Who, What are the Seafair Pirates

The Seattle Seafair Pirates first 'landed' in Seattle as members of the original cast in the 1950 summer festival of fun proclaimed as Seafair for ten days of parades, pageantry, entertainment, and pirate escapades. Since then, Seafair has been celebrated annually in almost its original format. The theme of Seafair is the legendary rivalry between King Neptune and that deep sea character, Davy Jones with his henchman Captain Kidd and his crew of hilarious pirates who take over the city and ran rampant in the pursuit of a memorable Seafair and fun for everyone.

Annually, prior to Seafair, the pirates nominate candidates from the membership for the duties of Captain Kidd. When duly elected, he is the pirate's leader; vested with all the authority of the title. The term of office is from his first public appearance at the beach landing which is the opening event of Seafair, until his successor takes over the following year. When thus relieved of his Captain responsibilities, he resumes his regular pirate status. He retains his Captain Kidd costume because all past Captains; are eligible to officiate as such when the current Captain is unable to be in attendance. The costume is provided by the Society from treasury funds and becomes the Captains personal property.

At the time of nominations for Captain Kidd, nominations are also made for the role of Davy Jones. Nominees are selected from the local citizenry outside of our organization, And preferably a man associated with the sea or maritime industries. During Seafair, Davy Jones has the privilege of continuing his role for the year and is eligible for membership. His costume is also provided by the Society and he retains custody of it.

The pirates' activities and personnel supervision is administered by the organization identified and recorded as: The Ale & Quail society. It is symbolized in our crest by a planar glass of frothy ale and a girl's slipper. The pirates of course are identified by the Jolly Roger of skull and crossbones. Business meetings we regularly scheduled and conducted under Robert's Rules of Order. All the administrative decisions and actions are governed by the Ale & Quail Society Constitution. The officers presiding at the meetings are the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All are elected annually. Other elective officers are: Master-at-Arms, Keeper-of-the-Properties, and the Chaplain.

To become a pirate, an aspirant is introduced at a business meeting as a pirate candidate by his sponsor who must be a member of the Society. The period for introduction of candidates is from the close of Seafair in August until December 31st. A candidate is on probation for one year from his date of introduction. His experience must include participation in Seafair. The candidate, among other qualifications must be minimum age of 21, of good character and personality, and healthy enough to stand the rigors of being a pirate. He must attend meetings, but has no voting status, and is obligated to actively participate in the frequent public appearances. During the period as a candidate he is observed and evaluated quarterly as to his conduct and ability in the role of a Seafair Pirate. He can be summarily dismissed for inactivity, unbecoming conduct, violation of the law or the Pirate Code, and showing no potential as an asset to the organization. On his first anniversary as a candidate, he is eligible to be voted upon as a full member. He must receive a majority favorable vote. Otherwise, he is dismissed and has no further connection with the organization.

The identity; Seafair Pirates is not completely descriptive of our activity because we are entertaining and promoting goodwill and enjoyment the year 'round. Our invitations to participate in community and private events average one weekly appearance throughout life year. We receive more invitations than can be accepted. Our activities include participation in such varied events as parades, festivals, PTA and church bazaars, Boy and Girl Scouts gatherings, civic promotions, conventions, business firms' openings and anniversary celebrations, private parties and weddings, visitations to hospitals, institutions and homes for aged and retarded. The invitations takes US to cities and towns to the states of Washington and Oregon, and the province of British Columbia in Canada, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Texas and The Cayman Islands.

From 1950 until 1966 the pirates were associated with and sponsored by Greater Seattle, Inc. During that time, most of our Seafair expenses were paid by Greater Seattle, Inc. from funds budgeted for the pirates. Since 1966 we have operated independently and have been self-sustaining financially; paying operating expenses from our treasury, and each pirate paying his own travel and costume expense. Presently, our only revenue is from the annual $12 dues and candidate $10 initiation; and unsolicited donations. We make no charge or ask my fee for our appearances. A pirate after ten years of membership becomes a life non-dues paying member. The current membership is representative of many trades, professions, and livelihood. The roster numbers 39 man with about one-third more or less inactive.

This writer now approaches his 68th birthday, and is in his 17th year as an active pirate all those years, He has held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. He is also proud of being Captain Kidd for Seafair 1961-62. In conclusion, it is hoped this brief resume will be informative to the extent that the reader and the public at large will know us better and give us their approval and support.


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