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A CROWD GATHERED as the pirates, led by Crudbeard, far left, put on a puppet show showcasing famous historical pirates. “If you want to see a good puppet show, you’ll have to go somewhere else,” said Crudbeard, “but if you want to see a puppet show, you can stay here.”
A CROWD GATHERED as the pirates, led by Crudbeard, far left, put on a puppet show showcasing famous historical pirates. “If you want to see a good puppet show, you’ll have to go somewhere else,” said Crudbeard, “but if you want to see a puppet show, you can stay here.”
Popham Village residents and visitors celebrated George Popham Day last Friday, with live music, a coloring contest and historical display, a parade — and a pirate invasion.

THE PIRATES OF THE DARK ROSE invaded Popham Village on Friday in celebration of George Popham Day, an annual event held in honor of Popham’s founder. The pirate crew set up informational booths for attendees to learn about pirate life, including an exhibit of small arms, a game of “toss the rat in the barrel,” and more.
THE PIRATES OF THE DARK ROSE invaded Popham Village on Friday in celebration of George Popham Day, an annual event held in honor of Popham’s founder. The pirate crew set up informational booths for attendees to learn about pirate life, including an exhibit of small arms, a game of “toss the rat in the barrel,” and more.
The Pirates of the Dark Rose sailed a 55-foot gaff topsail yawl, the Must Roos, to the mouth of the Kennebec River and with much swashbuckling and cannon-firing took over the village, setting up camp by Popham Chapel. There were treasure hunts for young visitors, as well as informational exhibitions and a lecture about the history of pirates.

 
 
George Popham Day is a more than 50-year-old event, held in recognition of Popham’s founder. The event was organized by Popham Chapel, Popham Circle and the Popham Beach Improvement Association with the Popham Beach Library, and supported by Phippsburg’s 200th Celebration Committee.

Held annually on the day closest to Aug. 19, the day that the English colonists led by George Popham landed at the site in 1607, this year the event also honored Phippsburg’s bicentennial anniversary.

The celebration was rounded out with a parade through Popham Village and the traditional Flare Night, where flares were lit across the beach and bay.




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