Half the fun of Buccaneer Days is participating in the weekend's activities, not simply showing up for them.
The parade, which marked the beginning of the festivities, showed off Esquimalt's community spirit, bringing together groups including dance troupes, a lacrosse team, a children's karate display and the Spectrum Community School marching band.
Cub scout Sebastien Maurette, 11, said his favourite part was sitting on the float, covered with a tent, canoe, and faux fire, with a stuffed beaver roasting in a pot overhead.
The scouts helped out with the event, both in the parade and fundraising for the Lions Club.
When he isn't on the rides or playing games at the midway, Sebastien will be spending part of the weekend helping to sell pie plates. It is part of his community service as a scout.
"It gets people out into the community and doing a good deed," said Sebastien's stepmother, Doris Williams, a scout leader. "And it's good for the community to see the kids doing a good thing."
Community is a big theme of the weekend, from the fire truck that plays "Wakey, Wakey" to rouse the neighbourhoods for a pancake breakfast, to the rugby and tyke lacrosse tournaments.
"It's about meeting people and saying 'hi' to people," said John Gregory Sheremeta. "When I see them here, I see them happy."
The weekend includes a midway at Archie Browning Arena and a parachutist, who is due land about 3 p.m. today in Bullen Park.
While the small dragon rollercoaster or strawberry carousel might be the first ride for many of the youngsters attending the weekend, it won't be the last.
Lynne Hopkins has been attending the event almost every year since she was a girl, growing up across the street from the arena.
Now 53, Hopkins and her husband, Bruce, share the annual occasion with their children and grandchildren.
"You have to come back to your roots," Lynne said.
"You meet people you went to school with, you meet old neighbours. The history here is huge."
Part of the history of Esquimalt is its naval links, and many visitors to the event joined in the fun by wearing pirate costumes. [email protected]
