Gloucester is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Schooner Festival this Labor Day Weekend, featuring deck tours, a boat parade of lights, fireworks display, and the Mayor’s race. Twenty one vessels will venture to Gloucester to compete for three trophies, including the Esperanto Cup, the trophy from the first international race in 1920, but also the most desired trophy of the race.
However, if you’re prone to seasickness the weekend offers plenty of land activities as well. Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center will host its 7th annual Heritage Day celebration having live music and free exhibits. Also, the Cape Ann Museum, Whale Center of New England, and Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary will provide plenty of activities for children and adults.
Whether you’re a captain at heart of simply interested in the historical town there will be plenty of excitement throughout the weekend to satisfy any desire. For more information and a full weekend schedule visit capeannvacations.com/schooner or contact the chamber at: 978-283-1601.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, September 4, 2009
All Day Arrival of Participating Vessels.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cape Ann Museum visiting hours.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Essex Shipbuilding Museum visiting hours.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center visiting hours.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Reception for invited guests.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Skippers Meeting for all Traditional Small Craft, at Solomon Jacobs Park, immediately adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Harbor Loop.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Deck Tours aboard the Adventure and Children’s Activities dockside at Cruiseport Gloucester.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bluenose II Open House at Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Day at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center on Harbor Loop. Free to all.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cape Ann Museum visiting hours.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Essex Shipbuilding Museum visiting hours.
12:00 noon – 4:30 p.m.
Open House at US Coast Guard Station, Harbor Loop.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Start of Sailing Races for Traditional Small Craft, off Eastern Point Light.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Search & Rescue Demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard off Harbor Loop.
6:00 p.m.
Festival Crew Party for invited guests. Gloucester House Restaurant.
7:30 p.m.
Boat “Parade of Lights”.
9:15 p.m.
Fireworks Display over Gloucester Harbor. (following Parade of Lights, time approximate)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
8:00 a.m.
Skippers Meeting for all Schooners sailing in Mayor’s Race at Solomon Jacobs Park, immediately adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Harbor Loop.
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shuttle Bus to Eastern Point Light, from Eastern Point Gate (Eastern Point Boulevard at Farrington Avenue) to watch the start of the Mayor’s Race. Free of Charge.
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Parade of Sail as Schooners proceed from Inner Harbor, past the Fishermen’s Memorial on Stacy Boulevard, to the race starting area off Eastern Point.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Deck Tours aboard the Adventure and Children’s Activities dockside at Cruiseport Gloucester.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Essex Shipbuilding Museum visiting hours.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center visiting hours.
11:00 a.m.
Start of Mayor’s Race for Esperanto Cup, Ned Cameron Trophy and Betty Ramsey Trophy off Eastern Point.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cape Ann Museum visiting hours.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Reception and Awards Ceremony for contestants and invited guests at the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Harbor Loop.
Monday, September 7, 2009
“Rain Day” for recovery from postponements caused by inclement weather. ONLY IF REQUIRED.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center visiting hours.
Tuesday-Saturday, September 8-12
North Shore Art Association’s Schooner Festival Wet Paint Exhibition will be on display September 8 -12. NSAA artist members will be out painting throughout the entire Schooner Festival. For a detailed list of the artists’ painting dates, times, and locations please visit NSAA’s website at nsarts.org.