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Main Street looks to sell carvings
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Times file photo: Anthony Wahl Captain Hook, portrayed by Ben Minogue, performs alongside other cast members of Monroe High Schools Peter Pan atop the wooden ship beside the Courthouse during Main Street Monroes Pirates on the Square kick off event, which was held on June 2.

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MONROE - As summer begins to wind down, Main Street Monroe is looking for a buyer for all its carved, wooden pirate pieces on the Square.

"We've contacted 30 communities and are getting ready to do more mailings and follow-up calls," said Amy Brandt, director of Main Street Monroe.

The organization has started offering the collection for sale to "water-based communities," through chambers of commerce, visitor departments and waterparks. Most of the contacts have been in Wisconsin, but Brandt said she isn't afraid to go as far as Las Vegas to find a buyer.

"The only problem (with long-distance buyers) is the logistics of getting everything there," she said.

Monroe Main Street would like to see around $40,000 for the collection of about 40 pieces.

The collection includes five large pirates, three small pirates, two sea monsters, two mermaids and the 30-foot pirate ship, as well as all the amenities any pirate crew could want - multiple palm trees, tiki statues, treasure chests, lobster cages and barrels.

The pirate-themed street display has brought groups of children of all ages to the downtown Square throughout the summer, Brandt said. They have come to read on the ship, perform a flash mob and have their pictures taken as pirates. Daycare centers, the library and the Park and Recreation Department have all designed events based on using the pirate theme and displays.

"It's had an amazing longevity," Brandt added. "But that's that goal - to get people out and into the heart of the community."

To celebrate the Pirates on the Square before they set sail for another world, Main Street Monroe has scheduled a special Friday night Concert on the Square, Aug. 17 - a night to let the pirates take over.

The Sweet Life will man the decks from the stage. The Sweet Life puts on a pirate show and also plays light rock. The pirate music stems from 15 songs based on historical facts and written by Terry Hollembaek and Bill Rients. Their show incorporates the music with spoken word, lighting, sound effects and costumes.

Monroe Theater Guild is the non-profit organization being honored that night, and three members will be performing a short skit for the audience. There will also be a prize for best pirate costume.

Brandt said she has been amazed at the number of families coming to the Square for the concerts this summer.

"I was not expecting that," said Brandt, who was hired as director earlier this year. "Parents are listening to music, and kids are running around. It really is where people like to go."