Waterfront festival is ready in Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen Seneca Harbor Park will host the annual waterfront festival and cardboard boat regatta Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16. This is the 25th year of the festival.
The fair-style food court will be available both days, with the Friday Night Lights event starting off the attractions. Beginning at 5 p.m. the food vendors will open and there will be entertainment at the Seneca Harbor Patio from 6 to 9 p.m. The lights that illuminate the pier and waterfront come on at dusk and additional entertainment begins at 9 p.m. at the Marina Bar and Grill.
The famous cardboard boats will make their way to the parking lot by the Village Marina Saturday morning for the annual "Concourse de Cardboard." Spectators can inspect their favorite boats, and often see some last minute waterproofing with duct tape. Visitors can vote for the best boat from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday. At 2 p.m. the regatta gets underway, as the boats are tested by paddling from the boat launch area to the finish line near the pier. In addition to the fan award, there are also various speed and construction titles up for grabs along with the judges pick.
All boats are made only of cardboard, glue, duct tape and paint. No other products to aid in floatation or structural integrity are used. While some of the boats are basically unfazed by their water trial, the award for the best sinking always has a number of candidates.
Admission and parking both days are free. Additional information can be seen at www.thewaterfrontfestival.com.