Good crowd braves high temperatures at Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze

By Dan Hammock • June 28, 2021 6:30 pm

Pirates, folk music, food, cannon fire and — a pirate bunny?

These were among the many highlights of the first full day of Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze in Westport.

The weather was hot and spirits were high as the festival, put on for the first year by Westport’s own Half Moon Bay Pirates, featured plenty of pirates and yes, a pirate bunny, perched on the shoulder of Philio Heralk of Puyallup.

There was plenty for the kids to do, with the return of Scallywag Alley, full of fun activities for youngsters.

The Columbia River Association of Pirates, or the “C.R.A.P. Crew” as they are known, was a big hit with the kids as they recruited new crew members. Each recruit was given a pirate name based on their own name, got their first day’s pay (a collector doubloon), their “bling” (a beaded necklace), and a certificate authenticating their entry into the pirate life.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the taffy and beads thrown upon them by Paula’s Porch Pirates, taking up their usual spot above Sea Bird Gifts and Candy on Westhaven Drive, in the center of the action.

The festival started Friday and ran through Sunday afternoon, ending with the parade.

For highlights from the whole weekend, check out the Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze public Facebook group page, facebook.com/groups/1429058113997979. For more on the festival and the Half Moon Bay Pirates, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/halfmoonbaypirates.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Paula’s Porch Pirates perch atop Sea Birds Gifts and Candy in Westport and toss taffy, beads and doubloons to passersby on Westhaven Drive in Westport on Saturday, part of Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD All things pirate were for sale at Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze in Westport Saturday.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD The Columbia River Association of Pirates, who call themselves the C.R.A.P. Crew, recruit new crew members at Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze in Westport on Saturday.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Ever seen a real pirate bunny? Now you have. That’s Philio Heralk of Puyallup with his pirate bunny perched on his shoulder, a real eye-catcher at Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze in Westport on Saturday.