Mark your calendars for July 6th! The annual Seafair Pirates Landing at Alki beach is going to be bigger than ever — it is their 75th Anniversary!

The Seattle Seafair Pirate Landing signals the official beginning of Seafair (and the unofficial start to summer) and introduces the city to its new Pirate Captain and Davy Jones. A tradition in Seattle for 75 years, the Pirates will be storming the beach to steal the key to the city on Saturday, July 6th. The pirates will land around 1:30 p.m. with festivities beforehand. Once on the beach, the Pirates will entertain kids of all ages, with treasures galore to share.

According to incoming Captain Kidd Jay Albrecht, “We are excited to be back in Seattle invading Alki for our 75th birthday. But be warned, we will be firing our cannon, drinking rum, and raiding the beach in force. No one is safe!” He also admitted that although the Pirates do notintend to kidnap any during the landing, he could not give assurances they would not make anyone walk the plank.

When asked about his time as Captain of the Pirates, outgoing Captain Kidd Lee “Monsoon” Burns stated, “good riddance —these pirates are stinky and lazy. I’m ready to be done with these scallywags.” Joining Captain Kidd at landing will be Davy Jones Mike Joyal.

The Seattle Seafair Pirates have been scaring kids and delighting the Puget Sound since forming in 1949. That year, the younger members of the Washington State Press Club’s action committee, the Ale & Quail Society, founded the Seattle Seafair Pirates. The members of the Society then joined together with other community leaders to create Seattle’s first Seafair festival in 1950.

Since that time the Seattle Seafair Pirates have directed their energies and talents toward the promotion and production of Seattle’s annual Seafair festivities. Every summer since 1950 the Seafair festivities have begun with the annual proclamation of Davy Jones’ renewed warfare upon the upstart, so-called “King” Neptune. In due course the city falls and the Mayor hands over the keys to the city at the Pirate’s Landing. The Seafair Pirates are led by Captain Kidd and Davy Jones. Captain Kidd is elected by the Ale & Quail Society to lead their pirate operations. Davy Jones, an honorary Seafair Pirate, is chosen from the Seattle community to sail with the Pirates for one year. The Pirates are a scurvy bunch of rogues who annually participate in countless parades, visit hospitals, assisted living facilities, and work to promote Seattle and Seafair year-round.

Made up of members from our community, they tirelessly dedicate themselves to bringing joy (and terror) to children of all ages. The Pirates often create memories!