The main event was set at 4-7 p.m. but as early as 2 p.m., Park Ranger Nancy Kelchner already had her hands full teaching the children how to make, design and color pirate hats.
The children were given pirate names and eye patches to wear. They were also taught how to handle “pirate swords” made of paper and cardboards. Pirate arts and crafts from recyclable materials were also available for the children.
Guests were treated to a 1944 pirate movie, “The Princess and the Pirate,” at the Visitor Center on Saturday afternoon. The movie starred Bob Hope and Virginia Mayo and was free for the public.
It was the fourth “Talk Like a Pirate Night” held by the park.
Kelchner said school programs for the “Talk Like a Pirate” month are still ongoing, Mondays through Fridays, until Oct. 5.
Students can participate in pirate-related activities including pirate science, history, social and language studies, pirate math, games and looking for buried loot.
Kelchner said the “Talk Like a Pirate Day” started after two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers, started encouraging each other in pirate slang while playing racquetball on June 6, 1995.
Kelchner said American Memorial Park will be hosting more events for the community.
The next event will be the “Trunk or Treat” event for Halloween next month.
“We appreciate the participation of the community in all the events we are preparing because these are all for you,” Kelchner said.
For more information, call Kelchner at 234-7207 ext. 2020.
