Latest news with #Harborfest
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Boston kicks off America's birthday with Harborfest celebrations
Thousands of people will descend on Boston this weekend for the 4th of July with preps and celebrations already beginning in the city. "All of the different music events, and we love being in Boston Harbor," said Stacey Militello, who came to check out Harborfest. Harborfest kicked off on Wednesday with the Middlesex County Fife and Drum band before a boat-themed cake was cut and served to those in the crowd. "We're not only celebrating the birthday of America, we're also celebrating and recognizing the men and women of our country that put on our nation's uniform," said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn. U.S.S. Donald Cook docked in Boston The sailors aboard the U.S.S. Donald Cook DDG75 are also taking over the city. Their shipped is docked at Black Falcon Pier for the weekend. The crew took WBZ-TV aboard for a look, and the public is welcome for tours starting on Thursday. "Welcomed us with open arms. Our sailors are all across the city right now enjoying Boston," said Commander Roosevelt White Jr., the commanding officer aboard the ship. "We can attack our advisories in the land, sea, or air." Only this weekend, their sailors will be taking on Boston from the food to Fenway to Friday night dance floors. "We do have some dancers on board, so I think you're going to see some sailors with the moves like Jagger," laughed White. Esplanade security Their exploration may include joining the tens of thousands of people who will make their way to the Esplanade for the fireworks. Law enforcement had a very specific message for those people looking to create their own show. "Leave the fireworks to the professionals. In the past five years, illegal fireworks have caused almost 200 serious injuries and 500 fires in Massachusetts," said Gina Kwon, Undersecretary for Law Enforcement at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. "Spectators will see a recognizable presence from our uniformed troopers," added Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble during a press conference on 4th of July safety. There will also be an FBI presence, but right now they said they are tracking no specific threats. "We encourage everyone to be mindful, to stay hydrated, and to wear sunscreen. Keep track of personal belongings," said Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Fireworks will also be getting an earlier start this year, and will begin at 9:40 p.m.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
5 rescued after jet ski overturns on James River, fire crews say
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Five people were rescued after a jet ski overturned in the James River Saturday night. According to officials, crews with the Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue responded to the 4100 block of River Park Drive for reports of an overturned jet ski on the James River. Fire Boat 1, which was at Harborfest at the time, responded to the scene and was able to bring five people onboard. One person was reported to have a minor foot injury. 10 On Your Side has reached out for more information on the incident. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Harborfest day 2 experiences brief closure; fireworks show still expected to continue
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Despite calls for potential severe weather, day two of Harborfest went off mostly without a hitch — except for one brief evacuation in the evening. Harborfest is known as America's largest, and longest running, maritime festival. This year marks the festival's 49th year, and features tall ships, great food and great music. Norfolk Harborfest 2025 Most of day two went just as planned, but just before 4:30 p.m., guests were forced to evacuate Town Point Park, where the festival is held, due to severe weather. The closure only lasted around an hour, with guests allowed back at 5:30 p.m. Despite the weather, the fireworks show is still expected to kick off at 9:30 p.m. Saturday night right on the waterside. The show is said to be one of the largest fireworks displays on the entire east coast. The fireworks show will be livestreamed here. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Downtown Norfolk businesses brace for busy Harborfest Weekend
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Harborfest will sail into town tomorrow. It has been a tradition on the Norfolk Riverbank for nearly half a century. America's longest-running free maritime festival is expected to draw around 200,000 people to the Mermaid City in the duration of three days. The setup for Harborfest is well underway, and the economic impacts of the popular event will spill over into the streets of Downtown Norfolk. 'It's gonna be a lot of people walking,' said Monae McNeal of . With an influx of visitors from near and far, local businesses are bracing for a busy weekend. Just a short distance from Town Point Park is Blyss Ice Cream and Desserts and they're hoping Harborfest will help them reach a wider audience. 'We do samples and when people walk around sometimes, we give them free samples, so I feel like it's going to be good,' McNeal said. Just a brief walk from Blyss is Canvas Social Cusine. The team there is also looking forward to the Harborfest rush. 'We are in a prime area to like get the people walking by that go to the event, that come by and go 'oh let's see this, let's visit Canvas,'' Hunt said. Their restaurant offers a wide array of food and drinks, but like many others the past few months have come with some challenges. 'With the ever-changing factors of inflation, I hope that we could get rid of that if we can,' Hunt said. No matter which business you stop by this weekend, just know your patronage is appreciated. 'I'm excited! Excited for everyone to come in and get they ice cream,' McNeal said. For a full guide to Harborfest, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elizabeth River Channel closing schedule for Harborfest
The video above is from WAVY's 2024 coverage of the Norfolk Harborfest Parade of Sail. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Harborfest is back again, and with that comes ensuring a safe waterway for the festivities to take place along the Norfolk waterfront. Harborfest Guide Both the Virginia Sector Coast Guard and regional partners are set to enforce a safety zone in the Elizabeth River Channel from June 6-8, 2025. Waterway closures will be in effect at the following times over the course of the event: June 6: 2:30-3:15 p.m. during a search and rescue demonstration June 6: 9:15-9:45 p.m. during a drone show June 7: 1:15-2 p.m. during a search and rescue demonstration June 7: 4:15-5:30 p.m. during a tug muster June 7: 9-10 p.m. during the fireworks show If there is inclement weather, the Channel will also be closed on June 8 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Vessels will not be allowed to enter the regulated areas during these times, however special spectator anchor locations for boaters will be marked by buoys for the duration of the event. If you plan to travel on foot, you can also find street closings and parking availability on our website . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
