Talk Like a Pirate Contest at Ripley's Aquarium!

Myrtle Beach, SC -
Before the days of political correctness, even before the final syllables were polished on the King's English, there was a swashbuckling language infiltrating areas of the world that people understood and often feared.

Talk Like a Pirate Contest at Ripley's Aquarium!

June 7, 2008

Where: Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach

Website: RipleysAquariums.com

Arrrghh!!!! On June 7, Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. will celebrate the vernacular of the high seas with its first ever Ripley's Talk Like a Pirate Contest! Being a pirate was mostly a man's lot during 1650-1730, the heyday of piracy. However, in June, Ripley's will be welcoming buccaneer wannabees of all sizes and persuasions with the winners taking home a bountiful boatload of booty.

Pirates will compete in three categories, kids 14 and under, men and women, with each offering a total of $600 in cash and prizes.

Ripley's Talk Like a Pirate Contest will set sail on June 7 at 3 p.m. as part of the city-wide Sun Fun Festival. Pirates will gather at Ripley's Aquarium, located at Broadway at the Beach where guests will also have the opportunity to explore "Pirates! Predators of the Sea," the aquarium's award-winning interactive exhibit, held over due to popular demand for the second season. The exhibit is free with aquarium admission.

There is no charge to compete and each contestant receives a free pass to Ripley's Aquarium. No pre-registration is required, just be there by 2 p.m. to sign up. Aloysius MacKnucklepeck (Mr. Mac) The Pirate will be on hand to entertain the crowd and to offer tutelage to those who need help with the lingo. All contestants are required to not only talk like a pirate but are encouraged to look like one as well. Interpretations of traditional pirate couture are welcomed.

"Talking like a pirate is silly and whimsical, but it's fun at its finest. We expect many families to make our contest a planned part of a summer family outing," said Peter MacIntyre, general manager of Ripley's Aquarium. "On June 7, right here at our aquarium, I'm sure we'll find pirates with everything from British accents to Southern twangs. It's going to be a hearty good time."

For more information on Ripley's Talk Like a Pirate Contest, including interactive links on creating a pirate name, suggestions on pirate attire and of course, pirate lingo - visit ripleysaquariums.com or Chad Netherland at Ripley's Aquarium, 843-455-9302.