Aaaaaaarrrrgh! Beware of pirates if you come to town in March. They’re nice pirates though, and it’s for a good cause. It’s all for the Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. And it’s their 5th annual Pirate’s Ball fundraiser at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
If you’ve ever wanted to be a pirate, what better of an event to let your hooks, err hair down. It all takes place March 11. As mentioned, the fundraiser benefits the Good Shepherd Center, a non-profit residential treatment center for emotionally and behaviorally- challenged adolescents from ages 13 to 21.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect place to host a gathering of pirates. Unique exhibits like the attraction’s underwater tunnels, sharks, and the ability to pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs in the stingray pool, are just a few of the aquarium’s big selling points and makes it a great spot to hold a fundraiser. And let’s not forget the penguins that live at the aquarium on Penguin beach. They’re so fun. They also feature a great coral reef exhibit, so be sure to stop a see that. Kids can play in the Discovery center. There’s always something for everyone, even pirates.
The Pirate’s Ball will feature food, drinks, dancing, and live entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this event, there will be plenty of opportunities to snap great shots of you and your pirate friends. Be sure to bring your “pirate accent,” appetite and your sense of adventure and fun.
If you’re going to be coming in from out of town, a Gatlinburg cabin rental is the perfect place to stay. Enjoy the Aquarium by night, and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains by day. There is so much to see and do in Gatlinburg, so bring some outdoor clothes as well and make the event a great little vacation.
The Pirate Ball turns Gatlinburg into a tropical paradise every year with live music, dancing, food and drink. For more information, call 865-774-7684.