Well there was a huge crowd gathered at Fort Griswold State Park to watch the Sailfest fireworks over the Thames River between Groton and New London on Saturday. The event was actually a weekend-long, but what they really come for is the fireworks.
Well we encountered few people to get elaborated details, so say Brittany Kaplan and Chris Renaldi & Allie and Amanda Smith who made it to the riverfront walk-around 10:30 a.m. Saturday to make sure they had prime seats for what Kaplan called “the best fireworks ever.”
They came from Ledyard and Norwich, ready for day two of Sailfest fun.
By mid-afternoon, all the front-row seats along the river were spoken for. People brought camping chairs, blankets and umbrellas to combat a hot sun. Large coolers were banned from the downtown this year.
While they had a long time to wait, they couldn’t have asked for better weather – or more things to do.
Vendors filled the Parade, Bank Street, State Street and the waterfront walkway. Bands began playing on various stages around town at noon.
Face painting, “a la feline,” was available on Bank Street, and the Rotaract was selling “I (symbol of a whale tail) NL” shirts, which seemed to be a big hit.
“One of the benefits of working the event is you have a front row seat for the fireworks,” said volunteer Mel Foti, who manned the information booth on the Custom House Pier. “It’s 150,000 of your closest friends. Tonight should be spectacular.”
Two tall ships stood watch in the harbor, and other boats were already staking spots for the fireworks along the river as well.
The Gazela, a barkentine built in 1901, had attracted more than 1,800 people by 4 p.m., said crewmember Nat Bender. The Philadelphia-based ship has three masts and 15 sails, Bender said.
Chief mate Matt Caplins said the massive ship can sail at more than 7 knots.
Anne Ward, of West Haven, said she’s fascinated with tall ships as she toured and photographed the Gazela Saturday afternoon.
“There are lots of interesting lines on this ship,” Ward said. “She’s been restored beautifully.”
Sailfest was along Bank and State streets and the municipal parking lot on Eugene O’Neill Drive – location of the midway this year.
Further Sailfest events included live music that started at noon at the Parade Plaza Stage, the Custom House Stage and the Hygienic Art Park Stage; the Hygienic Fine Crafts Festival on Bank Street; and the 5K Sailfest Road Race that morning. There was a dance party, salsa and tango lessons and an outdoor group dance led by the artist Cupid. In combination with the fest, the Custom House Maritime Museum, the New London County Historical Society, the public library and several galleries arranged displays on lighthouse history, paintings and prints.