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Today's Family Magazine

Historical vessels to fill harbor during Tall Ships Harbor Fest

May 22, 2017 12:06PM ● By Today's Family
By Laura Lytle

Once again the waters of Fairport Harbor will be filled with the sails of tall ships during the Tall Ships Harbor Fest from July 7-9, 2017.

Families and friends are welcomed to tour massive and historical tall ships, a WWII Normandy landing craft and US Coast Guard vessel. Visitors are encouraged to dress up as “pirates and lassies” to tour the ships and for a costume contest at 2 pm each day of the Harbor Fest.

“The tall ships really helped boost tourism in Fairport Harbor last year and we wanted to bring back that incredible experience.  We had over 125,000 people in four days touring Fairport Harbor last year.  It was a bigger festival turnout than the tall ships had in Toronto, Canada,” said Pam Morse, founding member of the Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation.

“While we have a smaller group of tall ships coming this year, we have the unique opportunity for visitors to see WWII and Coast Guard vessels.  Plus a variety of other great family entertainment,” she added.

The Tall Ships Harbor Fest will also feature local artisans, music, activities for children and adults as well as food trucks.  Featured music artists are available online.

“It’s part of our Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation mission to promote the natural resources of Fairport Harbor by creating experiences in arts, culture and family activities.  The Harbor Fest brings hundreds of new visitors to the area which benefits our local retail stores and builds awareness of our historic beach town across the region,” said Morse.

Harbor Fest visitors can tour the Finnish Heritage Museum, local lighthouses, or find something special in one of the village antique shops and clothing boutiques. 

Tall Ships Harbor Fest will be open Friday, July 7 from 10 am–6 pm; Saturday, July 8 from 10 am–5 pm; and Sunday, July 9 from 10 am–6 pm.  Special VIP Night will be held on July 8.

Harbor Fest tickets and additional details are available on www.tallshipsfairportharbor.com.

Tall Ships Harbor Fest 2017 is brought to the community by the Fairport Harbor Village and Fairport Harbor Heritage Foundation and sponsored by Lake County Visitors Bureau.

To volunteer for the Harbor Fest and other activities, an application is available at www.fairportharborheritagefoundation.org/volunteer.