Victoria, B.C./Sarah Henderson – Buccaneer Days is going on now through Sunday, June 10th 2012. It is taking place at the Archie Browning Sports Center in Esquimalt. I had the opportunity to check it out on Saturday in what seemed to be a great family friendly event. My day kicked off with a filling pancake and sausage breakfast that although there was a bit of a wait (because it was free) it was very well worth it. Following breakfast, there was a thrilling parade down Esquimalt road that had parents and children smiling from ear to ear. So many different floats and businesses from around the Victoria took part in the parade. Everywhere you looked there were fancy cars, music, clowns, mascots and of course pirates! Some of whom, were just families making the most out of the festivities and joining in on the all weekend costume contest. Everyone had the opportunity to dress like a Buccaneer pirate today and feel ok about it.
Buccaneer days is a very well attended event, and why not? There certainly was an array of activities going on for all ages. Some of the more popular were the amusement park style rides called the “Midway” that went on from 11 – 6pm. I think for future reference, it might be best to arrive earlier in the day for Midway, and then you can avoid a majority of the crowds. Also note that if the rides were your main pull for attending buccaneer days, bring cash. Debit was not offered.
Another popular set of festivities was the Arts and Crafts show sale and tea as well as the Model Train demonstration. But if that isn’t too your liking, it turns out Buccaneer days had a lot more going on than meets the eye. In the afternoon, there were a bunch of community food booths, a plant and bake sale, beer garden, ladies nail driving contest and information booths from local organizations.
If you managed to last through all the different things going on during the day, you would find night activities as well. Starting at 7 o clock, there was a Buccaneer Community Dance for families of all ages and a free outdoor movie at 9:30.
For more information on Buccaneer Days and to see the Sunday schedule of events, visit www.esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca
