Thousands grab umbrellas, enjoy third day at Harborfest

Posted to: News Norfolk
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By Josh Brown
Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 6, 2009

NORFOLK

Despite steady rain and cloudy skies, thousands of people flocked to Town Point Park on Sunday, the final day of the city's annual Harborfest, officials said.

At 2 p.m., dozens of people huddled under umbrellas to watch contestants from a build-a-boat competition race wooden crafts in the Elizabeth River. Nearby, hundreds of people crowded under tents to listen to live performances.

Tens of thousands of people attended the festival under clear skies during the past two days, said Pat Vargo, the event's marketing director.

Despite Sunday's weather, an evening fireworks show went off as planned.

"It was a great way to end the three days," Vargo said.

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Silly

Submitted by ferryrider on Mon, 07/06/2009 at 8:45 am.

I was very disappointed at not being able to see fireworks Sunday night. After hearing that there would be fireworks all three nights, I thought I'd be able to see the ones Sunday after returning from being out of town. I never saw a schedule, I just thought fireworks happen after dark, so was very disappointed when I heard them going off as I was making my way to the park.

No one seemed impressed, and friends I spoke with who saw them said they were disappointing. What a waste of money. Can't Norfolk get its act together? Fireworks in daylight? I never would have thought that would ever happen anywhere. Leave it to this place.

daylight fireworks?

Submitted by capt.bryan on Sun, 07/05/2009 at 9:54 pm.

Fireworks in the daylight sounded like a bad idea, but if you were able to see them, now you know for sure it was a really stupid idea.

oh, one more thing...

Submitted by capt.bryan on Mon, 07/06/2009 at 11:50 am.

Just to clarify, and not be totally negative, the firworks display on Friday night was decent, and Saturday night they were excellent.

Also, I love harborfest but am pretty disappointed with the 'new' Town Point Park. They removed all of the mature trees! What is a park without trees, really? They replanted many saplings but it will be many years before they are as enjoyable. During concerts in the summer people would crowd into the cool shade they offered. I also don't like the new location of the main stage, it seems like the seating area is smaller and the river is no longer the backdrop. I can understand replacing some of the old sidewalks to improve handicap accessibility etc. but the total renovation seems wasteful. I can't help but wonder how much of it has to do with accommodating the cruise ship terminal.

Um, the article says "evening fireworks show"

Submitted by wspeid on Mon, 07/06/2009 at 8:40 am.

Best HarborFest since we moved here.

really

Submitted by sammbogum39 on Mon, 07/06/2009 at 12:44 am.

I didn't know that happened or they could do that. I saw the fireworks last night, spectacular! But daytime fireworks? I'm with capt.bryan on this one.