Clear blue skies and cool temperatures helped to bring more than 12,000 people to Main Street in Port Washington for the 24th annual Port Washington HarborFest.
“There’s a lot of people that always show up but I think we’ll have a record this year,” Port Washington Chamber of Commerce Co-President Mitch Schwatz said. “It helps that it’s a beautiful day.”
The annual festival began as a way to raise awareness of the need to clean the water in the harbor, Schwartz said.
“It started when the harbor wasn’t so clean,” he said. “We tried to get people interested in getting clean water.
After the water had been cleaned, the festival’s organizers began to invite craft and food businesses to attend, but never lost sight of its environmental mission, Schwartz said.
“We offer free booths to any environmental organizations that want to attend,” Schwartz said. “Anything to help educate the people.”
The festival was also co-sponsored by the Town of North Hempstead.
“I’d like to thank the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the town for another successful HarborFest,” Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Year after year, this event is the perfect way to launch the summer season as friends and family have the opportunity to highlight the beautiful Port Washington waterfront, our restaurants, shops and all the wonderful recreational activities on the water. ”
Other elected officials present included Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Town Councilwoman Dina DiGeorgio and state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola).
Congressional candidate Grant Lally, running for the Republican nomination for the 3rd congressional district, and state Sen. candidate Adam Haber were also present at the festival.
The chamber reserves the Town Dock for the exclusive use of Port Washington businesses and organizations and a food court, Schwartz said.
Other booths at the fair consisted of business from all around the country selling handmade crafts and foods.
“It was great, it was perfect,” Schwartz said. “We ran out of stuff to sell at the perfect time, right at the end.”
Festival-goers also got the chance to go on a cruise of Manhasset Bay in a sailship and see a fire department boat set off its water jets.
The Town Dock also hosted a singing competition, live bands, games and a bounce castle throughout the day.
The proceeds from the event go to benefit the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, Schwartz said.
Schwartz said the planning for next year’s festival begins in about two weeks.
