www.beaufortseaport.com

For Immediate Release

May 23, 2010

Ready A-A-Aarrgh Not!

BEAUFORT, NC – Never ever duplicated, the Beaufort Pirate Invasion is scheduled for August 13 and 14, 2010.

For the 2010 Beaufort Pirate Invasion, the oldest North Carolina seaport is authentically transformed while reliving the actual invasion of its Colonial past. It becomes 1747, and the streets bustle with activity as news spreads of Spanish privateers stealing command of supply ships in Beaufort Harbor. Beaufort and its people can expect to be targeted next!

At the Beaufort Historic Site in the center of downtown, an authentic Pirate Encampment is active on Friday evening and all day Saturday with Brethren of the Coast and a fascinating variety of wenches. Shrimp baskets, hot dogs and grog are served here Friday night to anyone with the coin of the realm starting at 5:00 PM

Saturday (August14), beginning at 1:00 PM, the Beaufort Pyrate Invasion occurs!

It begins with the Pirates Procession along the downtown waterfront to Pollock Street where, in 1747, the town militia met the long boat of Spanish pirate invaders set on pillaging the town. Around 1:30 PM, cannons will be firing on the town, muskets on land will be countering, and the melee will begin!

History records that nearly 100 local farmers and townsfolk joined the small band of militiamen in defense of the town. The result was victory over the invading pirates! It is said that some of the pirates were buried in the Old Burying Grounds where they remain today.

Following the Invasion, there will be a public trial and other occurrences appropriate for a 1747 Pirate Invasion. The day concludes with a celebration of the town’s victory at the Beaufort Historic Site starting at 5:00 PM. Barbecue and grog is available for purchase, and everyone celebrates like pirates!

Summon your crew for August 13-14 in Beaufort. It’s great excitement and fun for all. No disappointments, Matey!

The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is an annual event of the Beaufort Business Association. Tickets to food events will be available at the Beaufort Historic Site. For more information, call 252-728-3988. For a taste of things to come, visit www.beaufortpirateinvasion.com. Accommodations and complete information are on the web site.

The annual upkeep on the boat is estimated at around $20,000. But you know what BOAT stands for right? “Bring on another thousand” is what I always hear from my friends that are boat owners. So once the grant is up, town commissioners will likely be asking to raise taxes to pay for the boat and officer, both of which are only used half of the year.

Wasn’t it the Town of Beaufort that was having such a hard time paying for badly needed sewer upgrades not that long ago? Now they’re going to spend more money on an item that is going to cost money, and sits unused half the year. Hmm, makes good fiscal sense, doesn’t it?

Aren’t there Marine Fisheries officers that patrol the waters in and around the town? I think I remember them stopping me while fishing in Beaufort, so I know they’re actively patrolling the area. If the board of commissioners and Police Department feel they’re not doing enough, perhaps they should ask Gov. Perdue why they aren’t. It appears to me that the majority of the funds raised from saltwater fishing licenses has went to buying boats and hiring Marine Fisheries officers, so there should be plenty of them around to keep Beaufort safe.

Officials closed the bridge from Morehead to Beaufort for most of the day, but have re-opened it.

Port representatives explained they were aware of the shipment, and had extra security in place. If you recall PETN was one of the substances used by the Nigerian terrorist on Christmas day in his attempt to blow up a flight to Detroit on Northwestern Airlines. According to Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones, the spill appears to be an accident and not an act of terrorism.

From what I can read on this material, its pretty benign until mixed with other chemicals to then make it highly explosive. However if it is contaminated with sand, dirt, or grit it can become explosive. I also read that if the material is deemed as waste, it is potentially regulated as a HAZARDOUS WASTE!

I sure hope it is properly cleaned up and disposed of. Our fragile coastal estuarine waters that surround us in Carteret County are already stressed enough. We really can’t afford to allow any more contaminants find their way into our coastal environment. Our ecosystem is the main attraction for visitors to our area, and it’s also how many of our local residents make a living.

Surprisingly, the only thing I saw people complaining about was the traffic rerouting. Well I’m sure that is annoying, but let’s also remember to keep in our natural environment in mind when allowing businesses and government decide what is coming into or out of our port.

Chances are there far more toxic chemicals coming and leaving our port everyday. What will we do when there’s a larger spill of a more toxic chemical that decimates one of our beloved fisheries, or makes the water unsafe for recreation? Food for thought.

I had to park about three blocks from the courthouse this morning. I thought I was going to be late, but I was right on time. But the courtroom was full and had became standing room only.

After standing in line for about an hour, I was finally able to resolve my legal matter. The judge was extremely polite to everyone who came before him. Even though there seemed to be a never-ending line. He was also very fair in my opinion, and he may have instilled a sliver of confidence in our legal system in me.

But mainly just be warned of the parking situation up there, I mean it’s a zoo in Beaufort at 9am around the Carteret County Courthouse. Usually arriving early is enough, but here you need to get to the courthouse by about 8:30am to be on the safe side.

If you do have to go to court, I wish you the best of luck with your case though.

The flotillas that take place along the Crystal Coast tend to help you get in the holiday spirit pretty quickly. It really is a sight to see all of the different boats cruise by illuminating the night with their Christmas lights. I’ve never been to the one in Morehead City and Beaufort. But I’m certain there will be big boats as well as little decked out with all of the usual holiday gear.

Ususally though, from my own observations of the Swansboro Flotilla there will be one or two boats that are comletely unique, creatively done, or have some extremely comical quality about them that they could be considered works of art.

If you’ve never caught one of them I would reccommend checking out this year’s Crystal Coast Flotilla. There is going to prizes and great fun for all ages at a party as well. For more information on the boat parade please call 252-728-2762.