B athers beware — the Pirates of the Dark Rose will be arriving at the mouth of the Kennebec at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug.15, poised for an afternoon invasion of Popham Beach.

The pirate raid is one of many events scheduled in celebration of George Popham Day, a more than 50- year-old event held in recognition of Popham’s founder, which this year also honors Phippsburg’s bicentennial anniversary.

George Popham Day takes place annually on the Friday closest to Aug. 19, said Janet Gilnack, a member of the Popham Day Committee, “because that is the day the colonist coming from England, led by George Popham, arrived at what was later called Popham Beach.

“This year, we’re calling it Popham Day,” she said, noting that the event is sponsored by Popham Chapel, Popham Circle and the Popham Beach Improvement Association with the Popham Beach Library, and is supported by Phippsburg’s 200th Celebration Committee.

More than 400 years after that landing, villagers celebrate with a parade through Popham Village, led this year by George Popham in full costume, followed by the invading Pirates of the Dark Rose.

At 1 p.m. the pirates are expected to invade the shore from their 55-foot gaff topsail yawl, the Must Roos, with swashbuckling, cannon firing — and the taking of hostages, said Galnick. There will also be a treasure hunt and a chance to win a prize for participants who come in costume. The invasion will end with the signing of a peace treaty.

Musical performances will take place that afternoon in Popham Chapel, featuring Deborah Sandler playing Celtic harp, Dick Hankinson, a concert pianist playing Gershwin and Porter, and Dennis Doiron, The Saltwater Hillbilly, on the guitar.

At Popham Beach Library, there will be a coloring contest for children, said Gilnack, who is also the librarian. There will also be a display exploring Phippsburg’s 200-year history, with light refreshments available.

Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for lunch, followed by a fish and chip supper. A raffle will be drawn at 6 p.m., and proceeds will go to benefit Popham Circle and Popham Chapel.

The parade will begin at 7:30 p.m., said Gilnack, and is followed by Flare Night, the 50-year-old tradition of lighting flares on the beach and around the bay.

Parking is very limited in Popham Village, said Gilnack, who advised visitors to use the free shuttle service offered, which will depart regularly from the Small Point Baptist Church and from the Stonehouse Manor in Route 209. Shuttles will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information call Marcia at 389-2620.

rgargiulo@timesrecord.com