"Pirates in Paradise! Bring 'em on!"

The Pirates in Paradise Festival is an annual 4-day event in which Key West celebrates its rich and colorful maritime heritage, which extends back for hundreds of years.

Held at the end of each hurricane season in late November and early December, it's an event you don't want to miss.

This is the Renaissance Faire for the seafaring set. You can don your pirate gear (swords, daggers and pistols are optional) and mingle with the other pirates, both real and unreal.

Visit the Pirate Pub & Tavern in Fort Zachary Taylor and down some grog or rum while listening to some tall tales from some genuine characters.

Fort Zachary Taylor also hosts the Village Thieves' Market and Pirate Fest. Authentic re-enactors inhabit living history encampments, providing a learning opportunity for those so inclined, such as myself.

On Saturday morning there is a reenactment of the trial of the notorious female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, based on Tamara Eastman's book, "The Tryals of Bonny and Read."

If these events seem too PBS for you, skip them and go to the Most Buxom Wench Contest on Saturday night.

Captain Finbar Gittleman and his motley crew man the schooner Wolf and provide afternoon and sunset sails, allowing you to see tall ship sea battles. When not too busy, they attack the fort.

Visitors of a literary bent are welcome to join in the activities of the Literature and the Sea Maritime Arts Retreat.

For a calendar of other events, visit the Chamber of Commerce site.

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