VERO BEACH — From July 31 through Aug. 2, the Vero Beach Pirate Festival will mark the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the 1715 Treasure Fleet off the coast of Florida.
This fun and exciting festival was designed to bring the community together over the historical significance regarding the loss of the 1715 Treasure Fleet, and to celebrate the reason why this area is now called “The Treasure Coast.”
This three-day, family friendly event features pirate bands and performers, living history pirate encampments, pirate weapon displays, mermaids, costume contests, a little buccaneer kids zone, nautical, pirate themed and arts and crafts vendors, roving performers and live music. In addition, it will feature world famous treasure hunters, historians, artists, authors and an abundance of pirate enthusiasts that will converge to share their stories and displays depicting pirate lore and the never ending quest for gold.
Delectable seafood dishes, tasty libations, frozen treats and delicious cuisine from hand selected vendors will be on site.
There will also be pirate themed exhibitions featuring weapons, clothing and all things piratical, a Pub Pillage for pirates 21 and older to visit local establishments, and a Pirate’s Ball on Friday evening for those adult’s 18 and older.
The Vero Beach Pirate Festival is held under the shade of 300 year old oak trees at beautiful Riverside Park located at 3258 Riverside Park Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963.
Festival Hours are Friday 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festival Admission is free though a voluntary $2 “Buck-N-Ear” admission is greatly appreciated.
Looking for Treasure? Come and hear tales from modern day treasure hunters who use technology to find the lost treasure that lured Pirates to the Treasure Coast.
Shake hands with Pat Clyne, the videographer for Mel Fisher’s underwater expeditions.
Learn from the expertise of Carl Fismer, one of the most respected and knowledgeable treasure diving professionals in the world. Meet Captain Mike Daniel whose most renowned discoveries include that of Blackbeard’s flagship the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Come and meet Don Maitz, the world famous artist who created the iconic Captain Morgan Spiced Rum character as well as an enormous collection of Pirate Art. Visit with Pirate Artist Michael Noles, designer of the Blackbeard’s Booty Rum label and creator of the “High Seas Collection.”
Visit with Sir Robert F. Marx, an American scuba diver pioneer who has been described as “the true father of underwater archaeology.” He also worked on the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks and has written more than 65 books on lost treasure.
Please visit the event’s website for more information on these special guests.
The 2015 Vero Beach Pirate Fest is produced and hosted by POTTC Events, the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, Pirates of the Treasure Coast, and is proudly sponsored in part by Southern Eagle Distributing, Storm Tight Windows, Bud Light, Tobacco Free Florida, Giant Recreation World, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, the Wave 92.7, Hometown News, 94.7 Hot Country, 99.7 Jack FM, The Breeze 93.7, Oldies 103.7, Pirate Radio of the Treasure Coast, Ocean 97.1 FM, Coast 101.3 FM, 101.7 Real Radio, and iHeart Radio.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s festival will benefit local 501(c)(3) charity Save the Indian River Lagoon Estuary Now and the Indian River County Veteran’s Council. For more information visit www.verobeachpiratefest.com or contact: POTTC Events (561) 792-9260 or Email info@pottcevents.com.
