Tybee Island Pirate Fest sails on despite stormy forecast

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Despite the chance of rain and clouds, Tybee Island Pirate Fest continued Saturday, drawing visitors from the Coastal Empire and across the country.

EVENT DETAILS: Ahoy mateys: Tybee Island to celebrate annual Pirate Fest

The National Weather Service had a flood watch in effect for coastal Chatham County, including Tybee Island, through 2 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters said widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches was expected, with 3 to 6 inches possible in some areas and flash flooding a concern.

Pirates paraded down Main Street with their ships Saturday. Some attendees told WTOC they return every year, even when traveling hundreds of miles.

“We come every year from North Alabama. We like to give back to the kids, so we bring a whole bunch of stuff that we found, bought or made from home, and we give it away while we are here,” one attendee said.

The festival concludes Sunday, with performances including pirate wrestling.