirate Camp is Broadside! in which children are able to use bean bags to knock down targets on a large wooden pirate ship. Broadside! was built by Michael Morrison of Bristol and is sponsored by Hillside Collision Center of Waldoboro. Volunteers from nonprofits will be able to assist children with enjoying Broadside! and many other games and activities at the Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous in Damariscotta on Saturday, June 20. Courtesy of Greg Latimer

The Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous has announced two new primary beneficiaries for the event: the Ecumenical Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event is also seeking additional non-profits to join the Pirate Rendezvous as secondary beneficiaries.

“Our objective is to create an event that encourages the participation of, and fundraising for, a wide range of local nonprofits,” said Pirate Rendezvous event director Greg Latimer.

“All of our beneficiaries are event participants,” Latimer said. Big Brothers Big Sisters is providing volunteers to help support general operations and activities at the Pirate Bazaar. The Ecumenical Food Pantry is providing volunteers and logistical support at the Kid’s Pirate Camp.

“What we’re looking for are additional nonprofits, or individuals who would like to benefit a nonprofit, to sign up for a four-hour shift helping out with games and activities,” Latimer said.

When the event is over and the “treasure” counted, it will be shared out based on shifts covered by the non-profits and their supporters. Non-profits will also be welcome to distribute information while working at the event.

“I like to call it a bake sale without the bake, or the sale,” Latimer said. “All that folks have to do is get on the volunteer schedule, show up for their shift, help with a game or activity, and take their share of the treasure. The more volunteers we get, the more games and activities we can open, and the more profits for everybody. And nobody has to worry about unsold bakery goods, not selling enough baked goods to make a profit; or even baking them in the first place.”

A complete written outline of the share out system and how nonprofits and their supporters can join the crew may be obtained from Pirate Rendezvous event director Greg Latimer by telephoning 207-380-9912.

Buccaneers and belly dancers, as played by reenactors from throughout the New England area, will converge on Lincoln County on June 20 to participate in the Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous.

The day-long event begins at 8 a.m. with a Pirate Pancake Breakfast at the Damariscotta Baptist Church. At 10 a.m. piratical activities open throughout the in-town areas of Damariscotta and Newcastle. The event highlight comes at noon, when the Mystic Pirates O’ the Damariscotta rise from the depths of history, sail in aboard their armed 57-foot sailing vessel, and invade the twin villages of Damariscotta and Newcastle.

The invading pirates are joined by upward of 1,000 children, adorned in pirate costumes, who help the Mystic Pirates search for their hidden treasure, and then share a portion of the loot.

A Pirate Bazaar located at the riverside Schooner Landing Restaurant & Marina will feature themed retail stands and day-long music and entertainment. Children will be able to enjoy a variety of games at the Kid’s Pirate Camp on Water Street. Both of these venues open at 10 a.m.

Businesses and restaurants throughout in-town Damariscotta and Newcastle will also be in on the fun, with pirate themed specials and décor.

The Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous opens at runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with pirates attacking at high noon on June 20. There is no charge for admission.

For more information on the Pirate Rendezvous, check www.piraterendezvous.com or contact Greg Latimer (the pirate “Scribe”) at 207-380-9912 or greglatimer@yahoo.com.