Seattle's Seafair Pirates Make Surprise Beach Appearance

- The Seafair Pirates group was founded in 1949 by younger members of the Washington State Press Club's "Ale & Quail Society" to provide entertainment and promote Seattle's first Seafair festival in 1950. - The official start to the month-long Seafair festival is traditionally the Pirates' landing at Alki Beach. Throughout the summer, they participate in about 40 local festivals and hundreds of private appearances. - The group is led by a "Captain Kidd," who is elected annually by the Ale & Quail Society, and an honorary pirate named "Davy Jones," who is chosen from the Seattle community to sail with them for one year. - During the landing, the Pirates ceremoniously "seize the key to the city" from the Mayor, signifying the start of the festival. - In the early days of the festival, the Pirates' landing sometimes concluded with the burning of a derelict ship, representing the flagship of "King Neptune," a mythical figure they theatrically battle for control of the city. This practice was discontinued when the supply of old ships ran out. - In 1953, the Pirates staged a mock kidnapping of the British consul and vice-consul in an attempt to claim a historical fund established to ransom British subjects captured by real pirates; the stunt gained them a mention in The Times of London but no money. - Despite their disruptive public image, the Seafair Pirates are a charitable organization that makes numerous appearances at hospitals and nursing homes throughout the year. - The Pirates travel on a formidable float known as the Moby Duck, a wheeled vehicle that allows them to participate in parades and events on land.