Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Approximately 50 residents of seven area lakes recently pretended to be pirates for a day.
Residents of Big Barbee Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Kuhn Lake, Seacrest Lake, Irish Lake, Sawmill Lake and Banning Lake took their boats out and participated in the first annual Pirates Parade Aug 5.
The parade was part of National Pirates Weekend, which is held the first weekend in August.
There were 11 boats in the parade, including row boats, pontoon boats and deck boats.
The participants, ranging from 2 to 90 years old, had the opportunity to dress like pirates and decorate their boats.
The 1-1/2-hours parade began at Kuhn Lake and ended at Sawmill Lake.
The event was sponsored by Kathy and Fred Schlotterback of the Barbee Property Owners Association.
Kathy's grandparents bought a cottage on Barbee Lake in 1960 and the couple remember visiting the cottage and being out on the lake.
"We wanted to continue the fun we had on the lake growing up and thought a pirates parade would be an excellent way to help others to have good family fun," Kathy said.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources was present to assure boater's safety.
The association had its hotdog boat at the event where pirates could purchase hot dogs, chilli dogs, brats and soft drinks.
Funds collected from the hot dog boat will go toward lake weed control in Barbee Lake.
The association raised $2,613 during the event.
Participants took part in a competition where they were judged on best decorated boat, best spirit and best costume. Prizes were awarded.
John and Pat Duncan, Marion, won best decorated boat. The couple spent 10 hours decorating their pontoon boat over a four-day period.
The boat included cannons made out of soap barrels, a crow's nest made out of a bushel basket and mannequins heads on the corners of the boat.
"We had a great time getting the boat ready and in the parade out on the lake," John said.
Beau Baker, 1-1/2 years old, was awarded the best spirit winner. He was the youngest pirate who participated in the event.
Stan and Debbie Taylor of Huntington won best costume. They were outfitted with striped shirts, pirate hats, shredded pants and fake teeth.
The winners received trophies as well as gift certificates to Barbee Landing and Lighthouse Cafe of North Webster, $10 fuel cards to Anchor Bay Marina and cups from Bell Marina of North Webster.
The Barbee Property Association will have the hotdog boat on the channel of Big Barbee and Little Barbee lakes Sept. 2-3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Anyone who uses the lake is invited to participate in the event.
The pirate parade will be held again next August.
