2022-03-30

Privateer Days makes its return

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It's been two years since the privateers have been in the brig, and if all goes according to plan they'll soon be on the streets of Liverpool again.

With most COVID-19 health restrictions now lifted, plans are underway to host the 2022 Privateer Days festival June 24-26. The annual event, which has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic, typically attracts thousands of people each year to Liverpool and the surrounding area.

The decision to resurrect the event was made a few weeks ago after the Privateer Days Commission (PDC) held its annual general meeting, where a new chair of the board took the helm.

"I'm very excited. It seems like we're long overdue for some normalcy," said the new chair, Ashley Whynot. "We're really looking forward to this. We've had many people ask for vendor and parade applications already, asking when things are happening and do we have a line-up ready. Everyone is looking forward to it."

Whynot had been secretary of the PDC for the last two years while her mother, Terrena Parnell, was chair of the board. At the AGM, it was deemed that Parnell, who stepped down because of other commitments, would stay on as parade director. Jason Croft is the vice-chair and vendor director, Melissa Thiele the new treasurer, Brian Scott the new music director and Catherine Croft is this year's fundraising director.

Although the foundation for the Nova Scotia Signature Festival has been well laid for the past 40 years, many moving parts have to be put together each year. With only four months to plan this year's event, the group is busy.

Whynot said a good lineup of activities for all ages is in the cards.

"Most of the new things this year are going to be mostly child-oriented. Not everyone is there for the historical component, and we understand that," she said. "We are looking at quite a few different options for different age groups so that nobody's left out and everyone has something to enjoy."

Although the organizers had planned to bring in rides for the 2020 event, they have been unable to secure any for this year.

The parade is a go, however, and this year there is no fee attached in hope of attracting more entries. "Personally, I don't see the point in charging to walk or bring a float into the parade," said Whynot, adding that she can attach something to her car, drive down the street and honk anytime at no cost.

The historic component will be kept alive with an encampment set up with the Kings Orange Rangers, along with pirate skirmishes and the rum run.

There will be a full line-up of music, along with some other entertainment to take in throughout the weekend.

One significant change is that there will not be a "beer tent" this year. Whynot explained that there are at least four businesses within walking distance that serve alcohol and they do not want to take business away from them that weekend.

Meanwhile, the organizers are working on getting sponsor packages to local businesses.

"We are looking for support, but we are also looking for ways that we can support them in return. They help us and always give us money and recognition so we want to be able to return the favour however we can," said Whynot.

Volunteer support also plays a big part in the event and anyone wishing to be a part of the organizing team can reach out to any one of the board members or the Privateer Days Facebook page where vendor and parade applications can also be found.