Articles by Steve Yablonski

Hundred of youngsters, their friends and families, marched from Breitbeck Park to the Novelis Family Park (West Park) on Friday in idyllic weather. The annual Children’s Parade is considered by many to be the official start of Harborfest. The parade drew an unofficial throng estimated at about 1,000 participants, from infants to adults.

Mayor Billy Barlow said he hopes everyone has a happy and safe Harborfest weekend in the Port City and doesn’t mind the condition of some city streets. The only street closure for Harborfest is West Schuyler Street between First and Second streets for the Midway, he said. “We will have one lane closure, northbound on West First at Bridge Saturday evening / night only to assist with pedestrian traffic at that intersection the night of the fireworks,” he explained.

Harborfest turned 31 on Thursday night. The festival was greeted by some clouds, humidity and some sprinkles. The hundreds of people, young and old, crowded into Breitbeck Park, didn’t seem to mind. Nik and the Nice Guys rocked the stage at 7 p.m. as the crowd continued to grow larger. Almost Queen kicked the party into high gear at 9 p.m.

The Port City continues to seek grant funding to help improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. The mayor was authorized to seek grant funding for various projects. And his request to partner with OCO to fight homelessness was also approved.