Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival Taking Place in New London

Information via the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival website:

The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival returns to New London Wednesday through Saturday, September 9-12, 2015, featuring a range of fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages to celebrate Connecticut’s maritime heritage, history and spirit of innovation.

The Festival is the wrap-up event in Connecticut’s Coast Guard Summer 2015, and will be co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and ADM Robert J. Papp, USCG (Ret.), 24th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and now member of the Board of Directors of the National Coast Guard Museum Association.

Lieutenant Governor Wyman, Admiral Papp, New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, members of the Southeastern Connecticut delegation and other dignitaries will open the Festival with an official welcoming ceremony on Friday, September 11th at New London’s City Pier.

The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival will cap the statewide summer-long celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 225th anniversary with a week of activities, including the arrival of the Schooner COLUMBIA (expected to be designated as the Queen of the Fleet), a lighted boat parade, visits by schooners from up and down the east coast, a schooner race, educational programs for schoolchildren, a juried maritime art show on the pier at Waterfront Park, a whaleboat race, and the always popular New London Chowder Challenge.

In addition, the Festival will feature vessel visits, displays and demonstrations by the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy and local police departments.

ADM Papp added, “There is no better place to honor our seafaring history than in New London, future home of the National Coast Guard Museum, and there is no better way to conclude Connecticut’s Coast Guard Summer 2015, as we mark the 225th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, than at the 2015 Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival.”

There is no charge to visit the Festival. A complete schedule of activities is available (and will be updated regularly) at www.CTMaritimeFest.com.