“Harbor Lights Newport,” a new event presented by Discover Newport and the Newport Maritime Alliance, promises to “enlighten” visitors and residents alike in just a few weeks.
Boat owners, marinas and waterfront businesses have been invited to participate in this event Sept. 20-21 by illuminating their vessels, docks, yacht clubs, shops and restaurants with festive lights from dusk until 10 p.m. both nights.
“This is an idea we’ve been developing for a couple of years now, and as Newport has such an extraordinary boating community combined with a pedestrian-friendly harborfront, the event is a natural fit and will invite people to see our city, pardon the pun, in a whole new light,” says Matt Gineo, General Manager of Oldport Marine Services, Inc. and Chairman of Harbor Lights Newport. “I’m confident Harbor Lights will truly capture the spirit and beauty of our legendary waterfront.”
Gineo emphasizes that Harbor Lights Newport is not a boat parade. Illuminated vessels will remain in their slips and on their moorings, inviting people to stroll the waterfront while allowing boat owners an opportunity to host a festive end-of-summer party onboard with family and friends as the destination welcomes the fall travel season in a unique and luminescent way.
“Many destinations around the world have developed impressive and innovative platforms to utilize light as an applied art form either as the cornerstone of a special event or to enhance a special event,” explains Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport. “Our goal with Harbor Lights is to celebrate the inspiration of light and its transformative power.”
To get everyone in the spirit of the event, each marina will choose and award their top three Best Decorated Boats to each receive a fantastic prize with an additional prize awarded to the Best Decorated Marina or Waterfront Business. Judging will commence on Friday, Sept. 20 and prizes will be awarded on Saturday, Sept. 21. Event will take place rain or shine.
Harbor Lights Newport is proudly sponsored by Discover Newport and the Newport Maritime Alliance.
