Pirates young and old will converge on Marys River Grange Hall this coming Monday to celebrate one of the more unique faux holidays that comes up on the calendar each year. With its origins dating back to the mid-1990s in Albany, it’s time for a special evening to “Talk Like a Pirate.”
The third annual Talk Like a Pirate event in Philomath goes well beyond linguistics, however, and includes dancing, contests and games. The Sept. 23 gathering is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Admission at the door is $6 for adults, $4 for children under 18.
Yvonne McMillan established Talk Like a Pirate in 2022 to bring together neighbors for an evening of fun while building community spirit.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is officially observed on Sept. 19, traces its roots to 1995 with an idea by Albany residents John Baur and Mark Summers. The event gained widespread notoriety in 2002 when humorist Dave Barry wrote about it in his nationally syndicated column.
McMillan has come up with various pirate-themed activities, including contests and games for all ages mixed in with some kid-specific activities. Prizes will be awarded, a list that includes the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Wildlife Safari south of Roseburg and the Whiteside Theatre, Osborn Aquatic Center and Golf City Par 3 mini-golf in Corvallis. Besides the contests and games, there will also be door prizes.
“We’re going to have a walk-the-plank game for kids and adults … so they’re just going to walk across a piece of wood and if you fall off, you’re out,” McMillan said when asked about the types of games to be offered. “We’ll blindfold people at the end if they keep doing it well. For the little kids, they’ll just walk the plank and get a prize at the end.”
The contest lineup includes talking like a pirate, costumes (adults and youth), dancing and coloring. Those not fluent in “pirate speak” will get a little help from McMillan.
“I provide the script so people don’t have to worry about that. They can bring their own if they want but if they don’t, I’ll provide it,” said McMillan, adding that she also has hundreds of pirate name ideas for folks.
Children-themed activities also include storytime and a crocodile hunt with Capt. Jack Sparrow. A treasure hunt is planned for a couple of children’s age groups. Plus, the pirate ship that the organization had on display in this summer’s Grand Parade will be on site.
McMillan noted that with the building’s junior hall renovations continuing, the kids’ section will be set up in the back of the main room.
DJ music will be played for those with the desire to hit the dance floor.
“There will be sea shanties played but there also will be regular dance music so there will be dancing interspersed with contests and games,” McMillan said.
The event will also feature a quilt raffle with tickets at $2 each.
“There’s a Peter Pan quilt that’s absolutely adorable and then a pirate quilt from Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’” said McMillan, who made the quilts herself.
Talk Like a Pirate is just one of McMillan’s activities. Moonlight Country Mixer dance nights occur weekly on Mondays and bluegrass jam and workshop events are offered on the second Wednesday each month. A Christmas sing-along is scheduled for Dec. 6.
Money raised will go toward covering the cost of putting on the event and any remaining funds will be donated to the grange.
Marys River Grange Hall is located at 24707 Grange Hall Road. The organizer encourages car-pooling with limited space for parking on site.