FORT WALTON BEACH — The Billy Bowlegs Pirates Festival is again coming to Okaloosa County.
The festival will be held May 14-18 in Fort Walton Beach.
”This family-friendly, pirate themed celebration is in its 70th year,” the Billy Bowlegs website says. “The festival features the Pre-Invasion on Thursday night, a Pirate Skirmish between the Krewe of Bowlegs and the mayor of Fort Walton Beach on Friday night, the Pirate Landing when Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe attempt to capture the city and mayor on Saturday afternoon, and the celebratory Torchlight Parade on Monday night.”
On Thursday, May 14th, Capt. Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe arrive aboard their pirate ship parade float. The float will be located at the south end of Ferry Road Southeast, near U.S. 98.
“(On Friday), Captain Billy and some of his Krewe arrive by water at Fort Walton Beach Landing to scout the city prior to their invasion on Saturday,” the website says. “There will also be food and beverage vendors, an arts and crafts festival and live music. The evening will end with a fireworks show over Santa Rosa Sound.”
The pirate invasion will occur on Saturday with various activities happening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The invasion will take place at 131 Brooks St. SE.
The festival will conclude with a torchlight parade on Monday at 7 p.m. The parade will be located at Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street.
“The Torchlight Parade concludes the festival. Captain Billy and the entire Krewe of Bowlegs will be aboard their five floats and anchor the parade to celebrate Captain Billy Bowleg’s 70th annual capture of Fort Walton Beach!” The website says. “As they make their way up Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach, they’ll be sharing their loot with those cheering them on.”
For the full schedule of events, visit https://www.billybowlegsfestival.com.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival storming into Fort Walton Beach in May
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
