Smith Mountain Lake (WSLS10)-- Pirates are invading Smith Mountain Lake this weekend as the Annual Pirate Days kicks off on Friday.
This is the fourth year for the event, which involves nearly home, business, shop and restaurant on the lake. From costume contests to pirate ship battles, food specials and giveaways for the kids-- the event started as an effort to keep the visitors coming, even after the Independence Day rush.
"This is extending the holiday past July 4," says Annette Stamus, the Marketing and Community Manager for the SML Chamber of Commerce. "That's why it happens in this time frame. We're just keeping people at the lake and coming to our retail businesses and restaurants so they can experience what we have to offer."
The pirate themed fun kicks off on Friday and runs through Sunday.
A Pirate Ship Battle between Bay Rock Revenge and Captain Party in the cove at Jake's Place Saturday starting at noon. The battle will be followed by the Pirates coming ashore at Jake's Place for food and rum. There's also a costume contest from noon to 2 p.m.
Click here to find out more about the weekend.