NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce operates the Port of Orillia marina from mid-May to mid-October. We host a number of successful boating-related events during this time, of which most have been running for over 30 years.
The Downtown Orillia Management Board and Ontario’s Lake Country are partnering with us to provide this event.
We are adding to our events program a Port of Orillia Pirate Party at the port and throughout the area as a wrap-up celebration event for the season on the Labour Day weekend. We will be working in conjunction with our area businesses with a “search for pirates” treasure hunt activity. Getting businesses involved serves as a way to profile themselves with participants. Getting people into the business locations creates great potential for product awareness and sales.
As our downtown basically starts at the waterfront, it makes this a walkable activity. This proximity will benefit retail and the food and beverage sector at the primary level. Our long-term plan is to involve all businesses that are willing to reflect the theme of this event with their sponsorship profiles and product involvement. This event will be open to both boaters and landlubbers. A “treasure map passport” will include sponsor and event information. The map serves to direct participants to locations that will have a pirate’s figure displayed somewhere in the participating business. Treasure map passports will be available for the kickoff at 11 a.m. on Sept. 1. Lake Simcoe Squadron will be doing a pirate demonstration with two whaler boats at 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Saturday and various times on Sunday. The boats will be docked at the Port of Orillia for the public to have a look.
This year’s kickoff for the Port of Orillia’s Pirate Party will have entertainment and activities at the Port of Orillia Saturday and Sunday to enhance the event. We have music lined up for Saturday and Sunday and are working with the Rotary Club of Orillia on its fundraising efforts the same weekend. At 3 p.m. there will be a “walk the plank” fundraiser for the Rotary Aqua Theatre. Anyone interested in walking the plank can pick up pledge forms at the Port of Orillia with a minimum pledge of $50. Grab the sheet and fundraise for a great cause.
Our mission is to make it as fun and well attended as our boating season opening social Christmas in June. We have prizes for the treasure hunt as well as for best dressed boat and best dressed pirate crew on the boats.
For more information, check out orillia.com or the Port of Orillia and Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages.
Port of Orillia Pirate Party highlights
Co-hosted by Ontario’s Lake Country, Downtown Orillia Management Board:
Saturday, Sept. 1
We are offering boaters one last event to add to our many events and entertainment at the Port of Orillia. We have prizes for best pirate decorated boat and best pirate crew. Of course we are encouraging everyone in the community to dress like a pirate and come down to the Port of Orillia.
10:30 a.m.: Lake Simcoe Squadron will be putting on an in-water pirate display.
11 a.m.: Official handout of the treasure hunt map will be at 11 a.m. There are 10 places on the treasure hunt map open to boaters and the public. All participants must be 19 years of age or older for prizes, but parents can bring their kids. Collect all 10 stamps and your name is entered into a draw for prizes including two tickets to Dane Cook at Casino Rama.
1 p.m.: Those Handsome Hooligans
2 p.m.: Banner placement and ceremony at the Rotary Aqua Theatre for the refurbishment and 60th anniversary of the building of this great venue
2:30 p.m.: Lake Simcoe Squadron in-water pirate display
3:00 p.m.: Walk the Plank – Rotary Club of Orillia
5:00 p.m.: Dav and Crash Monkey Mob
9:00 p.m.: Pirate-themed dance at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34
Sunday, we have music and the Lake Simcoe Squadron in-water pirate display all day long and at 7 p.m. we have the local headliner, “Orangeman.
Treasure hunt participants: 125 Breakfast Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34, Brewery Bay Food Company, The Cheesy Pickup, Shine, Fionn MacCool’s, Apple Annie’s, Pizza Pizza, Hog N’ Penny, The Crow’s Nest II.
Entertainment and event sponsors: City of Orillia economic development, Thor Motors, Jim Wilson Chevrolet Buick GMC, Country Produce, Theo’s Eatery, Impression House, Blu Water Lift and Marine, Turf King Orillia, Home Hardware, Geneva Event Centre, Meades Restoration and Sunshine 89.
Prize sponsors: Port of Orillia, Royal Canadian Legion, Metro, Champlain Waterfront Hotel, Casino Rama, Northern Business Equipment, Starport Marina.
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