Play The Texas Coast 1 | Page 37

PALACIOS
What : Pirate Festival When : Fri . - Sat . June 24-25 , 2016 Where : Railroad Park South
The last Palacios Pirate Festival was a rousing success so Barnacle Bill the Pirate decided it was time to throw another ! The easiest place for pirates to be holding a big party is right on the water of course so that ’ s why this Pirate Festival is happening in Palacios ! Barnacle Bill ’ s old shipmate , Dead Bob , who sailed with LaSalle , showed up last year and from what I be thinkin he ’ s coming back this year !
We pirates know how to have a good time . Just check out the video from last year ifin ye don ’ t believe me !! The party kicks off on Friday with what else but a PIRATE CARNIVAL at Railroad Park South ! Arrr , this be to me likin and there ’ ll be a fine Sea Shanty Music Concert also with live performances at the “ Shipwreck Tavern ” located at 515 Commerce @ 6th at the Outrigger Deck )
But that ’ s not all . There ’ s fun and games for the ENTIRE family ! How would ye like to be on a Treasure Hunt ? Arrr it ’ s a fact it is . Tis treasure all around . Treasure Trove Booths and even a Pirate Boat Parade ! Captain Hook ’ s Water Adventures is Barnacle Bill ’ s favorite and he ’ ll also be taking part in the Flag Competition and the Shrimp Gumbo Cook-Off and Tasting ! Arrr ... tis makin me one eye tear up just thinking about it all . Why there ’ s even a Winery for those wishing for a bit finer type of grog .
The Palacios Pirate Festival is for EVERYONE and the proceeds are funded back into the community by way of The Palacios Community Hub . The Hub ’ s mission is strengthening families through literacy and community service . The Hub provides Palacios with a Community Service Center , Early Learning Initiative , Youth Opportunity Center , and Adult / Workforce Preparation . The Hub offers services and programs ‘ from twinkle to wrinkle ’ and proudly served over 1700 individuals in 2014 .

ARRRR … YE LANDLUBBERS ! ME ‘ N ’ ’ TH ’ CREW BE THINKIN TIS TIME FOR ANOTHER PARTY , SO LISTEN UP ALL YE BARNACLES OR WE HAVE T ’ KEELHAULYA !

The Hub accomplishes its mission and goals through committees and a dedicated staff . Committees are work units of the organization , and make full use of the time , expertise and commitment of its board members and community volunteers to address issues and achieve goals .
Since Sept . 2014 , over 260 teens have participated in Teen Center Activities ( decreasing juvenile delinquency ), monthly Hub Kid ’ s Club draws quite a crowd , and numerous adults are actively engaged in
English as a Second Language , GED , and computer literacy classes . Last year the Hub started a Home Builder ’ s Institute at the Palacios Marine Education Center and serves an even greater number of students than ever .
The Community Service Center aims to ensure that Palacios has a ‘ go-to ’ place where community members can access information , activities , services and resources . The Early Learning Initiative is established to ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn and are ready on grade level by third grade . The Youth Opportunity Center promotes teen development while reducing juvenile delinquency to ensure a positive and productive future . And , the Adult Learning and Workforce Development programs empower adults with the skills needed to be better equipped to enter the workforce or obtain more adequate employment .
Apart from the fun our whole community will have in participating in the festival it is also designed for two important reasons : ( 1 ) To address the summer slide – the fall back in learning that happens to our children over the summer months when they are out of school – we need to heave ho and keep them on track ! And , ( 2 ) to raise booty for year round Hub programs to help children and their families in areas of education , workforce development and wellness .
Looks like the pirate booty will be going for a great and worthy cause ! So ye scurvy scallywags better drag your sorry keesters out t ’ join in the fun at the Palacios Pirate Festival or ye ’ ll be mighty sorry ! And ye best be aware of a change in the horizon line as you sail into Palacios because there is a big new beach expansion and pavilion awaiting
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