HarborFest returns for 29th year

Jessica Parks
The Alan Brown Blues Band performing at last year's Harborfest in Port Washington. (Photo by Luke Torrance)

Port Washington’s premier event, HarborFest, returns for its 29th year with fun for all ages and all interests.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 2, the stretch from the Town Dock to lower Main Street will be transformed into a waterfront festival showcasing games, shopping, food, artwork, demonstrations and outdoor activities.

Sponsored by the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Town of North Hempstead, the annual event has attracted thousands of attendees in past years.

HarborFest celebrates Port Washington’s maritime tradition with cruises around Manhasset Bay, nautical singers and a new nautical-themed exhibit featuring the works of Cynthia Litman at the Pride of Cow Bay Nautical Museum, which many recognize as the red tugboat at Town Dock.

Attendees can also hop aboard the Schooner Soundwaters at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., which costs $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Fireboat demonstrations, kayaking and a model boat regatta are also part of the festival’s lineup.

There will also be plenty of activities for land lovers with a craft show featuring the works of  90-plus vendors, a family fun stage and talent show, art in the park and an environment expo.

Port Washington flavors will be showcased at the festival’s food court.

For children, the fun already began on May 18 when they began their treasure hunt to have a shot at buried treasure at HarborFest.

Treasure hunters visit members of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce at their businesses to receive special coupons if they say the secret phrase.

At HarborFest, the children will present their coupons and after walking the plank will be granted a key for a chance to win a gift certificate donated by one of the participating businesses.

Admission is free, and there are free parking and free shuttle buses from Port’s LIRR station. Some activities such as the boat cruises will have a fee.

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