The Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier was invaded by scurvy-ridden swashbucklers during Long Beach’s annual Pier Daze, Seafood and Pirate Festival last Saturday and Sunday.
One of this year’s highlights was a “real” pirate ship that attacked the pier. Guests were invited to join the pirates to defend the pier using cannons and swords. In addition to pirate ship rides, there were also a kid’s treasure hunt, a pirate costume contest, and an inflatable fun zone set up on the beach. On Sunday visitors lined the pier to watch tactical demonstrations by Long Beach Police Officers, Firefighters and Lifeguards. Pirate ship rides were replaced with ocean cruises on the catamaran Na Hoku and Harbor Breeze Cruises.
Sunday also featured the inaugural Pacific Open Water Challenge. Open water swimming will be a new event in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Pier Daze was part of Long Beach’s annual Sea Festival. For a schedule of upcoming events go to: www.seafestivallongbeach.com.
