Swashbucklers walk the plank at Fernbank

Q: Can you tell me more about Pirate’s Day at the Fernbank?

A: Pirate's Day started as an event tied to the Fernbank's traveling exhibition of gold in 2009.

“It looked at the history of gold as a natural element and we tied in some natural connections about how gold was used,” said Fernback’s Vice President of Marketing Brandi Berry.

“We’ve had a few different variations over the years but Pirate’s Day stuck long term,” Berry said.

The Atlanta Pirates and Wenches Guild will be the day’s special guests: a local group of adults who are fans of dressing up as pirates.

“They add a lot of fun and flair to the day because they come in character and with props,” Berry said.

A hook is essential. Here your pirate will make a hook from a cup and tin foil.

Every pirate needs a name. Berry said the kids go through a exercise where they pull out pieces of a buccaneer’s name and then get a name tag with their pirate’s name on it.

Your pirate will get to pose with pirate accessories in the Pirate Photo-Op activity. Every pirate needs a tattoo too!

For walking the plank, “We set up a little balance challenge and put shark fins on the ground so that you kinda go through the fun imaginary element of walking the plank,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun and one of our most popular events,” Berry said. “The pirates and wenches really circulate around and interact with the guests, take pictures and make you feel you’re on a pirate ship.”

Pirate’s Day will be held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Great Hall. The event is appropriate for toddlers and up.

There is a separate event for younger ones. Tadpole Tales caters to children between ages 1 to 9, but usually see those up to ages 5 or 6, according to Berry. This will be held in the Naturalist Center, Upper Level from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Both events are free to members of Fernbank as part of museum admission. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 – children 3-12, free for children ages 2 and younger.

Pirate costumes are encouraged (but not required).

Pirate’s Day and Tadpole Tales: Saturday, Jan. 25, Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta (404-929-6300).

For more information, visit fernbankmuseum.org.

New to town or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com.