Credit: Courtesy of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Way back in 1995, John Bauer and Mark Summers proclaimed Sept. 19 should forever be known as a day when we should all talk like pirates. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has embraced the resulting International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) and makes it a point to celebrate the date each year.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, if you come dressed as a pirate or read a randomly selected phrase while doing your best pirate impression, you’ll receive $5 off of your admission that day.

“A little practice will help you deliver those ‘arrrrrrrrs,’ ‘mateys’ and ‘ahoys’ with confidence and character,” jokes Director of Education and Interpretation Erin Bauer. “An actual pirate was referred to as a freebooter, and a landlubber is someone with very little sailing experience.”

The first 75 guests who attempt to utter an ITLAPD phrase at the ticket counter will receive an eyepatch.

In addition to the regularly scheduled Sharks & Scuba talks and a stingray feed, other International Talk Like A Pirate Day activities include the opportunity to craft your own pirate accessories, appearances by friendly land shark Finn and a chance to win prizes or a year-long family pass by embarking on a scavenger hunt and searching for “hidden treasure” in the exhibits.

This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2018.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.