When locals start freely using "ahoy," "avast" and "arrrr" in casual conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 19, remember: It's only International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Invented in 1995, the unofficial holiday began as an inside joke, yet in recent years has gained in popularity. In Oklahoma City, the day does not go unnoticed.
EDUCATION
For the fourth year in a row, Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker, will hold a treasure-laden Talk Like a Pirate Day Celebration, complete with:
" a costume contest,
" a craft and
" a screening of old pirate-themed cartoons.
Preregistration is required for the 6:30-8:30 p.m. event.
"It was kinda successful last year," said John Hilbert, young adult services librarian. "We started it a couple of years and it went nowhere, but it's been building."
Hilbert said the event will feature a library scavenger hunt geared toward younger teens and kids, with all the clues "written in piratese, with pirattitude."
"It's just a fun-for-the-whole-family, camp thing," he said.
ENTERTAINMENT
In Norman, The Deli, 309 White, will host a night of spirited entertainment with musical acts The Pirate Band and The Rum Fellows.
Beforehand, The Rum Fellows have organized a "Pirate Pub Crawl," and are asking interested parties to dress like a pirate and meet at 6:30 p.m. at Kenny Hall's Hall of Tattoos, 328 E. Main, to embark on a six-bar tour of preshow merriment.
And from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, FoxMoon Productions will host an early, kid-friendly Pirate Day celebration at Java Dave's, 9 S. Broadway in Edmond.
"It's just gonna be a pirate hangout, pretty much," said FoxMoon's Angela Mullens. "Rod Lott
