Pirates Invade Historic Cold Spring on Seafarers’ Weekend

CAPE MAY – Celebrate the maritime culture and history of the Jersey Cape at Historic Cold Spring Village, Aug. 24-25, from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Seafarers’ Weekend will feature pirates, maritime music, family fun, and a variety of displays and demonstrations of all things nautical. The Village buildings will also be open, presenting historical interpreters in period clothing who demonstrate the trades, crafts and lifestyles of Early America. This event is generously sponsored by Exit Zero Publishing and will feature, new for 2013, an Exit Zero Treasure Hunt. Visitors should be on the lookout for gold coins hidden throughout the Village that can be redeemed for cool Exit Zero prizes!
Valhalla’s Pirates will join the event, bringing thrilling fight scenes both days at 12pm and 3pm. Captain Black and his crew will also meet with guests throughout the day to take pictures and tell tales of the sea. The New Jersey Blacksmith Association will team up with the Village’s resident blacksmith to forge nautical ironware. The Sea Dogs, an authentic maritime reenactment crew, will perform sea chanties on both Saturday and Sunday. Other highlights include a display from the Cape May Maritime Museum, antique boats, decoy carving, face painting and more! The Friends of HCSV will host a traditional South Jersey corn roast at the Village Pavilion from 11am-4pm. “There is such a rich heritage related to the sea in and around Cape May County,” said HCSV Executive Director Anne Salvatore, “It’s important we celebrate that and present the history to our visitors.”
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. From late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through mid-September.
Historic Cold Spring Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and four miles south of Rio Grande (Exit 4 of the Garden State Parkway). Admission during the season is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. As a member of the national Blue Star Museums program, Historic Cold Spring Village is proud to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and up to 5 family members. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Needle Arts Coop, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300, ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.