HESPERIA — All hands were on deck Saturday morning as buccaneers young and old embraced their inner pirate for a day of swashbuckling fun at the third annual High Desert Pirate Renaissance Faire.

With the event setting anchor in a new location this year at Hesperia Lake Park, men and women dressed in flashy garments from all over the High Desert and a few scallywag’s from out of town enjoyed a day of pirate themed shows and activities.

"This year, we'll have a stage geared for families,"said Thomas Beckner, organizer of the High Desert Pirate Renaissance Faire. "Our Drunken Sailor stage will be rated NC-21 because it'll be our only ale stand, which will be located on an island that's located inside the beer garden."

Beckner, dressed as Blackbeard the Pirate, and his group of scallywags and wenches welcomed guests to the event that saw more than 50 vendors and 16 guilds. Beckner expected this year's crowd to exceed the 2016 Faire, where more than 3,200 people attended.

Over yonder, a family of four dressed in their best pirate garb ventured from Chino Hills to partake in the activities. Erin Walton, dressed as the keeper of the keys, said she and her husband Presley Walton, dressed as a seeker, always partake in pirate faires with their two children as a family tradition.

“We’re a very piratey family and love coming out to these events and dressing up with the kids,” Mark Walton said. “This is a great location and everyone is so cheery. With so many booths filled with great items it’s perfect for any pirate to want to plunder.”

Cotton and Morgan Walton, who were dressed as a scallywag and a fairy hunter, told the Daily Press they really enjoyed all the costumes and said “sword fighting is my favorite thing about being a pirate.”

Children were given a special treasure map when they stepped on deck as they followed it to various booths around the lake and stared wide-eyed at the various entertainers dressed in their best garb.

Captain Jack Sparrow was also on hand to spin tales from the sea to young buccaneers, while mermaids, belly dancers, musicians and a live battle also entertained guests throughout the day.

While Mark Mendenhall watched the entertainers perform, his sons Wesley and Dean Mendenhall embarked on their own adventure as they battled with their toy pirate swords and shield as fellow pirates walked by cheering them on.

“They’ve wanted swords since we got in,” Mark Mendenhall said. “It’s our first time attending and they were really excited. All the costumes are really great and the atmosphere here is really friendly.”

The adventure will continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road. For tickets and information, visit www.HDPirateFaire.com or call 760-684-0387.

Monica Solano can be reached at MSolano@VVDailyPress.com or at 760-951-6231. Follow her on Twitter@DP_MonicaInes.