CRESTVIEW — Emmanuel Baptist Church members know Kenneth Hancock as their children's minister, but Gracelynn Villa sees another side to him.
When she met him Tuesday, he was carrying a mock pistol and sword, portraying "Captain Jack," her favorite character from Disney's “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.
“I love pirates,” the 8-year-old said.
Almost 40 residents attended Evening Library Time at the Crestview Public Library, where Hancock read “Do Pirates Take Baths?” by Kathy Tucker, posed for photographs, quoted movie lines and helped children make pirate hats.
Hancock has dressed as the character the past eight years.
“I do this for free most of the time,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun; I love to see the kids smile.”
Heather Nitzel, the event organizer, said such monthly events aim to make reading fun for children.
In addition, "it makes them aware that there is a library here,” she said.
Crestview mother Judy Riggleman said she appreciated the programming.
‘I think this is great; this is fun for the children,” she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I LOVE PIRATES': Minister by day becomes pirate by night (VIDEO)