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2012 Norfolk Harborfest® presented by AT&THosts OpSail 2012 Virginia™The East Coast’s Largest Free Waterfront Festival Kicks off This WeekJune 6-12, on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
The 36th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® will host OpSail 2012 Virginia™ from June 6-12, 2012, along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, as part of the national commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. Norfolk Harborfest® kicks off the summer season with FREE, fresh, family-friendly FUN!
Starting this Wednesday, June 6-June 12, The Downtown Norfolk Waterfront transforms into an exciting playground for people of all ages stretching over three miles long. The historic waterfront festival offers a weekend packed with exciting activities on land and sea! This year, Harborfest includes more tall ships than ever before, courtesy of OpSail 2012 Virginia™, three spectacular Parades of Sail, the largest fireworks show on the East Coast shot off three barges that will stretch down the Elizabeth River, local, regional and national entertainment, family activities, unique and unusual performances, water activities and much more.
… And to satisfy appetites of all types, festival chefs have prepared a bounty of mouthwatering fresh seafood, traditional festival favorites and crisp, cool drinks. Outdoor cafes and dockside shaded seating line the waterfront paths of Town Point Park and Waterside Marina and will welcome guests all weekend long.
Tall Ships, Ship Tours, Parade of Sail, Boater Information, and Docking…
2012 Harborfest Parade of Sail, Presented by WVEC News Channel 13 Sea and Air Parade of Sail, Wednesday, June 6, 2012The Sea and Air Parade of Sail is a new event for OpSail 2012 Virginia. It will include the International fleet of naval vessels as well as waterborne and air assets from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers and other government and private organizations. The Parade will highlight the importance of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and other Sea Services within our community while showcasing the Port of Virginia to our International guests. Details for the event are still being finalized, but the route w ill include the Parade passing through the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Henry, through Thimble Shoals Channel via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, past Fort Monroe in Hampton, and into downtown Norfolk along the Elizabeth River. The first ships will pass Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk at noon on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.
Parade of Sail Viewing Locations and hours: Front Street Park at Fort Norfolk, 11am-1:30pm Town Point Park and Freemason Harbor, 11:30am-2:30pm
Tall ship Parade of Sail, Friday, June 8, 2012The International fleet of tall ships will begin arriving on Thursday, June 7, 2012. They will anchor in Lynnhaven Roads, just north of the John A. Lesner Bridge on the Virginia Beach waterfront. The Parade of Sail will begin at 7AM on the morning of Friday, June 8, 2012. The fleet will parade from the Lynnhaven Roads anchorage through Thimble Shoals Channel, past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (between Trestles A and B) and past Fort Monroe in Hampton. From there, the ships will move through Hampton Roads and up the Elizabeth River to downtown Norfolk. The first ships in the Parade will reach Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk at noon on Friday, June 8, 2012. Ships w ill then proceed to their docks in downtown Norfolk, or in other Affiliate Ports, before opening to the public for tours.
Parade of Sail Viewing Locations and hours:
Front Street Park at Fort Norfolk, 11am-2pm Town Point Park and Freemason Harbor, 11:30am-2:30pm Parade of Sail Up the Chesapeake Bay, Tuesday, June 12, 2012The Parade of Sail Up the Chesapeake Bay is also a new event for OpSail 2012 Virginia! As the fleet of tall ships departs on the morning of Tuesday, June 12, 2012, they will proceed in formation out of the Elizabeth River, past Fort Monroe in Hampton and turn northward in the Chesapeake Bay towards their next port of call in Baltimore, MD. The fleet will maintain a speed of six knots, passing Smith Point at the mouth of the Potomac River around sunset (about 9PM) on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. Recreational boaters, yacht clubs and charter vessels are encouraged to participate in the Parade by sailing alongside the fleet as they make their way northward. This will offer a unique opportunity to see the tall ships in their natural environment - at sea. Boaters are encouraged to check the opsail2012virginia.com website regularly to learn more about the Parade and look for informational brochures on small boat safety and navigational restrictions specific to OpSail 2012 Virginia. Electrifying Fireworks Show presented by WAVY TV10 & FOX 43Produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee
The Fireworks show at Norfolk Harborfest® is one of the largest pyrotechnical shows on the East Coast. Be prepared for the unexpected as the sky is filled with an explosive display of light and is synchronized to a musical score not to be missed. As a tribute to the writing of the Star Spangled Banner 200 years ago, the audience will be led by local TV and radio personalities in singing our National Anthem just before the show, scheduled for Saturday night at 9:30 pm. Fireworks will be fired off of three barges on the Elizabeth River and will be visible throughout the 3 1/2 miles of the festival waterfront. Barge locations include Town Point Park, Front Street Park at Fort Norfolk and West Ghent Piers at MHI.
The Music of Opsail/ Harborfest weekend…
Budweiser Main Stage
Friday, June 8th
4:00-5:00pm: Andy Grammer: http://www.andygrammer.com/ 6:00-7:15pm: Gavin DeGraw: http://www.gavindegraw.com/home 8:30-10:00pm: Colbie Caillat: http://www.colbiecaillat.com/
Saturday, June 9th
3:30-4:30pm: River City Gang: http://www.rivercitygang.com/ 5:30-7:00pm: Infamous Stringdusters: http://thestringdusters.com/site/admat/ 8:00-9:30pm: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: http://www.brucehornsby.com/assets-page/
Sunday, June 10th
1:30-2:45pm: ARMY TRADOC Rock Band 3:45-5:00pm: Edwin McCain: http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/429details/d_edwinmccain.asp 6:00-7:30pm: Sugarfoot's Ohio Players
Monday, June 11th
12:00-1:30pm: United States Coast Guard Band Boathouse Stage
Friday, June 8th
12:45-2:00pm: Brian Sewell 2:45-4:00pm: Ron Fetner Band: http://www.ronfetner.com/ 5:00-6:00pm: The Jesse Chong Band: http://jessechong.net/ 7:15-8:30pm: Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown: http://tylerbryantmusic.com/ *After Burner Party* 10:00-Midnight Deloreans: http://www.thedeloreans.com
Saturday, June 9th
12:30-1:45pm: Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot 2:15-3:30pm: Passengers 4:30-5:30pm: Bison: http://www.bisonfolk.com/ 6:45-8:00pm: The Wood Brothers: http://www.thewoodbros.com/ *After Burner Party* 10:00-Midnight: Cheap Thrills: http://www.cheapthrillsva.com/ Sunday, June 10th 12:15-1:30pm: Jim Newsom Band: http://www.jimnewsom.com/ 2:30-3:45pm: Lewis McGehee: http://lewismcgehee.com/ 5:00-6:15pm: Holy Ghost Tent Revival: http://www.holyghosttentrevival.com/?p=home
Monday, June 11th
1:00-2:15pm: Tropical Steel: http://www.tropicalsteel.com/ 2:45-4:00pm: Narissa Band: http://www.narissabond.com/ 4:30-5:45pm: Mike Proffitt 6:15-8:00pm: B2B: http://www.b2bband.com/ Front Street Stage:
Thursday, June 7th
2:30pm-3:30pm: Bill Dempsey 4:00pm-5:00pm: Pint & Dale: http://pintndale.com/ 5:30pm-6:30pm: Walt Michael & Co. http://www.goldenlink.org/html/waltmichael.html 7:00pm-8:00 pm: Poisoned Dwarf: http://www.poisoneddwarf.com/
Friday, June 8th
12:00pm-1:00 pm Bill Dempsey 1:30pm-2:30pm: Bob Zentz: http://www.bobzentz.com/ 3:00pm-4:00pm: Hildebrands 4:30pm-5:30 pm Scott Varney: http://scottvarney.com/ 6:00pm-7:15 pm Longfellow Street: http://www.longfellowstreetmusic.com/ 8:00pm-11:00 pm Jackmove
Saturday, June 9th
12:00pm-2:30pm United States Fleet Forces Show Band 3:00pm-4:00 pm OCEAN 4:00pm-5:00pm OCEAN 5:30pm-6:30pm Mike Proffitt Band 7:00pm-8:15pm Julie Clark: http://julieclark.net/ 8:45pm-9:30pm 10 Spot 10:00pm-11:00pm 10 Spot
Sunday, June 10th
12:00pm-1:15pm USCG Dixie Band 2:00pm-3:00 pm Molasses Creek: http://molassescreek.com 3:30pm-4:30 pm Ronstadt Generations: http://www.ronstadtgenerations.com 5:00pm-8:00pm Code Blue: http://www.codeblueband.com/
Monday, June 11th
12:00pm-1:00 pm Skye Zentz 1:30pm-2:30 pm Stephen Christoff: http://stephenchristoff.com/ 3:00pm-4:00 pm Sparky & Rhonda Rucker: http://www.sparkyandrhonda.com/ 4:30pm-6:30 pm Shanty- Folk! Bob Zentz with Pint & Dale and crew 7:00pm-8:00 pm Ronstadt Generations: http://www.ronstadtgenerations.com MHI Stage: Thursday, June 7th 4:00pm-5:00pm: Island Style 7:00pm-8:00pm: Island Style
Friday, June 8th
12:30pm-1:30pm Tropical Steel; steel drums: http://tropicalsteel.com/ 2:00pm-3:00pm Tropical Steel; steel drums: http://tropicalsteel.com/ 4:00pm-5:00pm Joe Gosman: http://www.joegosman.com/ 5:30pm-6:30pm Joe Gosman: http://www.joegosman.com/ 7:00pm-8:00pm The Dudes 8:30pm-9:30pm The Dudes 10:00-11:00pm &nbs p; The Dudes
Saturday, June 9th
12:00pm-1:30pm Joe Maniscalco: http://www.joemaniscalco.com/ 2:00pm-3:00pm Joe Maniscalco: http://www.joemaniscalco.com/ 4:00pm-5:00pm Ryan Hines Band 5:30pm-6:30pm Ryan Hines Band 7:00pm-8:00pm Buffett Fever 8:30pm-9:30pm Buffett Fever 10:00-11:00pm Buffett Fever
Sunday, June 10th
12:30pm-1:30pm Tropical Steel; steel drums: http://tropicalsteel.com/ 2:00pm-3:00pm Tropical Steel; steel drums: http://tropicalsteel.com/ 4:00pm-5:00pm: Island Style5:30pm-6:30pm: Island Style7:00pm-8:00pm: & nbsp; Island Style
Monday, June 11th12:30pm-1:30pm Joe Maniscalco: http://www.joemaniscalco.com/
2:00pm-3:00pm Joe Maniscalco: http://www.joemaniscalco.com/ 3:30pm-4:30pm Joe Maniscalco: http://www.joemaniscalco.com/ 5:00pm-6:00pm Sparky & Rhonda Rucker: http://www.sparkyandrhonda.com/
Unique & Unusual of Harborfest
Wacky Chad – master pogo comedian extraordinaire! - Mercury Landing, Town Point Park
Wacky Chad’s engaging blend of comedy, stunts and improve has impressed thousands of people all over the world. This wildly appealing show keeps audiences smiling long after he has finished his energizing shows. Wacky Chad is a stunt comedian, unicyclist, juggler, unique pogo stick performer, strolling entertainer, magician, and stand up comic – all in one!
Yo-Yo People – Two-Time Guinness World Record Holder - Mercury Landing, Town Point Park
Who would have thought you could make an entire show out of yo-yos? John Higby brings back that nostalgic toy, reminding you of old favorite tricks such as Walk the Dog and Rock the Baby, then amazing you with new and bizarre tricks, such as Boingy-Boingy and Iron Whip.
The Procrastinators – Outrageous Drummers! - Mercury Landing, Town Point Park Co-founded in 1999 by Chris Doolittle, Matt Ramey and Brian Stockard, these outrageous drummers turn five-gallon water bottles, barstools and pots & pans into legitimate musical instruments while jumping, sliding, twisting and stomping their way through fast and furious rhythmic fun!
No Bodies Crew – Breaking it DOWN! - Mercury Landing, Town Point Park No Bodies Crew invites you to experience the vibrant intensity of an action packed Breakin’ (Breakdance) performance; an exciting display of gravity defying flips, breathtaking stunts and high energy acrobatic Breakin’ routines.
Tidewater Dock Dogs - West Ghent Piers at MHILeaping, splashing, swimming and barking! Tidewater Dock Dogs makes a splash in Norfolk featuring a three-day dock dog competition. This very popular and fast growing national canine sport is featured on ESPN, The Outdoor Network and most recently in a national pizza commercial. Dock Dogs is an action packed, fast paced sport open to all four legged breeds, sizes and ages! A regulation size pool and dock will be installed at MHI where dogs will be competing all weekend in three categories: Big Air, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical. Advance registration is required.
Keith King BMX Stunt Show - West Ghent Piers at MHIShowcasing both ramp and flatland BMX stunts, their performance features high-flying aerial jumps and mind boggling technical maneuvers on the ground and in the air that are sure to amaze and thrill guests with heart-stopping tricks! These riders have competed in the X Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour and have been featured on Fox Sports. Performances Thursday, June 7-Sunday, June 10.
Children & Family ActivitiesRyan The Balloon Guy – extreme balloon artist! Ryan Lavallee is better known throughout Hampton Roads as Ryan “The Balloon Guy” because his profession has been twisting balloons for a hobby and now professionally. Request your free balloon art from Ryan Friday, June 8-Sunday, June 10.
Pic-N-Paint – award winning face painter!Voted the best face painting and body art in Hampton Roads, Ashley Pickin is the owner and artist of Pic-N-Paint. Painting faces from Friday, June 8-Sunday, June 10, her creative juices will flow and delight even the pickiest of critics.
Sunday Family Funday! East Lawn, Town Point Park
On Sunday, June 10th, from 10am-2pm, join us as we celebrate the families of Hampton Roads during this exclusive time at Harborfest in Town Point Park!
Meet & Greet with Nick Jr’s Foofee™ & Toodee™ from Yo! Gabba! Gabba!™ ©2010 GabbaCaDabra LLC located beside the Main Stage.
ALL ABOARD the Town Point Express! Enjoy FREE train rides throughout Town Point Park on this one of a kind caboose!
Have steam to blow off? Jump inside our three bounce houses… themed with all of your favorite Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Princess Cinderella and Cars!
Grab your balloon art from Ryan the Balloon Guy and get your face painted at the Pic-N-Paint station to enhance your festival experience!
Other Fun Festival Features
Norfolk FREE WAYThis FREE shuttle system will transport guests to all OpSail 2012 Virginia event sites as well to attractions and hotels throughout Norfolk. The Norfolk FREE WAY Depot at Harbor Park will operate 3 separate loops of continuous service to attractions and event sites beginning at 10 am each day from Wednesday, June 8 through Monday June 11th. Norfolk FREE WAY will end service to event sites and attractions at 9 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, Midnight on Friday and Saturday and 9 pm on Sunday and Monday. Norfolk FREE WAY will transport guests between Norfolk hotels and the Norfolk FREE WAY Depot at scheduled times throughout the weekend as well. Please visit www.opsail2012virginia.com for a complete listing of Hotel shuttle locations.
Norfolk FREEWAY shuttle stops for the general public include the following stops along the festival grounds:
All American Cornhole Blast presented by Virginia Cornhole Association- Festival Field, Town Point ParkThis ain’t your daddy’s horseshoes! It’s the All American Cornhole Blast Tournament and Free Play Weekend Friday June 8 & Saturday June 9, Noon – 5 pm. Register early to guarantee your place on the roster. Tournament winners receive cash and merchandise prizes. Visit http://www.virginiabeachcornhole.com/events.php for details and registration.
Virginia’s Finest® Pavilion - Festival Field, Town Point ParkFrom cookies to corks, find everything Virginia from retail vendors like Cookie Zen, LLC, Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn, Montebello Kitchens, Rodger’s Banana Pudding Sauce, Rowena’s and Virginia Diner, Inc. Virginia wines are available to sample and for purchase by the glass, bottle and case. Virginia wineries include Barboursville Vineyards, Chateau Morrisette, Chatham Vineyards, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, Rockbridge Vineyard and Williamsburg Winery. The Virginia’s Finest® Trademark Program is proud to celebrate nearly 25 years of excellence, promoting the development of Virginia agriculture and specialty food and beverage products. Virginia’s Finest®, created by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), highlights top quality Virginia-produced, processed and manufactured products, including baked goods, beverages, candy, confections, cheeses, meats, nuts, snack foods, seafood, sauces and more. Only Virginia products that meet or exceed quality standards are part of the Virginia’s Finest® Trademark Program. Consumers recognize the familiar Virginia’s Finest® "checkmark" and trust that Virginia’s Finest® products have been deemed the “best of the best.” Guests can also explore the Virginia’s Finest Directory online by visiting www.vafinest.com.
US Marine Corps Sunset Parade and Parade of Cadets- Festival Field, Town Point Park7:00pm-8:30pm in Festival Field in Town Point Park. The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. This highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps. The Silent Drill Platoon first performed in the Sunset Parades of 1948 and received such as overwhelming response that it soon became a regular part of the parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Dewaruci Marching Band & Dance Team - Waterside AmphitheaterDon’t miss this unique opportunity to get up close & personal with the 80-member Marching Band and Dance Team from the Indonesian Tall Ship, Dewaruci in the Waterside Amphitheater. Performances take place Friday, June 8-Monday, June 11. Visit stage schedules for exact times.
Military Heritage Encampment- Front Street at Fort NorfolkThe OpSail 2012 Virginia Military Heritage Encampment & Drill Field is a timeline event commemorating the history of our nation’s military services. More than 200 participants in 20 units will demonstrate the life of the average Soldier, Sailor, and Marine from colonial days to today’s active duty military. Come out and see the tools, weapons, tactics and camp life from different time periods and watch exciting demonstration on the tactical demonstration field. Walk through history, try on uniforms, learn to march in formation, and watch a Civil War cannon fired! Front Street Park at Fort Norfolk will come alive with American military history Friday-Monday (June 8-11, 2012) between noon and sunset. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!
Ferris Wheel - West Ghent Piers at MHI
The largest traveling Giant Wheel in North American will thrill festival guests visiting West Ghent Piers at MHI. From 90 ft in the air, gaze across the Elizabeth River at the breathtaking views of the visiting vessels along the Norfolk waterfront. The Wheel lights up the night sky with 5,000 LED lights dancing in unison.
For More information please go to festevents.org or opsail2012virginia.com
Proceeds raised at Norfolk Harborfest® 2012 benefit: Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads, Barrett Haven, ACCESS AIDS Care, Virginia Sun Wheelers, Kiwanis Club of Norfolk, REACH, Inc., Chinese Community Association of Hampton Roads, Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk, Chesapeake Southside Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Grafton and The Dwelling Place.
The 36th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® is produced by Norfolk Festevents in partnership with Port of Virginia and presented by AT&T and the City of Norfolk.
The weekend’s events are sponsored by:W.F. Magann Corporation, Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/RAM/ Fiat, CFE Equipment Corporation, Budweiser, Geico, Pepsi, Farm Fresh, Norfolk Environmental Commission, Norfolk Plumbing, Virginia Is For Lovers, Sentara, Shula’s 347, Spirit of Norfolk, Virginia Lottery, Nauticus, WVEC 13, WAVY TV 10/ FOX 43, 92.9 The Wave, 97.3 The Eagle, Hot 100.5, 94.9 The Point, 95.7 R&B, 101.3 2WD, Z104, 93.7 BOB FM, 96X, US 106, FM99, 106.9 The Fox, 92.1 KISS FM, 103 JAMZ, The New 105.3 and Movin’ 107.7 .
OpSail 2012 Virginia™ is produced by Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. in partnership with OpSail, Inc., The Virginia Bicentennial of the American War of 1812 Commission, the Commonwealth of Virginia, US Navy, US Coast Guard and other US Sea Services, The Naval History & Heritage Command, The Patriotic Festival, Virginia’s Finest & the Culinary Institute of Virginia
OpSail 2012 Virginia™ is sponsored by: Port of Virginia, W.F. Magann Corporation, American Maritime Holdings Inc., Norfolk Southern, Pilot Media, Dominion Enterprises, TowneBank, Maersk Line, Limited, E.G Middleton Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries, STIHL, BB&T, Norfolk International Airport, Crofton Industries, Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center, Virginia’s Finest & Norfolk Seafood Company.
About Operation Sail, Inc.
Operation Sail, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy. Backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution, its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. To date, it has held five international sailing events—in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992 and 2000—each tied to a landmark historical event and each culminating in a traditional Parade of Sail in New York Harbor. For more information, please visit www.opsail.org.
About the United States Navy
The U. S. Navy is the sea-service branch of the U. S. Armed Forces. The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. America’s Navy, keeping the Sea Free for More than 200 years. www.navy.mil, www.history.navy.mil About the United States Coast Guard The U.S. Coast Guard has a long and rich military history providing security and enabling American prosperity through maritime commerce. Today the Coast Guard is a strategic national asset, uniquely equipped with legal authorities and specialized skills, making the Service a sound investment in homeland security for more than 200 years. http://www.uscg.mil/
About Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to producing city celebrations including premier concerts, festivals, ship visits, and special events for the residents and guests of Hampton Roads. Celebrating its 30th season, Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding quality of programming. Norfolk Festevents is the official event marketing and production agency for the City of Norfolk.
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