Charleston Harborfest 2009

June 26, 10:47 AMColumbia Day Trips ExaminerAmanda Whitney

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The Spirit of South Carolina at full sail

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a pirate? Well if you answered yes to that question then you may want to take a trip to Charleston this weekend. The Charleston Harborfest will begin on Friday and last through Monday with plenty to see and do. The main attraction of course will be the tall ships. Admission is $20.00 adults $10.00 for children 6-17 and children under 5 are free.

There are 18 tall ships confirmed to be in the harbor, some will offer deck tours from 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. They sail to Charleston harbor from as far away as Russia. Others will be coming from the UK, Germany, France, and Uruguay. The Spirit of South Carolina will be among the tall ships in the harbor this weekend. It is a class B two masted schooner that gives public sails with reservations. The Spirit of South Carolina is booked for this weekend but I highly recommend a sunset sail the next time your in Charleston. For those who have never seen the tall ships sitting in or sailing out of the harbor it is a must. It’s even better to go for a sail on one. And if you’re the type to think you’ll get seasick, don’t worry the ships don’t leave the harbor.

Friday night will host the International tall ships soiree; tickets to board for this event were only sold in advance but the sight from afar is still worth seeing. The tall ships will be decked out in all their lighting for the Soiree from 8pm-11pm on Friday.

Saturdays schedule will include an air show at the maritime center waterfront at 10am and cannon and gun demonstrations at the Ansonborough field at 4pm. The Harborpalooza live concerts will feature Plane Jane and The Blue Dogs. Harborpalooza starts at 6pm at the Charleston harbor resort, tickets for this event cost $15.00 at the door.

Sundays events will be the same without the Harborpalooza concerts. Monday will be the parade of sail as the tall ships leave the harbor, best points of viewing are the maritime center, Waterfront Park and Sullivan’s island. The latter is recommended.

There will be free parking on Saturday and Sunday. There will be signs posted “Charleston Harborfest remote parking” with free shuttles running during the days. Shuttles will run 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after each days event.
There are a few garages offering $5.00 daily parking on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

• South Carolina Aquarium
• Gaillard Auditorium
• East Bay / Prioleau Street
• Visitor center garage on Meeting Street

If your looking for something to do this weekend, look no further than the Charleston Harbor. But don't forget some comfy shoes and suncreen.

www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com/documents/DOC032.PDF   Map of area parking garages

 www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com/documents/mapeventlocations2009.pdf  Map of event locations