Maybe people don’t want to be surrounded by scalawags and wenches. Or maybe people aren’t aware that the Skull-and-Crossbones flag flies only a short distance from St. Louis.

For whatever reason, the relatively new St. Louis Pirate Festival doesn’t get the kind of love that other festivals do. That’s a shame because it’s only about 40 miles from St. Louis, and it’s a lot of fun.

Last year, entertainment included magicians, singers, sword swallowers and belly dancers. Some of the acts might be inappropriate for kids, but the performers will warn the crowd beforehand.

Feel free to dress up or rent a costume near the entrance.

A coupon for $2 off admission can be downloaded from the web site. See some of my photos from last year below.

St. Louis Pirate Festival
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays,  Sept. 13-28

Adults $13
Seniors/Students $11
Kids 12 and under $8
Kids 5 and under are free

Free parking
Directions:
Rotary Park, Wentzville, MO
Above photo: Charon Henning spits fire during a performance in 2007. Photo by Charles Williams/P-D