Greenport is the quintessential seaport, so it should come as no surprise that it's
the site of the
22nd Greenport Maritime Festival, a three-day family-friendly party (with
plenty of fun for adults, as well) that celebrates the long and extensive nautical
history of Long Island's east end.
A group of the Young family, one of the original settlers of Southold, which — debates
with Southampton historians aside — is quite possibly the oldest settlement on Long
Island, more-or-less founded the town when they moved down to what is the present
day Greenport area in the 1640s. The first recorded deed transaction appears in
1648 when the land the Young's owned was transferred to the Booth family.
The Greenport area was originally known as Stirling for the British Earl (much about
William Alexander, the Earl of Stirling's, history, claim and providence, vis-à-vis
the Province of New York is open for debate), who laid a King's claim to most of
Eastern Long Island and New England.
Today's port area was called Winter Harbor, since it remained accessible even when
everything else around froze over. Eventually, Stirling became the section facing
the Sound and the south side was known as Green Hill, which eventually became Green
Port (two words) when the two towns merged in 1831. Seven years later the village
incorporated and the town and its name became the Greenport we know today. The main
village (and most of the sea commerce) was actually situated on the west side of
Stirling Creek and it wasn't until the village incorporated that the area of present
day downtown started to build.
Greenport has always been a true seaport. Boat building (from colonial to rum-running
days), whaling, shellfisheries, and fin fisheries always played a major part in
this town's culture and existence and — with the exception of whaling — didn't wane
until after World War II. Although today's Greenport is most well known for its
tourism, it remains a hub for both recreational and commercial marine activity…so
why not celebrate that history with an annual maritime fest?
This street festival – in which the village closes its main thoroughfares to auto
traffic – provides attendees with an opportunity to experience not only Greenport,
but the seafaring life of the area. There will be parades complete with pipers,
floats, and all manner of antique vehicles. There's a clam chowder contest in which
area restaurants submit their best; undoubtedly, Townsend Manor Inn will defend
its 2010 "Peoples Choice" award and A Mano will defend its "Best in Show" award.
Then there are whaleboat races, kayak races, a wide variety of vendors, and displays
of all ilk (and the area shop and restaurants remain open as well) and fireworks
at night.
Boats of every kind from classic to modern will be on view (and there are always
surprises that show up on the boat front). There have been US Navy warships, US
Coast Guard rescue boats, tall ships, giant luxury yachts, and even iceboats; and
there are the refurbished classic sailboats that are in Greenport all the time,
not to mention solar craft and more.
For those who've never visited Greenport, don't miss the refurbished 1920s carousel
in Mitchell Park or the "living history" Blacksmith Shop, also in Mitchell Park.
The festival has become so famous that it even draws a pirate band, the Kings of
the Coast led by Capt. Bart Fellows, who traditionally raid and pillage Greenport
during the fest. Hailing from infamous ports such as Port Royal, Tortuga, and Madagascar,
they'll surely entertain kids of all ages. Of course, to avoid walking a plank,
you'll have to sign the pirate's "Articles of Agreement." Argh, matey.
One facet available to event goers for the first time this year will be a chance
to visit the locally famous "Bug" Light, near the Long Beach Light. It derived its
sobriquet from its shape, which seafarers (perhaps those too long at sea with Capt.
Fellows) said looked like a big water bug. The Peconic Star Express is expected
to take passengers on the 15 minute trip to the light and leave the Greenport railroad
dock behind the Maritime Museum about every two hours during the event. Bob Allen,
whose great-grandfather was a keeper at Bug Light, is supposed to conduct the hour-or-so
tours of the light.
Long Island's poet laureate, Walt Whitman, often visited Greenport and stayed with
his sister who lived on the corner of South and Third streets. Of Greenport's inhabitants
he once wrote "[there are] interesting specimens of humanity to be scared up in
all quarters of this diggins."
We're sure you'll find plenty of "interesting specimens" lurking around Greenport
during this year's Maritime Festival.
September 23 - 25
631-477-2100
