If you hear some loud bangs in Downtown Reno on Saturday, September 19th, don’t worry- those are just pirates. Crawl Reno, who also organizes the Reno Zombie Crawl in October, says the event happening on what is known as Talk Like a Pirate Day is taking on the feel of a larger festival with far more reasons to come than just drinking. They do add that there will still be plenty of specials on grog, rum and other beverages to quench the thirst of thousands of participants.
First, crawlers will notice that the event, now in its 7th year, will have a more immersive feel provided by two different pirate encampments that will look straight out of a classic movie and actors reminiscent of a renaissance fair. Starting early in the day, a nation-wide touring pirate group known as the Pirates of the Silver Realm will set up a massive “living museum” at the Sands Regency where participants will be able to interact, take pictures in antique armor and watch black powder displays. That’s where the bangs will come from.
Another group, the Pirates of Reno, will be set up near the Reno Arch at Harrah’s Outdoor Plaza, for the opening ceremonies of the crawl and to carouse with crawlers throughout the night and to set off a confetti canon to start the bar crawl off in grand fashion. Though it would be fun to imagine these groups have a hundred-year rivalry filled with tales of pirate raids and bitter feuds, they are said to get along quite well.
To add even more interaction, crawlers will have the chance to collect plenty of pirate booty as well. For the first time ever, the Pirate Crawl is hosting a month long scavenger hunt with a winner walking away with $500 in cash and prizes on crawl night. Pizza Reno will be giving away pirate shot glasses and Crawl Reno will be giving away pirate flags during the opening ceremonies, so attendees will not want to show up late.
For the restless types, two new bars have put together pirate-themed activities to attract crawlers. Shelter, which recently opened near City Hall, will be hosting pirate bowling with discounts for crawlers. Mellow Fellow, south of the Aces Ballpark will be awash with pirate karaoke for all those Captain Jack’s who believe themselves to sing like sparrows.
Hard core crawlers don’t need to worry about their favorite elements changing though. Organizers say that the event will as always also feature discount drinks, costume contests and no cover at 19 of their favorite bars, restaurants and clubs. Admission is only five dollars and includes a commemorative cup and map, available now at Junkee Clothing Exchange and other retail locations listed at the event website, www.crawlreno.com.
