Satisfying, safe Sailfest comes to a close

Few problems reported at New London festival

New London — Gifted with kind weather, the 41st annual Sailfest was a treat for visitors and left police and vendors satisfied Sunday as New London’s biggest event of the year came to a close.

Despite facing overcast conditions most of the day, thousands of visitors still descended on New London for the final day of the three-day festival, enjoying the festivities and treating themselves to music, shopping and plenty of food.

Meanwhile, for police and vendors, the summer celebration also went fairly well.

Although event organizers could not be reached to share their thoughts on the city’s marquee festival, police said on their end things went off without a hitch.

Although a few arrests were made over the weekend — including a gun arrest — police said there were no major incidents and the festival went rather smoothly.

“Overall things went well,” said New London Police Capt. Brian Wright, adding they were fortunate that this year the festival was for the most part uneventful. “It’s always a nice celebration. … Both residents and visitors seemed to enjoy the event.”

Wright added that police always try their best to ensure the highest level of security at the festival, and he was quick to credit the men and women of the New London Police Department and the mutual aid police departments for delivering another safe year.

“Without their hard work, efforts and diligence, the level of safety and security we supply wouldn’t be possible,” Wright said.

For vendors, the festival in large part was also a success.

“It was a great crowd to talk to and we actually made some sales, so as far as we’re concerned Sailfest was great,” said vendor Betsy Goldberg of Sleeping Giant Hemp Company, adding that they also lucked out in avoiding the rain. “We’d love to be back next year.”

For another vendor, Dawn Blittner of Yellow Table Design, her feelings about the festival really depended on the day.

“Saturday as an artisan was rough,” she said. “There wasn’t as much interest, it seemed like people just wanted to get their alcohol, get their food, and watch the fireworks.”

“Sunday was great. … There were a lot more locals, and a lot more people who wanted to stop and have conversations and ask about what we do and how we make things,” she added. “It had much more of a community feel, which we really appreciated.”

SARAH GORDON/THE DAY Lillian Guess, 3, of New London, left, plays the drums Sunday with Apache, who did not give his last name, of New York, and Oscar Stallard, 5, of New London, on Bank Street during the final day of Sailfest in New London.

SARAH GORDON THE DAY Sharon Vasta, center, a student at Dance Country, participates in a beginners country line dancing class at the Custom House Stage during the final day of Sailfest on Sunday.