The Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous will continue a tradition of fundraising for local non-profits when the event returns on Saturday, June 24; announcing three area food support groups as primary beneficiaries.

Proceeds from a variety of fundraising efforts before and during the event will go to benefit the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Newcastle, Blessings in a Backpack in Jefferson, and Feed Our Scholars in Wiscasset. Blessings in a Backpack and Feed Our Scholars are both programs that provide weekend meals and other sustenance to school children.

“Children have always been a part of this event, which is one of the reasons we selected the two school programs,” said Charlie Herrick of Schooner Landing, the event host. "We've always liked the idea that the children participating in the Pirate Rendezvous are also benefiting other children through the funds raised for these non-profits."

The 2017 Pirate Rendezvous will have a focus on activities at the Pirate Bazaar located at Schooner Landing, including music, pirate re-enactments, pirate history exhibits, non-profit fundraising as well as food and beverage service.

There will also be plenty of action and activities for little buccaneers, including the pirate invasion, when the Mystic Pirates O' the Damariscotta arrive in an armed sailboat.

The Pirate Bazaar will open at 10 a.m., with pirates attacking at high noon and invading the village with their numbers bolstered by young pirates who will join the crew. There will be a Kid Pirates Costume Contest at 2 p.m. at the Bazaar. Schooner Landing will provide musical entertainment through the day, and the pirates will create their “Tortuga Village” with exhibits, games and other activities. Activities will continue at the Pirate Bazaar until 4 p.m.

While Schooner Landing will now host the event, Pirate Rendezvous originator Greg Latimer will still be on hand to assist with both preparations before the event and operations during the event.

More announcements regarding the Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous will be forthcoming soon. For further information on the Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Greg Latimer at 207-380-9912 or greglatimercontact@gmail.com.