The Buccaneers of Lake Charles

Welcome New Members

2009-08-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

Ahoy to those new crew members who dare join the Buccaneers! We welcome you and invite you to get involved. Ye old scallywags, be sure to welcome the following:

Ed & Michelle Chavanne
Kristine & Danny Lopez
Wayne & Sissy McClure
Johnny & Michelle Owens
Manley & Danna Sims
Jill Peterson

Did anyone say party?

2009-08-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you cross some good pulled pork sandwiches, a good honky tonking band and people in cowboy hats? You get Don Brade's first party as Social Chair. Buccaneers did it up Roadhouse style. There drinking and dancing for most of the evening. Eddie Langley, President, introduced our new members and his newly elected board. After a much needed rest from pirating during Contraband Days, it was great to see my fellow scallywags again.

For those who missed a great summer party, Don provided some yummy pulled pork on Kaiser buns (thanks for thinking of us Don's), cole slaw, beans, taters, corn, and a table of your usually nibbles. Tables had trays of peanuts which was only fitting a roadhouse style party. The band, Jaenke Train, played some of the Buccaneers favorites which kept the dance floor occupied. The drinks were plentiful and Dean Day stayed active wiping up, cleaning up, and keeping up! Way to go Dean!

So, Don, what do you have up your sleeve for the fall party? I am ready to come up with a crazy costume.

What does a pirate do in his spare time?

2009-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

After the gunpowder settles and the costume are finally washed, what do these Buccaneers do after the festival? Well, some go back into the regular lives doing regular things like work. And some continue visiting schools and nursing homes to spread a little pirate love among the Lake Charles people. But there's one thing we love to do in our down time, we enjoy an in door football game or two. It is the highlight being a Buccaneer to be able to cheer on and support our in door football team, the Swashbucklers.

No pun intended! But what a blast! Dressed in costume, packing pistols, and sharing some booty, Buccaneers can be found at any home game. What a shock to first time ticket holders and to the traveling teams when the Buccaneers load their guns and fire upon the first touchdown of the evening. And the blasts carry on into the evening as the Buccaneers take the field at half time to share some beads and trinkets with the spectators. It's never a dull moment with the Buccaneers around to cheer our team on.

Next home game is Monday, June 29th! You need to be there! Check the Swashbucklers at http://www.labucs.com/

Announcing New 2009-2010 Board Members

2009-06-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Let's congratulate and applaud the 2009-2010 Buccaneer Board. They have a great year ahead of them. We know that they will represent us well in the coming year.

President - Eddie Langley

President Elect - Ken Savant

Treasurer - Dean Day

Secretary - Jimmy Bastow

Membership - Karl Lopez

Social - Don Brade

Raids (oops Re-enactments) - Mark Lavergne

Publicity - Craig Dupont

Don't forget the Past President's Party on Sat, June 27th at the Boat Club. It starts at 7:00 PM

Hope to see you there.

And it all ends

2009-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T11:44:00.001-07:00

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.

Past Lafitte Ball

2009-04-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Buccaneers of Lake Charles honored their past Lafittes on Saturday, April 25th. Developed by Joe and Vicki Vezina, the ball brings back the memories that can slip into oblivion if not remembered at this event. Those who have not witnessed the "march of the has beens" truly can not appreciate the history standing before their very eyes. I marvel at the men like Willie Newlin who started this grand tradition of pirate ambassadors and wonder what the future holds for us pirates. So to bask in those few minutes when each man is called to walk that long line moves me almost to tears. And my dad is one of those men. A little proud? Of course, I am. It takes something special (well I guess not every time a Lafitte as been chosen) to be a Lafitte. Somehow my dad fit that mold in 1995. And I thank his President who saw that in him.

And now it is Uncle Lloyd's turn to bask in the moments where he promotes our fine city, where he smiles for every camera, and where he joins the long line of men before him. Our President, Thomas Mefford, could not have chosen better. I know no other man who gives his all to his community. And it is a joy to see his smiling face once again. Better yet, it's great to see him in a pirate costume again. He makes a handsome Lafitte. I am just as proud of him as I was when my dad was Lafitte.

So the party was wonderful. There was plenty of dancing and merriment that evening. Yet, there was a different feel in the air that evening. It could have been that the Madame Lafitte's were back to their very entertaining antics. However, I think it was the statement from our wonderful Queen, Madyson. Something came over that room as she spoke of her memories of her grandfather and Contraband Days. In that moment, I think we all realized that we do make an impact on our community. We are ambassadors who build memories. And it took a truly deserving young lady to remind us that we do matter.

We Have Found A Queen!

2009-04-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday April 19th, we found ourselves searching for a new Queen to assist our new Jean Lafitte in his quest to capture the city and make it ours for a while. Five young ladies heard the call, but we could only choose one. One who will represent our fair city well as she travels about Louisiana. one who can tolerate our loud guns and gatherings. Competition was tough, but one stood out from the others.

Madyson Hope Lopez of Lake Charles became our queen that Sunday night. Dressed in a gown of black and gold, I have to say she sparkled on stages. Troy had the privilege of escorting her and helping her with her skit that evening. When she first chose Troy to escort her, we laughed at the differences in height. Not knowing that this young lady was very wise to choose him based on his attire. I had not seen her gown until I walked backstage to check on things. And then I smiled. There she and Troy stood both in their black and gold. Despite their height, they complimented each other. Soon I found that she was as shy as he was. They made a great team.

And it still truly amazes me of what is meant to be. Every year we choose a new queen and somehow that queen just matches our new Lafitte. The judges know nothing of our Lafitte. They do not know his personality and his life, but it happens every year as if it was fate. Just as Cristi worked so well with Russ and Morgan worked so well with Bob, Madyson just fits Lloyd.

Poster Unveiled

2009-04-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

It is said that pirates appeared this afternoon on the shores of Charlie's lake. It was said that Jean Lafitte was indeed among them. Why were they here? What was their purpose? Someone reported they came to ashore to admire this year's Contraband Days Poster. The Contraband Days Board and the Tourist Bureau unveiled a gorgeous piece of art, by artist, Brian Bourgeois. The poster depicts a pirate swinging his sword with the city skyline reflected in his sword. The Contraband Days Board also provided details on some new things festival goers may see this year. According to my sources, the Buccaneers behaved to the best of their ability. It was said they enjoyed a bit of punch and cake. And just as they arrived, they vanished. Back to their ships to plan their attack? Or maybe back to a swampy bayou to rest? No one knows. But what I do know is they will be back. Keep your eye on the horizon!

So Begins the Season

2009-04-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

My excitement is rising as each day brings us closer to Contraband Days. The "Ladies of Lafitte" are busying themselves in preparation for the pageant. Soon we will crown new queens and invite them into our world. We must also bid farewell to our outgoing queens who have served and represented so well. We never truly say goodbye to our queens. They are forever in our Buccaneer family. The younger ones will return to compete and hopefully win again. Our beloved Miss Contraband always leaves us with a mark on our hearts. We welcome her back year after year to our Past Jean Lafitte Ball. It is so wonderful to see them become successful and accomplished in their lives and to know that we were once a small part of her history.

So this Sunday will be a very busy day! The work will be hard. Yes, I'll be there all day. Yes, I'll be tired. But it is a beautiful and amazing obligation that I am happy to fill. In the end, I'll share a few brief moments getting to know this new queen before she receives her title. She and I, along with the other ladies, will develop a bond. That new bond will carry us into the Contraband season. And it provides me with a small comfort to know that our new queen can relay on the "Ladies of Lafitte" to aid her during this festival. Whether it be ensuring that she has her ear plugs for those gun blasting parades or recognizing the tired look in her eyes as she attempts to keep up with the multitude of activities, we'll be there. Because as everyone knows, we love our Queens!

Buccaneers Bowl

2009-03-29T17:28:00.001-07:00

The Buccaneers were recently spotted at the Annual Big Brother/ Big Sister Bowl for Kids Sake. They may not have raised the most money, but they did bring some fun. Most of the pirates were asked to stop bowling to pause for a picture or two. These band of rowdy pirates even shut down three or four lanes just to so the Cupid Shuffle.

Thanks to Don and Debbie Brade, Rhonda and Glenn Reed, Eddie Langley, Dena Day, Mark Lavergne, Chris and Tracy Clark, and our son Michael (who filled in for his grandmother). We had a really good time.

And We're Back!

2009-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ahoy mates,

It is official. Contraband Days is on the minds of every true blue pirate. It's time to dust off those boots, clean and ready your guns, and begin figuring out which costumes fit. It seems April will be plenty packed with various functions to attend.

Mark your calendars:
Sunday, April 19th.....Contraband Pageants
Need all available ladies to help with decorating and helping backstage. I have a great list of ladies and will soon be assigning jobs to my list of volunteers.

Thursday, April 24th.... Reenactment at RW Vincent
Details to follow

Monday, April 27th ... Reenactment for CPSB
Boat Cruise starts at 6:00... all pirates attending must be at the Civic Center at 5:30
Party at 7:00 at L'Auberge

Friday, May 1st.... Reenactment at Moss Bluff Elementary 8:00 to 11:00
Bring lots of treasure. You'll be seeing about 1000 kids in a matter of hours.
Come in your best costumes. The kids love you guys.

The Monster Mash was a Blast

2008-10-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Words has it that some pirates gathered together to party in costumes for an early Halloween bash. There were doctors and nurses, an old couple that liked to party, beer kegs, a St. Paulie girl, Ricky Bobby, and tons of witches and bloody specimens. Donnie and Sherry cooked up a monstrous feast of jambalaya and "slap your momma" gumbo. From what this eye witness saw, there was plenty of dancing and fun.

The costume contest prizes went to Steven and Vicki Perry for their amazing old couple costumes. I really tried to bribe everybody with my "medicine" , but they won hands down. Take a look at their picture.

Now I saw tons of cameras taking pictures. Please share them with us. We look forward to posting them on our blog. So don't be stingy! Share!

Back to the 50s

2008-08-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

It was back to the 1950's for our first party of the new year. Buccaneers found it easy to come in costume. There were bowling shirts and poodle skirts. There were cat eye glasses, Pink Lady jackets, and slicked-back hair. There was singing and dancing. It was reported that the Bon Temps float won the "Sherman" trophy for bringing their float spirit. Way to go Bon Temps! Not that I'm biased or anything, but I think it's the best float out there. Take a look at some of the pictures provided by the photography staff (a.k.a. Karen LaRocca) Thanks, Boo! If you have some to share please send them along. They will definitely get posted.

Host a Guidry Dinner Date

2008-08-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

As you know both Frank and Jeannie have had some time in the hospital recently. Frank has completed his physical therapy and is heading home by the end of the week. Miss Jeannie will be heading home after her stay in the hospital as well. In no time I bet we'll see Frank shaking that butt on the dance floor even if it means having a walker as a dance partner.

With all this in mind, we asking our fellow Buccaneers to lend a hand as you always do. We'd like to provide a dinner or two or three a week so that Jeannie and Frank can work on recovery. Please keep in mind that Miss Jeannie CANNOT have anything with GLUTEN. They won't be up for company just yet, so here's what we purpose:

If you are interested in providing a dinner for Frank and Jeannie, let us know in the comment section of this post as to what day you'd like to help and what dinner you wish to donate. Then on that day drop your dinner by the shipyard or call Angela for a drop off near you pirates in or around Moss Bluff (no need to go over the bridge if necessary). We'll get it to Frank and Jeannie. I know they'll appreciate it. So we'll start this 'Dinner Date" process this weekend. We'll be checking the this page often so let's here from you!

And All That's Good Has Come to An End

2008-05-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Just as it begins, Contraband Days has come to another end today. As always, it was a relax and easy day. We loaded the Bon Temps to make a final parade. As we approached the seawall, we unloaded to board a boat. In true tradition, Jean Lafitte boarded a boat with a few pirates, his queen, and his wife to leave the shore of Charlie's Lake.

We'll pack up our costume and loot. We'll hang up the hats, guns and swords to await another year. We'll return on the occasion to a Swashbucklers game or for the occasional raid. But we'll be back. We'll be back next year ready to take over the fair city of Lake Charles once again.

Kids Pirate Costume Contest

2008-05-06T18:25:00.001-07:00

Of course it was a very hot day! Why? We were hosting our annual Kids Pirate Costume Contest this past Sunday. And it was a huge success despite the errors made by a few publications.

We had 20 kids enter this year's contest. Fourteen of those kids were entered in our public division. Russ did an amazing job interviewing the kids. He really had a way to get their personality to show. Well... a few of them anyway. The costumes were fun and very piratey! My "Vanna's", Troy Kiser and Thomas Mefford, gave a stunning performance during our "commercial breaks". In the end, we gave away lots of money, loot bags filled with local merchant coupons and pirate toys, and an hour of laughter and good cheer. We even took the winning kids on one of our many parades along the seawall. The kids who participated absolutely loved it. One little girl didn't want it to end, because she had more things to throw.

Our contest just keeps getting better year after year. And there are so many people to thank for the success. My sponsors are so amazing! Thank you to Olmsted Shipyard, LB Computers, Leo Reddoch, Strandz, Gayle's Hardware, Kenny Nichols, Llyod Lauw Collision, Richard Cole, Dupont Sewer, United Insurance Specialists, and Moss Bluff Flower and Gift for their generous monetary donations. Also thanks to Gatti's, McDoanld's, Dr. Kestel, Skate City, Petro Bowl, and Sports Center USA for the coupons and things for our loot bags.

Of course, I can not thank my fellow Ladies of Lafitte enough who are always by my side helping with every little detail. A million thanks to Jeanice Olmsted, Janice Lopez, Jackie Bastow, Rhonda Reed, and the ever resilient Heather Lawson. I also need to thank my wonderful judges for giving of their time. Thank you Jimmy Bastow, Christi Lee (our queen), and Eileen Grantham (our Madame Lafitte).

Be sure to take a look at the photos from the contest. You'll find them in our photo album.

Moss Bluff Elementary Raid

2008-05-06T18:14:00.001-07:00

A handful of very brave pirates showed up to Moss Bluff Elemenatry on April 18th for the school's annual Louisiana Day program. Despite the pouring down rain, having to move the Bon Temps float, and seeing roughly 900 kids in the span of a few hours, these pirates were the hit of the day. Several pirates were spotted dancing during a break. Russ was very politely asked by the sweetest fourth grader if he cared to dance. In the end, every kid walked away with a little loot and a little bit of southern hospitality from a great group of pirates.

Be sure to check out the pictures in our photo album.

Welcome Aboard, Captain

2008-05-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

On one fair early morn, Jean Lafitte came ashore at a point where moss covers the trees and bush is abundant to cover his tracks as he looks for the Lake of Charles and his long lost contraband. He and his pirates WILL capture the honorable Mayor Randy Roach, entice him by sword ( if necessary) to walk the plank then vanish into the water of Lake Charles never to be seen again.

Jean Lafitte and his Buccaneer Pirates will rule by land and sea for the next two weeks. He therefore is putting his seaman Pirates on notice !!

CAPTURE, WE MUST-- THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES AT 7:00PM OF THE CLOCK ON FRIDAY MAY 3, 2008. BE PREPARED WITH GUNS LOADED AS THERE IS RUMOR THAT THE CITY MILITIA WILL HAVE CANNONS READY.

A Buccaneer Wedding

2008-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

From Larry Williamson:

On a slightly more serious note: We will also be having a re-committment wedding ceremony for some fellow Buccaneers. Doug and Wanda Dupin will renew their wedding vows starting at 1:15 p.m., Sunday, May 4th at the compound. The Captain of the Jean Lafitte Float, Reverend Larry Williamson of the Universal Life Church will officiate the ceremony. I said this was only slightly more serious.

There may be another wedding or two later in the day depending on how the first ceremony goes. A reception will follow: There will be BBQ chicken, grilled sausage, and veggies. We will cut a couple of watermelons and have some desserts. Spirituous drink will be available provided you brought your own booze or the compound kegs are still full. Join us in honoring your fellow Buccaneers.

Jean LaFitte Float to 'host the compound'

2008-04-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Jean Lafitte Float members will "host the compound" on Sunday, May 4th.

Starting after noon and continuing into the evening we will have a number on contests based on things a good Buccaneer (male or female) should wear or have with them for a day of Contraband activities. The judging will probably be biased and unfair and will be based solely on the whim of judges who will be selected based on degree of sobriety. Appeals will be heard by the Captain of the Jean Lafitte Float if he feels like listening.

So, all Buccaneers come dressed and equipped in your best pirate style.

Calendar of Events

2008-04-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

May 2008:

Thursday, May 1st
Family Night - Come in costume and welcome the kids of LC

Friday, May 2nd
The Landing - Boarding boats by 4:30

Sunday, May 4th
Splitting Image Contest - 2:00 p.m.
Buccaneer Midway Parade - 3:00 p.m.
Children's Pirate Costume Contest - 5:00 p.m.

Pictures from the Ball

2008-04-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

Past Jean Lafitte Ball

2008-04-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

He is presented as a "HAS BEEN". Some may think that this statement would be derogatory, but not this group of men. To be a "HAS BEEN" holds great honor. Each man who has been a Lafitte in years past stands as he is called and joins the long line of men who wore that title before he did. The line holds memories and stories that reveals both the character of a man and the history of a city and its festival. His year as Jean Lafitte is filled with many trips and appearances. And when that year is done, his name is called. He takes that walk not in costume, but in tux. He joins the line of memories and stories of a few chosen men who have honored their city in the name of Jean Lafitte.