New London Fireworks

Sailfest 2008

July 12

Sailfest is Southeastern CT’s premiere event attracting over 300,000 people for the 3 day festival with a fireworks show Saturday night that is not to be missed. The fireworks show is sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and is supposed to be HUGE this year. Amazing statement, as it is always HUGE – so not sure how much more they can do but, it is really worth seeing.

The 3 Grucci barges [yes I said 3] are set up on the middle of the Thames River. There are moorings available [13 of them] on a first come, first served basis. These moorings are right off the City Pier where all the activities happen Friday evening and all day Saturday, and directly west of where the barges set up for the show. We really get a front row seat… Joel and I will be going up Thursday to get our mooring. We suggest others do the same or come early Friday morning as they are gone by 10 or 11am on Friday. If we can save any moorings we will. But you will need to pay for Thursday night if we start saving them Thursday. They cost $25/night this year and there is NO maximum or minimum stay. There really is no safe rafting as we all know how many wakes the boats and ferries create.

If there are duck boats there on Friday we will have a cocktail party Friday night – host boat to be determined... Saturday, during the day we will plan an outing to see the booths, enjoy the rides and eat the junk food. Saturday Night we invite everyone to Just Desserts for ‘ bring your own dessert’ and whatever, at 8:00pm for a front row seat and wonderful company for the fireworks at 9:25PM.

For all land bound Duckies or those who don’t like to rock on a mooring – Amtrak has "extra" trains from Old Saybrook that day to come up and a special train that leaves after the fireworks to go back. There are trains all day, for example the 12:13 arrives at 12:37 or come for dinner at the festival and then to Just Desserts for the show – train at 7:04  arrives at 7:23pm [there are many trains in-between]. Last train leaves at 11:25 back in Old Saybrook at 11:46pm. Round trip fare is $24 for adults, $20.40 for seniors and $21.60 for AAA members. From the station to where we should be on the mooring is about 100 yards. So please feel free to join us that way. Just, please, let us know that is what you are doing.

Joan and Joel Marcus

Jjmarcus@aol.com

Jmarcus@lesterusa.com

203-245-4503 [home] –leave message

203-488-5265 x 101 [Joan work]

203-494-4962 [Joel cell]

We look forward to seeing you in New London for the greatest show on earth!