'Pirates of all ages' welcome in Alex Bay

ALEXANDRIA BAY — Families gathered at Scenic View Park Beach Sunday with their homemade rafts, many sporting pirate flags.

"They've been waiting all week to do this," Kim A. Hudon, Watertown, said of her two sons, Dylan M., 8, and Garrett M., 5. Their raft, built Saturday out of Styrofoam and covered in shrink-wrap, was decorated by the two boys.

"We tested it last night and it went really fast," said Dylan, who was ready to get in the water.

The family has been participating in the raft races during Bill Johnston's Pirate Days for years.

"My husband (Bruce F.) and I did it in the past before the boys," Mrs. Hudon said. "There is always someone from the family here to race. This is their first year, but I think the kids will take on the tradition."

Once on their raft, contestants paddle, swim and kick to get out to buoys set in the water and race back.

Gloria L. George, 60, Clayton, proudly holds the title of longest continual contestant.

"It's fun. I like it," Mrs. George said. "My kids tell me I'm crazy. I'll probably slip off like I do every year. I usually end up in the water swimming it."

Pirate Days, a 10-day event, kicked off Friday. On Saturday, pirates invaded the bay and will be around for the week performing skits, magic shows and sword-fighting demonstrations.

"It's basically an event where people can come and be a child," said Elizabeth A. Patience, chairwoman of the event. "We have pirates here of all ages. This is a chance to do something different."

Ms. Patience, who was dressed as a pirate, has even formed her own pirating group, "Pyrates of the Crimson Blade."

"It's in my blood," she said. "I guess I've always loved pirates since I was a child."

The event will wrap up Sunday, but not before a pirate wedding at 2 p.m. Wednesday and an additional pirate invasion Saturday.

During the week, children dressed in pirate clothing will get a free ride on Uncle Sam's Boat Tours. Professional pirates, Tales from Remikreh, will be giving weapons demonstrations and giving children a chance to test out their sword skills.

Families also will have an opportunity to tour Lotus, a wooden vessel built in 1917. The historic vessel is owned and operated by the Otetiana Council, Boy Scouts of America, of Monroe County and Rochester. Boys and girls ages 14 through 21 are responsible for the care and maintenance of the ship.

"Instead of going to pack meetings and camping, they sail," said Brian Gutman, the vessel's captain.

For a list of scheduled events, visit the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce's Web site, www.alexbay.org.