The Pirate Invasion was preceeded by various circling aircraft and a number of boats shooting off noisy toy canons. Every so often a small motorboat would steer past and hurl necklaces towards the assembled crowd.

Finally, sometime after one o'clock, the crew-laden masts of Gaspar's pirate ship came into view. This threatening vehicle sailed effortlessly across the scene and pulled up alongside the convention center to take control of the city.

Within moments, a smaller craft, loaded with Rough Riders, maneuvered into position with guns ablazing. It was accompanied by several celebritory vessels, each with a mission of loading down bystanders with colorful beads.