Pirate Fest

Pirates show off their weapons during a skirmish at the Lock House Museum during Pirate Fest Weekend in Havre de Grace Saturday. (Nicole Munchel | Aegis staff, Patuxent Homestead / July 14, 2012)

The rain stayed away Saturday, as pirates flocked to the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House's fifth Pirate Fest in Havre de Grace.

The annual event brought out many young buccaneers and their families to see battle reenactments hear pirate tales and learn a few tricks of the trade from experts.

Several tents were set up outside the museum, some selling goods, such as pirate flags and accessories, others with "pirates" who were taking a break from their plundering to educate the kids about pirate life.

Dave Morris, of Chester Township, Pa., sat under a shady tree as he smoked a pipe and enjoyed the day.

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Morris, who also goes by Blackleg Davey, said he goes to these type of reenactment events a few times every year and "enjoys it immensely."

"I like to get suited up and show people what real pirates look like," he said.

Morris explained the difference between pirate styles he sees most often: authentic, those who sew their own clothes and carry real weapons; party, those who carry containers on their belt to hold liquor or the "Jack Sparrow types;" and fantasy pirates, who, Morris says, wear the vinyl costumes, bustiers and heavy makeup.

He explained that he bases his outfit on the period known as the golden age of pirates, which was between 1700 and 1720 and when notorious pirate Blackbeard roamed the seas.

"Once I started getting into this a couple years ago, reading books and researching, it just sucked me in," Morris said.

Kenny "Crimson" Miller manned a nearby table with naval weapons of the era.

The Elkridge resident, who is also a history buff, was teaching some youngsters about common weapons that would be found on a ship and how they were used.

He showed off a blunderbuss, Dutch for "thunder gun," which has a wide mouth and would be stuffed with nails, rocks, broken glass or anything a pirate could find to harm his enemy.

Miller also explained pirate fighting tactics.

He said a pirate would shoot his pistol, which could only hold one shot, dump it and then attack his counterpart with his cutlass.

Blackbeard, Miller said, would carry six pistols with him at a time.

The ship's flag was equally as important as the weapons the pirate carried.

"Their arsenal was intimidation," Miller said. "The black flag meant 'no mercy.'"

Several bands played sea shanties and period music to entertain attendees as they roamed the grounds.

Kingsville-based band Caydence performed under a tent, their sound made up of a violin, accordion and guitar.

Band Scales and Crosstones, from Silver Spring, also played throughout the day - in pirate garb, of course.