Due to the prospect of a major hurricane arriving in a few days, organizers have canceled the First Annual Blackbeard's Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke and Hatteras this weekend (Oct. 26 & 27) and hope to have it next weekend, Nov. 2 and 3.

"Due to the imminent arrival of 'Frankenstorm' (aka Sandy), and the fact that we've already had some lodging cancellations, we decided it was prudent to cancel," said Daphne Bennink, who speardheads the event. "Even without any kind of a hit, the high likelihood of high winds, rain and overwash will hugely impact this event. These pirates are coming from near and far, and the storm will undoubtedly affect their ability to get here and get back."

Moreover, the weather would make it dangerous for the two historic vessels arriving--the Meka II and the Flory.

"The high likelihood of Saturday being a rain event without an alternative indoor rain location all culmniated in the decision to postpone the event by one week," she said.

Bennink said the pirate crews are consulting their schedules, but there is a lot of coordination involved with these groups whose crews come from all over and all walks of life. The day-long schedule includes an historic encampment by Blackbeard's Pirate Crew from Hampton, Va., battles with the two historic pirate ships, a marketplace, a book signing and more. Several other pirate groups (minstrels, stage combatants, scouts and others) had planned to be a part of the event by attending.

As soon as organizers confirm the pirates' availability, they will make the announcement 

Last year was supposed to be the inaugural year for this event on both Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, but Hurricane Irene in late August and the resulting damage to the Outer Banks scuttled those plans. Unfortunately, a glorious month of October is ending in a major storm. 

Nevertheless, the group wants to make this event happen this fall.

"We're not going to let it go," Bennink said. "It will happen at some point."

For updates, check the website www.piratejamboree.com.