Day: May 26, 2009

Pirates and buccaneers to raid Stage Fort Park June 20 – June 21

GLOUCESTER – Pastimes Entertainment has announced that their 6th annual pirate festival will take place in Gloucester this year at Stage Fort Park during June 20-21.

The New England Pirate Faire has moved to America’s Oldest Seaport to take advantage of the historical significance of Gloucester, as well as to enjoy the oceanfront view afforded by Stage Fort Park.

The annual production debuted in 2004 and has been held every year since in Salem.

Pastimes’ Creative Director David Stickney said the production’s move to Gloucester will fulfill a long term goal for the company.

“Wherever you are at Stage Fort Park, you can see the ocean. The realistic cannons at the park, the picturesque setting and the historical relevance of the park offers us the perfect backdrop for a pirate and sea-faring festival,” Stickney said.

Additionally, the move allows the company to expand the faire, which will feature over a cast of over 100 actors and musicians. The festival will also host the “Tortuga Marketplace” for vendors offering pirate clothing, prop weapons, accessories, jewelry, food, refreshments, and more.

The show will feature a scripted daylong storyline with several interactive scenes with characters drawn from literature and a different time.

The two-day event will be held on June 20 and June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and guests with a military ID and $8 for children 4-12.

Stickney is working with Linn Parisi, owner of Over the Bridge Tours of Cape Ann in order to facilitate a citywide celebration of all things pirate.

“I’m thrilled for our City that The New England Pirate Faire wants to call Gloucester its home. Stage Fort Park is a fabulous venue for pirates young and old to enjoy a weekend of family fun. Plans are in the works for Pirate Faire themed activities on land and sea to please landlubbers, scalliwags and privateers!” Parisi said.

Pastimes, an interactive theater production company based in Revere, has been producing

festivals and faires in the Boston area for over 15 years, including the Castle of the Damned held annually at the Hammond Castle in Gloucester.

“We believe this event will be a great draw to the city of Gloucester, and we appreciate the support of local businesses and residents who wish to help support the faire,” Stickney added.

Any businesses interested in vending or sponsoring portions of the festival are encouraged to contact Stickney at 781-346-1028