William Augustus Bowles, AKA Billy Bowlegs, came to Pensacola, Florida in 1779 to prevent the capture of Pensacola from the Spanish. After being defeated by the Spanish, Bowlegs developed a fueled hatred for Spain, and began the lucrative business of pirating on the high seas. He was known for forming the Independent State of Mukegee, the longest lasting independent state, behind only the Independent Republic of Texas. Next weekend, June 5-7, Billy Bowlegs will return to ye old stompin grounds and try to round up some new faces to wreak havoc and steal booty. The three-day event hosts lots of activities. The list of activities is as follows:
THURSDAY JUNE 5:
Party with the Pirates 6pm-
Billy Bowlegs Festival opens at The Landing, including vendors, entertainment, and pirate fun 7pm
Torchlight Parade on Eglin Parkway 7:30pm to 9:30pm-
Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers perform 9:30pm-
Krewe of Bowlegs arrives at The Landing 9:30pm to 11pm-
Party with the Krewe of Bowlegs
FRIDAY JUNE 6:
3pm- Kids Pirate Play Zone Opens 3pm to 5pm-
Live Band on Stage 3pm to 9pm-
Captain Davey Duval Magic, Balloons, and Face Painting 4pm to 6pm-
Pirate Walk 7pm- Pirate Skirmish 9pm-
Fireworks by CenturyLink (Festival closes at 10)
SATURDAY JUNE 7:
Festival starts at 10am with live music and kid’s activities 4pm-
The Pirate Landing 5pm to 7pm-
Live Music from 423 7pm to 9pm-
Live Music from Cooties (Festival closes at 9pm)