Waterfront Festival In Huntington To Celebrate Start Of Boating Season

Chat with nautical experts, go on boat tours, shop for merchandise and more at the fifth annual Waterfront Festival on Sunday, May 21, which is expected to be the biggest one yet.

The event will be held as part of Huntington Safe Boating Week.

Event attendees can check out nautical gear and items and speak with stand up paddle boarding and wakeboarding experts.

The Nautical Market and Fair will be held at Mill Dam Park in Huntington from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“For 2017 we are proud to offer the biggest series to date of classes, demonstrations and fun events in an outstanding waterfront celebration for the entire Long Island boating community,” said Jackie Martin, Executive Officer of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs, and event chairperson.

There will be:

• Nautical related retailers, such as fishing gear, nautical home decor and antiques
• Craft, jewelry and clothing retailers
• Service providers from watersport shops and camps
• Realtors with specialized knowledge of local waterfront communities
• Six bands performing on the Town of Huntington's Showmobile Stage.
• A variety of food
• Craft beers from the Oyster Bay Brewing Company
• Wines from the Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead
• Attractions and amusements for children

Police and fire rescue boats will be on display at the Mill Dam ramp. Area clubs and organizations will be on hand to answer questions about boating activities and membership.

“The Waterfront Festival helps kick off the boating season by emphasizing recreational boaters’ responsibility for boating safely," Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said. "I encourage all those with an interest in boating to drop by the Waterfront Festival and to take part in the many educational activities offered throughout the week."

Safe Boating Week kicks off Saturday, May 20 and ends Friday, May 26. The entire week will focus on safety in the water as boating season gets underway.

Safe Boating Week activities include:

Free NYS Safe Boating Course

• Saturday, May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Huntington Town Hall
• To register, call Harbor Master's Office: 631-351-3255
• 8 hours total to complete class for boating certificate

Free Paddleboard & Kayak Demonstration

• Saturday, May 20 at noon at Easy East Adventure Outfitters, located at 11 Mill Dam Road in Huntington
• To register, call 631-824-6699

Free Eatons Neck Coast Guard Station Tours

• Saturday, May 20 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at 12 Lighthouse Road in Northport
• Reservations mandatory, limited space
• To make reservations, contact: SBWCoastGuardTours@gmail.com

Free Basic CPR Course

• Monday, May 22 at 7:15 p.m. at Huntington Community First Aid Squad, located at 2 Railroad St. in Huntington Station
• To register, contact Tom@bwmarinegroup.com

Free Suddenly in Command

• Tuesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at Harbor Boating Club, located at 323 West Shore Road in Huntington
• To register, call 631-424-2001
• Given by the USCG Auxiliary

Free Historical Lecture

• "The Hapless Lexington" Presented by Edward Carr, Director of Huntington Maritime Services, Historian and Author
• Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at East Northport Public Library, located at 185 Larkfield Road in East
• No registration required

This year’s Safe Boating Week is in honor of Coast Guardsman Michael Bovill of US Coast Guard Station Eatons Neck, who had his heart donated after he died in a car accident. “We are recognizing the Coast Guard Station Eatons Neck with the ‘Making a Difference Award’ presented to Anthony Martinez, Commander of the Station, from LiveOnNY, an organization devoted to encouraging organ donations,” Martin said.

The Town of Huntington has partnered with the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs for the fifth consecutive year to bring this event to life.

For more information about classes, boat inspections and sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit Huntingtonsafeboatingweek.com or email info@huntingtonboatingcouncil.org

Image via Huntington Safe Boating Week website