The Sun Shines on a Crowded HarborFest

Even the threat of bad weather couldn't keep people away from the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce's 20th annual HarborFest Dock Day and Craft Festival on Sunday, with large crowds visiting the Town Dock for a day of food and fun.

"This is our 20th HarborFest," said Warren Schein, co-president of Port Washington Chamber of Commerce. "It started off as a little, tiny event on a boat, and now it's a big, major event." Schein estimated the crowds to be upwards of 5,000 people.

The day was kicked off with a performance by Mrs. Fredda Meltzer's kindergarten class from Manorhaven Elementary School, who waved American flags while they recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The group of kindergartners then sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful."

Following the kindergarten class was a children's talent show, featuring young performers from Port singing, dancing, acting, and playing music. Eleven-year-old Alexandra DeAngelis, of Manorhaven, sang "Lamest Place in the World" from the Broadway musical 13, and received a glowing review from one special audience member — her mother, Wendy.

"I think it went excellent, and I'm not biased, even though I'm her mother," she said with a laugh.

Alexandra said her favorite moment at HarborFest was "the relief after I performed, knowing I got it over with."

Other performers included the nautical band Stout, and an encore performance of the Red Stocking Revue.

But HarborFest wasn't all entertainment. Booths at the Town Dock gave patrons the opportunity to learn about the local environment, take in local crafts and enjoy a day in the sun.

The Tree Huggers, the environmental club from Schreiber High School, handed out fliers at their booth, giving residents information about buying local organic produce. The club also gave people information about different ways to be environmentally friendly.

"There's a lot of people coming by, so they'll see it and maybe make more of a difference," said sophomore Alison Peraza.

Other booths included ones sponsored by Petland Discounts, the Port Washington Public Library, The Candy Store, the Broadway musical Wicked, and Hofstra Athletics. At the New York Islanders' booth, mascot Sparky the Dragon greeted young fans who were then invited to sign up for the team's kids club.

"It's wonderful, what a nice day for the children," said Sam, a Port Washington resident who watched her third-grade daughter win three goldfish at one of the games in the HarborFest kids area.

In addition to the very popular inflatable bouncing castles, which had lines stretching halfway across the dock at one point in the afternoon, the kids area also included jewelry making, cookie decorating, sand art, and giveaways from TD Bank.

Despite the prospect of thunderstorms, which shut down HarborFest nearly two hours early, Schein said he was happy with this year's event as a whole.

"Considering the weather and the forecast, I think we've had an exceptional flow of people throughout the day," Schein said.

It's only 364 days and counting until the 21st annual HarborFest.

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