The name of the festival might have changed, but the spirit of the festival continues. This year marks the 66th Annual Louisiana Pirate Festival, May 4-14 on the Lake Charles Civic Center grounds. Hoist the black; the pirates be back from the briney deep to bring Southwest Louisiana landlubbers a yo, ho, ho and a barrel of family fun, according to Festival board member Nellie Hernandez.

Bring out the mateys and ol’ salts Thursday, May 4 at 5 p.m. for carnival rides and a street shopping experience that includes 26 food and artisan vendors.

“We call our street shopping experience Galley Alley and Souvenir Court, in keeping with the pirate theme,” Hernandez said. The carnival and shopping will continue throughout the festival.

New this year, beginning at 5 p.m. is A Family Night of Praise, which Hernandez says sets the course for the next two weeks of family fun.

Friday, May 5, militia prepare to defend the city from pirates beginning around 4 p.m., but to no avail.  Jean Lafitte makes landfall and city officials must walk the plank at 7 p.m. Johnny Jimenez takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 6, the all-day car show will be ready for viewing at 9 a.m. The Children’s Pirate Contest Registration is at 9:30 a.m. and the contest commences at 10 a.m. The walking pirate parades begin at11 a.m.

Hernadez says these parades, to be held throughout the festival will wind through the festival grounds and along Gill Street where the vendors will be set up. (It’s a great chance for the kids and others to pose for pictures with costumed pirates.). Young Band Nation goes on  stage at 5:30 p.m., Boomerang,  7 p.m. and Steel Shot, 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 7 features another walking pirate parade at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. The Louisiana Pirate Festival presents “Visiting Festival Queens Pirate Costume Contest.” Little Matey’s Play Area opens 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – it’s a place with sidewalk chalk and other creative pursuits for the little ones – and more walking parades begin at 3 p.m.

May 8 – 11, carnival rides, Galley Alley and Souvenir Court continue through the 13th.

On Friday, May 12 Jennie Lane goes on stage  at 7 p.m. and Gypsy La Blue  at 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 includes a BBQ cook off and jeep and off-road show. There is a walking pirate parade at 11 a.m. The Little Matey’s Play Area is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Don’t miss the 35th Annual Louisiana Arm Wrestling Championship at noon.

Battle of the Bands begins at 1 p.m., with the winner announced at 6 p.m. The Adam Leger Band goes on stage at 7 p.m.

See the  fireworks display at 9 p.m. and the Charlie Wayne Band goes on stage at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 14, rides continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No street vendors.