Arrrgh! Pirates of the Whydah

Buccaneers will invade Philadelphia this weekend when the "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship," a touring exhibition of more than 200 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor, stops Saturday at The Franklin.

The exhibition, organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International (AEI) L.L.C., will explore the political, social, and economic circumstances of the early-18th-century Caribbean, as well as piracy, while relating to the true story of Whydah, a pirate ship that sank in a raging storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., in 1717.

In addition to featuring stories about the vessel, built as a slave ship and later used as a pirate ship, and the people who lived on it during journeys, the exhibit will showcase treasure chests of coins and gold and weaponry, including cannons, pistols, and knives, as well as a partial replica of the ship available to visitors for boarding.

The ship's original bell, used to identify the Whydah when it was recovered, is inscribed "Whydah Galley 1716" and will be displayed. The exhibit also has items of pirate dress and objects used daily aboard the ship.

The Animal Planet Expo, a collaboration by Animal Planet and Comcast, is scheduled Saturday at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville. It celebrates the significant roles animals play on the planet, with attractions and activities for families and their pets.

Visitors can learn about exotic species from around the world at the Animal House, discover new species of bugs and butterflies and view a life-size ant farm at the Bug House, and find out how to protect their pets by creating personalized pet tags at the Heroes of Animal Planet pavilion. Kids can enjoy face-painting, obstacle-course races, and "King Croc," an inflatable crocodile slide at the Kids' Zone.

Pets will be able to cool off and have a drink at the Pet Misters and Watering Holes pavilions.

The 2008 Art Star Craft Bazaar, a craft fair described as offering "affordable, unique, and high-quality art and crafts," is planned Saturday and Sunday at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing.

The bazaar, a tradition that began as a joint effort to open up the Art Star Gallery & Boutique by two Tyler School of Art grads in search of a place to showcase and sell their work, will feature works this year by more than 150 artists.

The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown will present an opening reception Sunday for June Balloon, an annual Children's Gallery exhibit showcasing art created by kids ages 2 to 18.

The artwork is created by students in the museum's art classes and the "Art on the Move" program, as well as by those involved in art enrichment programs at Pine Run Elementary School in New Britain and Palisades Middle School in Kintnersville. The display will be accompanied by refreshments, art activities, and entertainment by teen vocalist Kaylee Carmichael.