Harbor Fest Set June 18, 19

CAPE MAY — On Sat. June 19, the City of Cape May will host Harbor Fest 2010. While Cape May’s beautiful harbor provides the overall setting for Harbor Fest, the Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) is the focal point of the event since most land-based activities are held at or near the center.
A large section of Delaware Avenue, which borders both the harbor and the Center, is closed for the event.
What is being planned?
• Harbor Fest begins with a Friday evening (June 18th) “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony at the Fisherman’s Memorial. The ceremony is a time of remembrance for local fishermen who have lost their lives at sea, followed by a campfire, music, sharing and snacks back at the Nature Center.
• On Saturday, Harbor Fest takes on the characteristics of a street festival with prepared fresh seafood and “land-lubber” fair, a beer garden, street vendors, entertainment, educational displays, arts and crafts, and even a crabbing demonstration.
• Perhaps the most popular of Saturday’s activities is the “Scallop Challenge” featuring Cape May’s finest chefs.
• The always popular “Paddling for a Purpose” kayak and canoe regatta is scheduled for Saturday, as are birding programs for every age and level of experience.
• Other activities planned for Saturday include Explore the Shore programs, a Beach and Marsh Marine Debris Clean-up, Wharf Tours, a Coast Guard Search and Rescue demonstration and kayak eco-tours.
• Special Events scheduled for this year’s Harbor Fest include:
• Live music by local favorite, Blue Bone
• A sunfish regatta hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club
• This year’s featured artist is local favorite, Rick Bogert
• Long range kayaker and ocean activist MARGO PELLEGRINO is expected to make an appearance.
• Transportation between key locations, via trolley and a hayride is furnished as well as a water taxi which connects the key points around the harbor.
Since its inception as a whaling village in the 17th Century, Cape May’s economy and culture has been linked to the sea. But with the promise comes a challenge. Harbor Fest is intended to heighten awareness and appreciation of this fragile resource.
In order to highlight this challenge, this year, Harbor Fest will, in large part, focus on the prevention and recovery of marine related debris.
Additional information about Harbor Fest is available on the web: www.CapeMayHarborfest.com or by contacting the Greater Cape May Chamber of Commerce, 609-884-5508, www.capemay chamber.com.