History
Since 1938, the Buccaneer Commission, a non-profit organization has annually staged the Buc Days festival in Corpus Christi, Texas in support of bringing entertaining, educational and cultural events to the Coastal Bend. Beginning in 1996, the proceeds from Buc Days have benefited the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship fund, which awards college scholarships annually to the area youth.
The Commission funded over $60,000 in scholarships in 2009 and is committed to continuing the rapid growth of its scholarship program at TAMUCC and across the other many scholarship areas.
Held on the Corpus Christi bay front, this culturally diverse event grabs the attention of 51% of Corpus Christi, over 258,000 people. This springtime event, April 22 - May 2, 2010, has something for everyone, including a Pro PRCA Rodeo; a Carnival, a BBQ Challenge; and the Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade, our largest event. Over 160,000 attendees line the streets each year awaiting the Buc Days Pirate Queens who have received the scholarship money to Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi.
Raising Money for Area Youth while having so much fun! That is what Buc Days is all about!
| 1519 | Spanish explorer, Alonzo Alvarez de Piñeda discovered Corpus Christi Bay |
|---|---|
| 1800's | Pirate Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates plundered and pilfered trading ships plying the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. |
| 1812 | Pirate Jean Lafitte and his men aided General Jackson's troops in the defense of New Orleans in the Civil War of that year. Because of that aid, President James Madison gave Lafitte a full pardon for his crimes of piracy. |
| 1821 | It is said that following this presidential pardon, Pirate Lafitte moved his pirate band to Texas and established headquarters on the present site of Corpus Christi |
| 1838 | Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney founded Kinney's Trading Post, a trading post overlooking Corpus Christi Bay |
| 1852 | Corpus Christi, meaning "The Body of Christ" became an incorporated city |
| 1917 | Splash Days Celebrations began on North Beach. This celebration consisted mainly of a bathing beauty contest on North Beach to signify the beginning of summer. |
| 1938 | The first annual Buccaneer Days, a 3 day festival, was a descendant of Splash Days, formed to emphasize the beginning of the summer season. The Buccaneer Commission's primary objective was to add more glamour and excitement to the event by building the event around the city's history. The first Buc Days parade occurred that year and consisted of five bands, about 15 floats and a historical pageant and ball. |
| 2008 | Buc Days Celebrated 70 Years! The event featured a Pro PRCA Tour Rodeo, BBQ Challenge, Folklorico Competition, Jr. Parade, Carnival and Fireworks! And the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship granted $70,000 to deserving South Texas youth! |
2010 | Arrr You Ready? April 22 - May 2, 2010 |
 Mayor Dunk 1967 |
 Buc Days 1950 |
 Night Parade 1973 |