This upcoming weekend, Belhaven will host its 15th annual Pirates on the Pungo event, bringing residents from all over the county and eastern NC to the “Birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway.”

On Saturday, at high noon, there will be a “pirate march” in which residents, mostly children, will dress up as pirates and will march together and seize the town hall, kidnap Mayor Adam O’Neal and lead him to the pirate encampment.

There has been a lot of preparation and dedication by the town for this event to be possible. Like always, it is important for residents to come out and support local events and communities. There are activities that cost money, but there are plenty that do not. Regardless of finances, everyone can come out and enjoy Pirates on the Pungo.

Diana Lambeth and Jimmie Southerland have worked tirelessly to make this event bigger and better than ever this year. Captain Ben Bunn with his ship, the Ada Mae, and Captain Horatio Sinbad, with the Meka II, will meet on the waters of Pantego Creek and the Pungo River for a simulated pirate battle, firing at each other. The Ada Mae, built in Rose Bay in 1915, is the last of the working skipjacks built in the bay. This could be an opportunity to witness a piece of history. There will also be a Scalawag school for children in which youngsters can learn how to be a pirate. This would be a perfect way to have your kids exposed to something interesting that they would not normally get to do or be around.

The event draws boaters — from dinghy boats to keel boats — all up and down the east coast. Boating is a huge hobby—no, boating is a way of life in Beaufort County. So, again, those with boats, rev up your engines and come out to support Belhaven.

Saturday is projected to be a beautiful day. So get on your eye patches and pirate attire, strap on your wooden legs and get ready to celebrate the origins of the town of Belhaven. There is something going on at Pirates on the Pungo that appeals to those of all ages and interests.