Pirates of the Hudson Debuts at Philipsburg Manor on Fourth of July Weekend

Although conceived and produced by the same team that introduced Horseman's Hollow at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow last October, Pirates of the Hudson: The Siege of Sleepy Hollow is a lot less scary, and it's okay to bring the kids. 

In explaining the appropriateness of  Philipsburg Manor for the staging of this event, Thom Thacker, the historic location's site director, noted the relevance of pirates in the region.

"The Philipse family, as merchants heavily involved in trans-Atlantic trade, had extensive dealings with pirates and privateers," he said.

Indeed, the notorious pirate Captain William Kidd was reported to have docked his ship on occasion at nearby Tarrytown. 

Activities and events to be offered on Saturday-Monday, July 2-4, 2011 include:

1. Listening to live music performances by the Crimson Pirates and the Brigands. Two bands will alternate playing so that continuous music is provided. Dressed in pirate garb, the musicians will play traditional pirate shanties and folk/bluegrass favorites. 
2. Watching precision sword dancing. See a fancy gypsy dancing act including lots of swashbuckling swordplay.  
3. Examining strange mysteries of the sea (a mini museum). View a unique collection of oddities found in the sea.
4. Taking a multi-sensory voyage. Shake, quiver and roll with fellow visitors and pirates as your simulated ship's deck is bounced about by the high seas and you slowly descend to Davy Jones' Locker.
5. Going on a Pieces of Eight treasure hunt, especially if you're a kid. Follow the clues and directions on a treasure map, collect pieces that fit together jig-saw style on the map, and when you complete the task, collect a prize.
6. Dunking a helpless victim. Toss a synthetic dead fish and if you hit the target, a luckless young lady is dropped into a water tank. This activity is called the "Maiden's Voyage." 
7. Learning how to swagger like a pirate and speak pirate language from instructors. Example: "Hand over da booty ye landlubber." 
8. Getting a realistic looking but painted-on temporary tattoo. Skilled artists will air brush on designs especially appropriate for pirates.
9. Watching a working blacksmith as he handcrafts grabbling hooks, boarding axes and other tools or weapons used by pirates.
10. Touring Kraken Alley. Meet artists working in various media to illustrate the mythological sea beast which gives the alley its name.
11. Buying gifts and apparel at the Thieves Market. Merchandise available includes t-shirts, mugs, place mats, postcards, and magnets, as well as classic pirate accessories: eye patches, hooks, masks, and bandannas. 

Rob Schweitzer, director of public relations for Historic Hudson Valley, said that admission is by advance timed ticket purchase and all activities operate continuously throughout the afternoon. Tickets are available on the hour beginning at 3 p.m. on all three days. The last admission time is 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $16 for adults and $12 for children under 18. Members of Historic Hudson Valley receive a $5 discount per ticket. Pirates of the Hudson is held rain or shine.

Draft brews can be purchased from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company of Pleasantville (soon to be Elmsford) and  pirate-themed culinary creations including hamburgers and hot dogs will be available from Tastefully Yours of Briarcliff Manor.

Planning and execution for this new annual event was led by creative director Lance Hallowell.

The proceeds benefit Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based non-profit educational organization which owns and operates Philipsburg Manor.

Philipsburg Manor is located at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. For information and tickets call 914-631-8200 or visit website: www.hudsonvalley.org.