With swords out, swashbucklers swarmed downtown Mystic as they successfully invaded the locals and conquered the land for their seventh annual Pirate Invasion Oct. 4-6.

Although these maties may have seemed intimidating for taking hostages like savages, it was all for a good cause.

Matt Beaudoin, participating pirate and owner of Mystic Knotwork, said the invasion was a fundraiser for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Every year, we raise hundreds of dollars for breast cancer research,” he said.

“Every time a hostage is taken, our team is devoted to raise more money for the hostage to be released,” Amy Wagner, treasurer of Downtown Mystic Merchants, explained.

There were a number of activities to help raise funds: face paintings, dance performances, talking parrots and much more.

“The pirate invasion is a fabulous and exciting event, especially for the kids,” said Dotty Hoyt.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information on the Terri Brodeur Foundation, visit tbbcf.org.

Chantel Bailey is a Times intern from Mitchell College.