Corpus Christi Bayfront
In 1938 the first Buccaneer Days Commission was formed to plan a celebration emphasizing the beginning of the summer season. The Commission's primary objective was to add more glamour and excitement to the annual Splash Days celebration by building the event around the city's history, while developing and supporting educational, cultural and entertainment programs that would benefit all the citizens of Corpus Christi.
The major events of the first celebration were the parade, featuring five bands, about 15 flots and other entries, an historical pageant and ball. Carried over from Splash Days was the bathing beauty contest, now called "Miss Buc Days," and some other aquatic events. Originally, the winner of the Miss Buc Days contest was taken on a chaperoned trip to Disneyland!
Part of being "Miss Buc Days" and one of the two "Pirate Queens" (the 1st and 2nd runner-ups) was riding on the traveling float, which visited 20-25 parades for festivals around South Texas. Chaperoned by Buccaneer Commissioners and their spouses, many of the past Miss Buc Days have incredibly fond memories of their experiences during these trips. Long-time Buccaneer Commissioner, Warren Shaw said the Pirate Queens and the Commissioners who traveled with them established long-lasting friendships. "We enjoyed seeing those ladies and being a part of their lives," he said. "A lot of them are still here and have raised families."
In the early days, local shopping centers selected Pirate Queens to compete for the Miss Buccaneer Days title. Some would sponsor a young lady, while others would actually hold contests. Once the shopping centers began to fall the the wayside, contestants were recruited from the schools. From this, the idea was created to turn the long-time beauty pageant into a scholarship program.
In 1996, the Buccaneer Commission established a four-year scholarship to Texas A&M University — Corpus Christi for the winner of the Miss Buc Days contest. The candidate must be in top 20% of their class and demonstrate her academic achievements, community involvement, leadership, communication and social skills. The first and second runner-ups will receive $1,500 and $1,000 one-year scholarships, respectively, to the college of their choice.