The second annual Tall Ships At Cape Charles Festival will take place June 14-16.
The festival presents a rare opportunity to get “up close and personal” by providing the public a chance to explore the decks and meet the crews of magnificent tall ships and encounter roving pirates, costumed Elizabethan re-enactors, musicians, arts and crafts vendors and all kinds of family fun throughout the picturesque small town and harbor.
“Haul a yard-arm! Sing a rollicking sea chanty!” Eastern Shore Virginia Festivals (ESVAF) has organized three days of exciting events for visitors of all ages. A complete roster of events is online at http://www.tallshipscapecharles.com.
In addition to touring the decks and taking two-hour tall ship day sails on the Chesapeake Bay, there will be non-stop music and entertainment ranging from sea shantys by strolling maritime singers, Bob Zentz, Gus the Bardic Troubadore and Carol and Malcolm, to lively sets by Three Sheetz, Champagne, Don Fogle, Bob Rankin, Chip Blackwell and the Shoreliners, Loaded Goat and Mike Hawker.
A colorful troupe of Elizabethan re-enactors from Historic Interpretations, Inc., Raleigh, NC will again recreate life of the 16th Century.
The Festival Marketplace will offer arts and crafts for sale, including folk art by Mama Girl; wearable art by Katherine Kiss; garden art by Mytnik; dog treats by Old Town Petnerez; jewelry and painting from Creations by Chris; and wares from The Doll House, Trinees Trinkets, Treats and Things; Ye Olde Oar House and Eastern Shore Photos.
A town-wide pirate festival sponsored by Citizens For Central Park on Saturday, June 15, features cannons, carts and costumes, plus a treasure hunt and, from 6-10 pm, a Pirate & Wenches Ball.
No festival is complete without delectable food, and this festival has got it all: ribs, soul food, Greek food, pizza, ice cream and ices. Children may make and sail a model boat, take pony rides, make their own candy and meet friendly critters at a petting zoo.
This year’s festival delivers three tall ships, the schooners Alliance, Sultana and Virginia, plus the Buy Boat F.D. Crockett and the sailboat Apostle, over three days of fun for all ages, with deck tours and day sails. Last year’s day sails sold out, so visitors are encouraged to book early at http://www.tallshipscapecharles.com.
“Cape Charles, the Eastern Shore’s deep water Harbor To Hospitality, is small town America the way it used to be, with charming, tree-lined avenues, restaurants, galleries and boutiques,” event officials say.
Tall Ships At Cape Charles festival hours are Friday, June 14 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a Welcome Ceremony at 7 p.m; Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All events are rain or shine.
