Boater's Festival Planned For Port Jeff

Port Jefferson and the village's Economic Development Council have partnered with the New York Marine Trade Association to bring a two-day event to the village that will celebrate its maritime heritage and vibrant boating culture.

, , and dozens of businesses will be a part of the event over the weekend of May 12 – 13. The dates also coincide with the opening weekend of the that Sunday.

The , the , U.S. Power Squadron and Suffolk County Police Department will also be there to display their emergency crafts along with children's activities at the Port Jefferson Library, and from the Long Island Maritime Museum. The festival will feature music, food, vendors and plenty of other activities to enjoy like pirate shows, treasure hunts and sail boat races.

Port Jefferson Harbor is one of the most popular deep water harbors on Long Island offering boaters a prime location with easy access to local shops, restaurants and entertainment just a short walk from the marina docks.

“We are excited to finally celebrate and promote our maritime heritage by making our waterfront gateway more accessible and user-friendly linking visiting boaters to our merchant and artistic community,” Mayor Margot Garant said in a statement announcing the festival.

Garant credited village spokeswoman and PTA president Jill Russell with conceiving of the idea, saying that the boating culture in Port Jefferson needed to be celebrated. If successful the village plans to make it an annual event.