Harborfest 24 In The Books – Countdown Starts For 25th Anniversary In 2012

July 31, 2011 Contributor

Article By Nicholas Cafalone, Contributing Writer

Photos by: Rebekkah McKalsen, Nicholas Cafalone and Steve Yablonski
OSWEGO, NY – Harborfest drew to a close on Sunday after four days of music, foods and various other activities filling up the streets of the Port City.

The fireworks are always one of Harborfest's biggest attractions. The 2011 edition continued that tradition of excellence.
The fireworks are always one of Harborfest's biggest attractions. The 2011 edition continued that tradition of excellence.

To kick off the event Pink Floyd cover band The Machine played an impressive concert Thursday night in Breitbeck Park with a laser show that made you forget about how overcast the sky had been throughout the day.

Harborfest Executive Director Tom Van Schaack was pleased that the weather maintained favorable throughout the weekend.

“There was good weather most of the week, except for a little rain on Friday morning.  Otherwise, it was nice days for a change. We had nice weather Thursday and Friday night for the concerts and last night for the fireworks,” Van Schaack said Sunday afternoon.  “It looks like we are going to go unscathed over the weekend. Good weather always brings good business for the vendors, so hopefully they’ll all come back next year.”

Some of the ladies from the Renaissance Faire participate in the song “YMCA” during Joe Trionfero's Show of Love program for youngsters prior to the Children’s Parade. He asked them if they’d rather spell Renaissance (instead of YMCA). They declined.
Some of the ladies from the Renaissance Faire participate in the song “YMCA” during Joe Trionfero's Show of Love program for youngsters prior to the Children’s Parade. He asked them if they’d rather spell Renaissance (instead of YMCA). They declined.

SUNY Oswego student James Daniello was excited when the sun finally came out from behind the clouds Saturday.  “It was beautiful!  The sun was out and it wasn’t too hot thanks to a nice breeze.  I couldn’t have asked for better weather.”

The sky's the limit for fun at the annual Harborfest in Oswego.
The sky's the limit for fun at the annual Harborfest in Oswego.

Thanks to the nice weather the attendance for Friday’s headliner the Barenaked Ladies and Saturday’s fireworks spectacular filled Breitbeck Park to overflowing.

Making your way through the city of Oswego it could also been seen that visitors to Harborfest were checking out everything that there was to offer.

The good weather this past weekend meant good crowds for Harborfest.
The good weather this past weekend meant good crowds for Harborfest.

East Park, both riverwalks and the Harborfest Midway were also full of people listening to music, eating food and buying the different wares offered by vendors.

Saturday night’s fireworks display is always one of the largest draws to Harborfest.

Genna Mitchell of Booneville was sure to make a return visit after seeing the display for the first time a year ago.

“The fireworks at Harborfest are the best I have ever seen. I made sure I wouldn’t miss them this year,” said Mitchell.

This young lady found some interesting reading material at Harborfest. The Bookmobile that is visiting several locations this summer, made a special visit to Breitbeck Park for Harborfest.
This young lady found some interesting reading material at Harborfest. The Bookmobile that is visiting several locations this summer, made a special visit to Breitbeck Park for Harborfest.

Although there were no major complications during the event Van Schaack understands that things can always improve.

“There are always things to improve and we will evaluate that over the coming month. Problems arise that you aren’t able to foresee so you try and do the best you can with the situation at hand and hopefully next time you found a solution and things will go smoother,” said Van Schaack.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of Harborfest and it is thanks to the volunteers that help each year that this Oswego institution can carry on, the director said.

“We appreciate all the volunteers’ help this year; they did a tremendous job as usual. We could always use more next year and hopefully we can find some people to help us,” said Van Schaack.  “Everyone that supported Harborfest 2011 we appreciate everything that they did and hopefully the 25th anniversary edition next will be just as good if not better.”

This Harborfester enjoys the beat from the band Stroke, which played at the Veterans' Memorial Stage Saturday, while dancing on his boat
This Harborfester enjoys the beat from the band Stroke, which played at the Veterans' Memorial Stage Saturday, while dancing on his boat.
These kids relax and enjoy a cool spray of water at the westside fire station before hitting up the food court for some dinner.
<p>These kids relax and enjoy a cool spray of water at the westside fire station before hitting up the food court for some dinner.</p>
A youngster climbs on stage and dances along to the sounds of House on a Spring.
A youngster climbs on stage and dances along to the sounds of House on a Spring.

 

Tommy Typhoon's Jet Ski Show wowed audiences along Oswego's waterfront during Harborfest.
Tommy Typhoon's Jet Ski Show wowed audiences along Oswego's waterfront during Harborfest.
Umbrellas were a common scene early Friday. The rest of the weekend weather was just right for Harborfesting.
Umbrellas were a common scene early Friday. The rest of the weekend weather was just right for Harborfesting.
The entertainment lineup on the Harborfest stages brought smiles to the faces of these ladies – and thousands more.
The entertainment lineup on the Harborfest stages brought smiles to the faces of these ladies – and thousands more.
Phil Monroe and Virginia Pereira drove all the from Boston to get some frozen cheesecake at Harborfest. They were also visiting friends and family.
Phil Monroe and Virginia Pereira drove all the from Boston to get some frozen cheesecake at Harborfest. They were also visiting friends and family.

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4 Comments

  1. I hope for the 25 ann. they have more for children. Whatever happened to West Park for the childrens park? Why not do it again. There were all but 2 rides for children under 5 at the midway. At West park put some Bounce houses, younger childrens rides, activities and so on. And the music? What ever happened to our local talent? I never made it up to B. Park, but I did hear the prices were out of site. Entery and Novelis need to consider the average folk, not their $100,00 plus a year employees and families. I also think it is a slap in eveyones face to have to see all the snobs in the Novelis VIP tent. In years past, walking by there was interesting to hear some of the conversation from these people. I have always been a participant at Harborfest, but have seen the decline in activities for the WHOLE family over the years. Time to turn the clock back and make it what it was years ago.

  3. THIS was one of the best Harborfests I can remember. The music was fabulous, food as always, great, and crowds manageable. Thanks to all the varied staff and volunteers who make this summer party the success it is. 25 years already? See everyone NEXT year. Oswego sure knows how to throw a party!

  4. VIP tent?? Sorry your wrong, it was a nice mix of blue and white collar employees who helped enjoy their companies sponsorship of Harborfest. No snobs there.

    BNL’s were great and we enjoyed the show. Looking forward to next year.

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