This past Saturday, down a gravel road in Harriman, Tenn., a festival that strives to bring in visitors of all ages to partake in a celebration of the pirate life was held. The event, Tennessee Pirate Fest, returned for its third year as one of the area’s most unique celebrations.
The festival showcased vendors and performers, all of whom dressed and behaved just as pirates would have. The festival also invited attendees of all ages to come in costume and enjoy the festival in character.
Pirate Fest featured special performances including Kombat Kroquet, a show about noblemen playing a game of croquet until the pirates show up to join in. Interactive performances like an improv comedy show that brought audience members up to participate in the fun were also part of the entertainment. Storytelling performances for children, pirate-themed games and multiple musical acts were also offered for festival-goers.
Hundreds of pirates, some actors, and some visitors walked around the grounds adding to the atmosphere of the festival. Some performers played games with guests, others had conversations and some were at the tavern which made it feel as if you were actually in the Caribbean walking amongst the pirates of the time.
Among the performers and scattered around the festival were vendors selling pirate-related crafts. April Crout, vendor at the festival and owner of floral business, Crout Farm in Kingston, Tenn., explained why she thought the Pirate Fest was worth visiting.
“It’s unique. You don’t have too many opportunities like this around where we live, and so it’s a fun time to come and visit,” Crout said. She has been coming for several years with her family, and her son has been a performer in the festival shows for several years as well. Crout explained that what she enjoyed about the festival was that it was unlike any other festival she had been to in the area and that she liked seeing everyone coming out and celebrating the pirate life.
Barrie Paulson, creator of the festival, has planned numerous family-friendly events, but Pirate Fest is one of the only festivals that offers attendees the opportunity to escape from life and be transported to a different time period.
“People like festivals. People like family-oriented events, and there wasn’t a pirate festival so we thought there was an opportunity,” Paulson explained. Paulson described her vision for Pirate Fest’s future, saying that she hopes the festival will continue to grow and that it becomes a major festival in the country.
Pirate Fest will continue through next weekend on Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information about location, parking, safety and more can be found on the festival’s website.
