Many in the crowd were dancing to the music Thursday night.
OSWEGO, NY – Harborfest turned 30 on Thursday and it’s just as vibrant as the day it started.
The festival was greeted by clouds and rain earlier in the day. But by evening, it was warm and partly cloudy as hundreds of people, young and old, were ready to celebrate in Breitbeck Park.
Thursday’s music started at 5:15 p.m. on the Lakeview Stage with Avalanche, the US Army Band followed at 7 p.m. by Atlas.
“I’ve been a fan of Atlas for years,” Gil Oldenburg told Oswego County Today. “We’ve been following them since the time they used to play at Great Laker Inn, and were known as Atlas Linen Company.”
There was a slight intermission at 8:45 p.m. for the brief opening ceremonies.
Pete Myles, Harborfest’s executive director, said things were “fantastic.”
“Things are going very well. The weather even cooperated and the rain stopped,” he said. “It’s a great opening night.”
Members of the Oswego Girl Scouts Troop 10567 presented the colors.
Mary, Laura and Andrew Bornheimer sang the National Anthem.
“I really have to thank the community and everybody here for the support we have had the last 29 years,” said Chuck Handley, president of the Harborfest Board of Directors.
He also recognized all the sponsors and contributors of the festival. “We couldn’t do this without then and our board and all the volunteers,” he said, encouraging everyone to support those who support Harborfest.
Members of The Family Stone, he added, were behind the stage – taking photographs of Oswego’s beautiful sunset.
“Monday morning, we’re going to start working on the 31st festival,” the board president told the large crowd. “So, we’ll be back and we’ll be here.”
Oswego Mayor William Barlow Jr. welcomed the enthusiastic crowd to the 2017 edition of Harborfest, the largest “family reunion” in the Northeast. He also thanked all the sponsors and volunteers.
“I want to say hello to everybody, thank you to all the visitors visiting Oswego for coming out and participating in Harborfest,” he said. “I am proud to be the mayor presiding over the 30th anniversary.”
Mayor Barlow joined the crowd in a countdown and then, in unison, they proclaimed, “Let the fun begin!”
The Family Stone got the party started at 9 p.m.
The crowd continued to grow in front of the main stage as the night wore on.
There’s More Fun Coming Up
This year’s Children’s Parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. Friday from Breitbeck Park, travel along Lake Street making its way to West Fifth Street where it will conclude at to the Novelis Family Park (West Park).
Prior to the start of the Children’s Parade, there will be pre-parade activities in Breitbeck.
Harborfest’s music continues today (July 28) with Kevin Klein on the Lakeview Stage at 6 p.m. followed by Off The Reservation at 8 p.m. and Night Ranger at 10 p.m.
Over in East Park on the Labatt Blue Light Jazz and Blues Stage, performers include: Dam Dog at 1:30 p.m., The Ripcords at 3:30 p.m. and Tas Cru at 9:30 p.m.
At the Novelis Family Park, there will be the Show of Love at 11:30 a.m. and Double V’s at 11:45 a.m.
At 1:15 p.m., the Fritz Polka Band will perform.
At 4 p.m., the Children’s Musical ‘Enchantment of Beauty and the Beast’ will debut at the Family Tent.
There’s plenty of music on all the festival’s stages throughout the weekend.
The annual children’s musical will also be performed on Saturday (11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) with a final performance on Sunday (11 a.m.).
Youngsters will want to check out all the other performances and activities at the Children’s Stage today and all during Harborfest.
Some festival highlights include the Strates Show Midway, In Jest Shows and Workshops, Dynamo Dogs (K9 entertainment), The Twin Magicians, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse Theater (‘Huff and Puff – A Pig Tale,’ Saturday only), the Robotics and STEAM tent, karate demonstrations and Sunday afternoon’s children’s Talent Variety Show among other attractions.
The Children’s Museum of Oswego will also be a center of activity for all ages to enjoy in the Family Park. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience interactive, hands-on exhibits that nurture the curiosity and imagination in young and old alike.
For more information, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com
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