Just a few short centuries ago real pirates cruised the Texas coastline in search of Spanish treasure ships or commercial frigates loaded with goods to and from the New World. Most of these "pirates" would often take to the bays and backwaters of Texas to either hide from naval vessels or to stash their recently acquired 'booty'. On South Padre Island such notable pirates as Laurens de Graff, Jean Lafitte, and others used the Brazos Santiago pass to navigate from the open Gulf to the protected Laguna Madre Bay behind the long barrier Island. It is said that the Island became a popular spot for pirates because of the bay, the isolation, and the abundant resources of the Rio Grande Valley. When the Town of South Padre Island was young, locals staged an annual Pirate Day celebration to celebrate their pirate heritage and stage an event the locals could enjoy as their own, in the early spring off season when tourist traffic was low and they had the Island to themselves. The Town turns 35 this month, and to celebrate, Pirate Days are back, and this time Island residents are telling everyone about it. Yes - this year, you are invited. Town Historic preservation Committee Chairman Steve Hathcock says the event is the brainchild of his committee, a group formed by the Board of Alderman to mark the Island's birthday and to establish a community event that is “family-oriented.” “You might speculate that long before European settlers formed any type of structured community on the Island, even before Port Isabel was founded and long before the Lighthouse was constructed, buccaneers and pirates raided Spanish ships all along the South Texas coastline and, perhaps because of the naturally formed Brazos Santiago Pass, this area was popular as a place where they could harbor their ships in the bay and, perhaps, inventoried their spoils of piracy,” reports Hathcock. Pirate Days is a four-day event set to kick off April 10 at the Town's new City Hall. The public is invited to attend the opening ceremonies where special guests will be honored. Those guests include residents of the community who are being called “35-ers,” or people who have resided on the Island for at least 35 years. These unique individuals have watched the history of the modern township unfold and flourish and each has a unique perspective on local modern history. In addition, special guests from one of South Padre Island's sister Cities, San Pedro Garza Garcia, will be introduced and welcomed. The event will highlighted by a brief history of the Island and cake and refreshments will be served to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Town's founding. The following day, Friday, April 11, a “Pillage-and-Plunder Birthday Bash” is scheduled at Louie's Backyard, a continuation of the pirate theme of the event. Special "surprise" guests will be introduced, lots of live music is planned, and a pirate-themed costume contest will highlight the event. After the sun sets, a special “Birthday” fireworks display over the bay will take place to to cap-off the evening's events. The celebration continues Saturday with a “Pirate Family Fun Fair” with vendor booths, music and games at the Louie's Backyard parking lot. Storytelling takes place at the Beachcomber's Museum, and sandcastle and kite-flying lessons, and various other activities will take place on our beach. Finally on Sunday, a wind-down event will be staged with a Pirate's birthday brunch at a number of participating locations. For more information about the island's 35th Pirate Days Bash, log on to spicelebration.com.