Cleveland may be on a historic winning streak in recent weeks but one more special moment in 2016 will elude the city. It seems the RNC and its myriad of regulations refused entry to the Tall Ships Event that visits the Port of Cleveland every few years. Cleveland's loss will be Lake County's gain. Lake County's best kept secret Fairport Harbor will be the new site for this visit beginning July 7th with a Parade of Sails. 'Life is definitely better in a beach town' and nine tall ships will make it so July 8-10 from 10am to 5pm daily. The docks at 420 Water Street will be abuzz with activity reminiscent of when Fairport Harbor was the second largest area port in the 19th c. Visitors will be able to experience deck tours as well as book limited sail experiences. Maritime musicians will be performing daily, food trucks will be on site and various local and nautical educational information will be shared. Just up the street from the ships, the 1825-1925 Grand River Lighthouse will be open for daily visits and tower tours. Known since 1945 as the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum, an Art Festival will be on the lighthouse hilltop during the weekend with area artist Bill Csatary on site sharing his newest works. Nearby the Finnish Heritage Museum will be open to share the culture and history of Fairport and its Finnish community. Local merchants such as Great Lakes Boatworks, The Gravel Pit and many local antique shops will offer retail therapy for anyone's tastes.
Tall Ships Weekend Potpourri - Visit
TallShipsFairportHarbor.com for the most current information, schedule of events and advance ticket purchasing.
- Participating ships include U.S. Brig Niagara, Pride of Baltimore, Draken Harald Harfagre, Appledore IV, When and IF, Appledore V, S/V Denis Sullivan, El Galeon Andulucia, Mist of Avalon
- Maritime Musicians & Weekend Performers include Tom Kastle, Hard Tackers, Pirates of the Rusty Cutlass, Goodknights, Alex Bevan, Horsefeathers and more
- Parade of Sail - Thursday July 7th - approx. 4-8pm
- Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park ( Lake Metroparks.com) open daily till 8pm
- Two local museums will be open extended hours (admission charge)
- Two local Lighthouses may be viewed (.8 miles apart)
- Festival Passes, VIP Sails, Day Sails and more available by visiting tallshipsfairportharbor.com
- Parking Lot Shuttle available / sponsored by local merchants
- Local Businesses and eateries will be open for unique shopping experiences
- Volunteer opportunities still possible - visit website
Other Useful Websites - www.lakevisit.com
www.fairportharbor.org
www.fairportharborlighthouse.org
www.finnishheritagemuseum.org
www.lakemetroparks.com
