Pirates In The Park Moves to Cottonwood Beach — Set For August 24

Washougal’s popular, pirate-themed concert and festival has dropped its anchor at a new venue this summer on Cottonwood Beach at Captain William Clark Park. Pirates in the Park, a family-friendly, festive community event, will be held Saturday, August 24 from 1 to 9 pm.

“Now in its fourth year, we decided to change things with a new location,” said AJ Bogue, Washougal Business Association (WBA) President. “We love the idea of a natural park setting with the beautiful Columbia River close by. It is the perfect spot to host pirate fun!”

The Pirates event features lively music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, children’s games and activities, beer garden, costume contests and more! The Presenting sponsor is Mary Jane’s House of Glass.

WBA and City of Washougal have teamed up to organize the event with proceeds to support WBA initiatives. “Although the event is free to attend, we hope people will come ready to have a good time and make a donation toward our work to promote Washougal businesses,” Bogue said. There is a suggested $5 donation for admission.

The event kicks off at 1 pm with food and craft vendors and children and pet activities. Children activities will include games, coloring and painting with The Paint Rollers. Leashed pets are welcome. Pet activities finish at 4 pm and include an agility demonstration and course and a K9 unit demonstration. West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is an event partner.

The beer garden, operated by WBA, will open at 2 pm and will feature local breweries. The 21-year and older area will be open until 9 pm. Food vendors feature Washougal restaurants Alex Smokehouse, Smeads Pub and Peggy’s Place. “The WBA is working to ‘put Washougal first’ and provide our local businesses the opportunity to serve customers at events such as this,” said Bogue.

The evening concert begins at 4:25 pm with the musical mayhem of the Bilge Rats & Pyrettes from Portland. Their second set will begin at 6:20 pm. Additional entertainment will be provided by Circus Luminescence including a vaudeville circus show, a glow in the dark finale and more.

Event goers are encouraged to come enjoy the day in their best pirate attire. “To add to the fun, we will have judging and prizes for the best costumes in adult, children and pet categories,” said Bogue. The children and pet contests will be at 3 pm and the adults will be judged at 6 pm.

“We are excited that WBA member businesses have agreed to extend special offers for event participants to redeem through August 31,” said Kimberly Harp, WBA Board of Directors, Membership and Sponsorship. “The ‘Walk da Plank thru da Shoug’ promotion is a fun way to connect more businesses with locals and visitors who come to Pirates in the Park. Customers will love all the great deals on food, drinks and purchases in many of their favorite Washougal stores and restaurants. The pamphlet, full of offer details, will be available at the event.”

Pirates in the Park – Event Schedule

(Times subject to change)

1 pm: Festival Opens

1-4 pm: Dog Activities, Ball and Water Pools

Dog Agility Course (1-3 pm) High Expectations Dog Training Agility Demo (1:30 pm)

1:30 pm: Kids Activities, Paint Rollers, Coloring, Games, Sensory Activities by Nicki Mann

2 pm: Beer Garden Opens; K-9 Demonstration

2:30-3 pm: Dance Lesson – Daniel Martinez, Dancing with Danny

3 pm: Pet Pirate Costume Contest + Kids Pirate Costume Contest

3:45-5:45 pm: Ambient acts in the park: stilt walking, juggling, hula hooping, contortion/hand balancing

4:00-4:20 pm: Sword Combat Demonstration – Blade Fit Academy

Adult games start including corn hole, giant Jenga and canon ball toss