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65th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival has been canceled due to COVID-19

The Krewe of Bowlegs, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade due […]

The Krewe of Bowlegs, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade is one of the most anticipated events in the area. In May the event was rescheduled from the traditional first weekend in June to Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st with the Torchlight Parade on Monday, August 3rd in the hopes of being able to continue this Fort Walton Beach tradition.

The Chamber announced in a press release that “it became increasingly clear that hosting this event would pose a health and safety risk to attendees, volunteers, vendors, staff, visitors and the community as a whole.”

“While this was a difficult decision, it was one made collectively and responsibly. Ensuring the well-being of our community is our top priority.” Ted Corcoran, President/CEO Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

WATCH: Interview from earlier this year

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Community Comments

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: April 15, 2026
“18 seconds, LOL! FWIW, I start with HEART and then AUDIO to immediately get all the vowels and maybe a few consonants. Got unusually lucky on this one.”
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“They are building more houses on Antioch , so it will congested. Urban sprawl.”
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“I believe they mean local (Crestview) traffic, not interstate. (I drove it a few weeks ago and they were putting down R.O.W. sod). It's ready!!”
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J Bridges commented on WordroW: April 14, 2026
“3:03”
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“There's no way it'll be done by May 1st. There's a ton of work left.”
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“Why didn't they bring it to North Crestview, they e brought it in at a bad intersection, so many accidents on the corner of 85 and 90 already.”
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“What a great history for the town of Shalimar. I lived, grew up and went to school there. Now I'm back after 20 years and still love my town.”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 14, 2026
“6:56”
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“I like the pedestrian bridge idea but I wonder if it would have to be too tall to accomodate harbor boat traffic. Very interesting concept!”
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“With a rock seawall along the water it’s not a beach, just a patch of sand. Take the docks out, add some parking and call it a day”
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