The Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous will end on a somber note this year, with a ceremony to honor the memory of two pirate re-enactor captains who passed away during the winter months. The ceremony, including a small arms salute and pirate flag folding, will take place at approximately 4 p.m. at the Pirate Bazaar located in the Schooner Landing parking lot. The public is invited to attend. The Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous is scheduled for Sat., June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pirates attacking at high noon.

Bloodthirsty Barbara (Barbara Tomlinson) of the Maine-based Dark Rose Pirates and Capt. Ann Flynte (Donna Keniston) of the New Hampshire-based Black Rose Privateers II both played important roles in the Damariscotta River Pirate Rendezvous.

Bloodthirsty Barbara was the pirate captain who led the invasion of Damariscotta since the first Pirate Rendezvous in 2008. She would lead the waterborne invasion aboard the 57-foot armed yawl S/V Must Roos, a vessel she helped build and that bears a name meaning “Dark Rose” in Estonian, Bloodthirsty’s heritage. She was well-known to crowds for her trademark red hair, flashing smile, and an opaque left eye with a black iris.

Capt. Ann Flynte and her Black Rose Privateers have been responsible for the defense of Battery Point, the artillery shore battery on the marina jetty in Newcastle. While their defense has always been staunch, the event script always calls for their summary defeat, after which they join the invading pirates to search for hidden treasure in the Twin Villages. Capt. Flynte and her privateers were well known for the detailed and educational weapons demonstration they provided during the morning hours of the Pirate Rendezvous.

The Pirate Rendezvous is the primary fundraiser for Lincoln County Family Holiday Wishes, a food and gift drive that benefited over 500 local children and their families during the Christmas season last year. Many area residents are familiar with Family Holiday Wishes through the pink and blue Wish Tags they distribute each year, with each tag representing the hopeful wish of a local child in need.

This year area non-profits are invited “join the crew and share the treasure,” raising money in support of their efforts while helping out at the Kid’s Pirate Camp located on Water Street during the event. For more information on how non-profits can become involved, contact Sally Lobkowicz at 380-3806.

The Pirate Rendezvous is a day-long family event that incorporates children in helping the Mystic Pirates find their lost treasure hidden somewhere within in-town Damariscotta. The highlight of the day is at high noon when the pirates sail up the Damariscotta River, unleashing volleys of cannon fire at defenders onshore. Once the pirates land, there will be a variety of activities in-town as the buccaneers seek their treasure. Activities will take place throughout in-town Damariscotta and Newcastle.

For information on participating in the Pirate Rendezvous as a volunteer or sponsor, please contact Latimer at 207-380-9912 or greglatimer@yahoo.com. To learn more about the event visit www.piraterendezvous.com