And it all ends

Just as it began, all good things came to an end. It was the best two weeks of Contraband Days I think I have had in a long time. Not quite sure what was in the air, but it reminded me of the days growing up in the compound. It seems as if the Buccaneers had a new leash on the festival. It seemed as if the days of family had returned. It was back to the days when so many people were active and smiling. Pirates are getting themselves so involved in things these days. And it is so good to see their faces.
On Thursday night, Family night, I was overjoyed to see so many Buccaneers handing out treats and trinkets. Kids from everywhere were jumping up on the Bon Temps to scavenge for trinkets from the pirates aboard. We made such an impression on the kids, but we made a bigger impression on the parents.
The "Kids Pirate Costume Contest" had a reversal of participants. We went to having too many Buccaneers kids to having not enough Buccaneer kids. We had the most public kids than we have ever seen. Twenty-four public kids with amazing costumes! Yep, I say something is changing!
And on Sunday, we loaded the "Contraband", bid farewell to the city, and reminisced about what a great year it had become. I hope this spirit continues to pour into the Buccaneers. I hope that we can continue to find ways to promote our city and our festival, because isn't that who we are truly supposed to be. We are the face of this festival! And I for one like the new face that is emerging.

95 Lafitte Daughter

Contraband Days Captured

I want to take a moment to thank Kristine Lopez, our 2009 Miss Contraband mom, for archiving this year for us. I have been so amazed by the pictures she provides. Everything posted for the 2009 Contraband Days Festival on this blog has come from Kristine. On behalf of the Buccaneers of Lake Charles, I can not thank her enough not only for providing us with some great pictures, but for having an amazing daughter that we have fallen head over heels for.

Take a look the slideshow at the right for some some great moments from this past weekend!

Thar Be Pirates on Charlie's Lake

Amidst the cannon fire and black powder, a fierce fight erupted on the seawall of Charlie's lake. Once again Randy Roach and his militia took to battle to save their fair city from the likes of Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates. The new palm trees were no disguise for Lafitte. He knows these grounds well. After much banter, Roach once again relinquished his city to these pirates, but only after having to jump in the lake for the tenth time. You would think Lafitte and his men would be satisfied with Roach's jump. Not a chance! These rowdy pirates wanted more than the city. They wanted the parish as well. So they captured Hal McMillan as well and of course made Hal walk the plank also.

So it begins! Another two weeks ashore Charlie's lake. Two weeks of merriment for the fair citizens of this city and this band of pirates. They will take to the streets to share their treasures from the far reaches, sing a lusty song or two, and enjoy the comforts of home. With raise of the Jolly Roger flag, the city belongs to the pirates.