Ahoy, matey! Make sure to stop on into Historic Cold Spring Village and celebrate the maritime history and culture of the famous Jersey Cape at our 10th annual Seafarers’ Weekend on Aug. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event will feature pirates, music and family fun! The Village buildings will be open, featuring historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts and lifestyles of Early America. Beginning in the 1600s with whaler yeomen, Cape May County has thrived on its relationship with the sea, being the largest fishing port in New Jersey and the second largest on the East Coast. With all of its beautiful beaches, winding waterways and plentiful access to the open ocean, it provides sailors and recreational fishermen alike an open water playground to spend hours upon hours doing what they love!
The Valhalla Pirates have been Plundering the Eastern Shores of the American Colonies since 1699. Captain Black and his scurvy crew will be joining us for a thrilling fight scene on both Saturday and Sunday. They will be walking the grounds to take pictures and tell tales of the sea. The Sea Dogs Maritime Band, an authentic maritime reenactment crew, will perform their sea shanties on both days. New this year, the Dark Star Pirates from Wildwood Crest will also be joining in on the fun and festivities with a show or two of their own! There will be a Sailors Swill Station Beer Garden available to the thirsty sailor fresh off the boat. Bayman Dan will be teaching all ye scurvy dogs the ways of the fishermen and how he makes his authentic fishing nets.
Children should be on the lookout for gold coins hidden throughout the Village that can be redeemed for a free prize! Crafts for children and adults made possible in part by a grant administered by the Cape May County Culture & Heritage Commission, from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. This event is sponsored by Ocean Club Hotel.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May, and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $14 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. For more information, call (609) 898-2300 ext. 10 or visit www.hcsv.org.