Kids learn pirate songs at library

Several kids clutched foam swords as they belted out pirate anthems during Wednesday’s pirate sing-along. They joined together to clap, jump, dance and sing songs including the classic, “Drunken Sailor.” Pirate re-enactors taught the children a call-and-response song with the chant, “You can’t be a pirate with all of your parts.”

“When you think of a pirate and how a pirate looks, what do you see mostly?” said Wendy Ransom, addressing the young pirates. “When you’re thinking of pirates, what do you think? Patch over the eye, hook for a hand, a peg leg. They’re always missing some part.”

The kids happily sang the chorus to the song, clapping and waving their swords.

Re-enactor Jessica Masserant of Fowlerville said she’s been “pirating” since 2006.

“I think this is my fourth pirate festival,” Masserant said. “… I love doing the children’s events. I love bringing stories to life. I love bringing the joy of piracy in its romantic form — in all the fun and glory that it was — to the kids, who are all kind of pirates at heart.”

Masserant — or Captain Tigerlily, as she is known to the pirates — said the sing-along teaches kids that music was a huge part of pirate life.

A “So You Want to be a Pirate” class for ages 9-16 will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Program Room A of the library, 407 Columbus Ave.

To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.

For more information on the other events of Michigan Pirate Festival, visit: www.loutitlibrary.org or www.michiganpiratefestival.com.