Dungeons and Dragons is a rather cheesy name that was chosen to market the game. It isn't supposed to be primarily about fighting dragons.
As much fun as the recent event was and despite what I've just said, I think that the OP as a significant point.
It's not "Dungeons and Pirates."
Maybe the next event should be themed around thwarting the "Draconian" invasion. D&D isn't really about swashbuckling on the high seas. Fighting an evil race of dragon-men backed by Drakes and Wyverns could have just as much flavor as pirates.
Why not toss a little Dragon lore into the game?