ALL ABOARD!
Waterford Tugboat Roundup a festival without peer
WATERFORD, N. Y. » The area around the Waterford Harbor was packed Saturday with many guests who were all there to check out some tugboats.
The large crowd came out for the 18th annual Waterford Tugboat Roundup, which began Friday night and goes on each day through Sunday.
One of the largest maritime festivals in the state, the free Tugboat Roundup once again saw great success and attendance this year, drawing boats and people from near and far.
There were plenty of vendors to offer food and drink, as well as near- constant music and family entertainment for the threeday event.
The boats are not only for viewing. Several boats were available to go aboard, and attendees could learn more from the crews.
Tugboats faced- off on Saturday and also on Sunday, competing with raw strength and piloting skills.
The event is produced annually by the town of Waterford and supported by many corporate sponsors. Always held the weekend after Labor Day, the festival has grown steadily and attracts thousands of people. In addition to tours of the vessels and other displays, there is a supply of music, food, children’s activities, vendors, boat rides, fireworks, and family fun.
Attendees for the annual event came from areas across the Capital Region, while others visited the tugboat roundup fromother states, such as Connecticut.
“We came here today with the whole family,” said Joseph Torre of Clifton Park, who was standing with his 3- year old grandson. “It’s a nice day and a nice time to get out and see the tugboats with the family.”
John and Nancy Grzymkowski came to the tugboat roundup for the first time Saturday from their hometown in Connecticut— since they were in town visiting family — and they said that they were enjoying the scenery there.
“This is very interesting and it’s very nice here,” John Grzymkowski said. “We didn’t even know that this was here; we’ve been up to this area but never to this event, so we’re really excited to be here.”
Other attendees said that they wanted to attend the event for the first time so that their young children can enjoy all the boats.
“My son loves boats, so I wanted to bring him here for the first time,” said Amanda Lindsey of Troy, who was there with her three- yearold son.