All eyes have been on Greenport over the past three days as thousands of visitors have flocked to Mitchell Park for the Tall Ships 2015 festival, an event that has put the tiny village of only 2,200 residents on the international map.
And, despite packed streets and heavy traffic, officials say the event has been an across-the-board success so far, with no major concerns or accidents — and a sea of happy visitors and merchants.
“The event has gone off without a hitch, no problems. The weather has been great, village staff and volunteers are doing an amazing job, police have keep everything under control with large crowds and traffic all over but no problems, and attendance has been good,” Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard said.
While there are no exact numbers yet, the turnout has been great, he said.
Festivities continue throughout the day today, with tours of the ships ending at 6 p.m.
Long lines were waiting yesterday to greet the Hermione as she sailed into Greenport’s sparkling harbor.
Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said there were no major issues to report as of yesterday. “I think Greenport Village was very happy with the crowds.” The weekend weather was beautiful and “the crowd was very good. Traffic was heavy but it was flowing through the village. There were very few parking complaints for the amount of vehicles present,” he said.
Only a few ambulance calls were recorded, Flatley confirmed. EMTs from Southold, Greenport and Cutchogue stationed at the event said no injuries or accidents were reported over the weekend, with a “hot sauce incident” being the most noteworthy call.
Flatley said the event has been “time intensive” for police officers, who’ve spent hours directing traffic.
Business owners have been reporting a banner weekend.
“It’s been record breaking, with a very nice crowd of people,” said Rena Wilhelm of The Weathered Barn on Front Street.
Susan Pridham of Blue Ruth on Front Street agreed. “It’s fantastic,” she said. “It’s been great. People are having a lot of fun, the crowds are really nice and enthusiastic. Business has been terrific.”
Arlene Klein of the East End Seaport Museum said the crowds have been consistently “terrific, friendly, warm and patient,” with volunteers working hard to keep the event running smoothly.
“It’s been great,” agreed Greenport Business Improvement District President Peter Clarke; he added that the arrival of the Hermione yesterday was the “pinnacle” of the event, as French dignitaries came to Greenport to mark the rich history between the two nations.
“Business has been great,” said Marc LaMaina, owner of Lucharitos on Main Street. LaMaina commended the “spectacular leadership that organized the Tall Ships festival. They did an outstanding job.” His staff, despite working long hours to keep up with the massive crowds, kept up the pace and good spirits.
At least one year round businesses raised lingering concerns: Roberta Kruszeski, who works at Colonial Drugs on Front Street, said the event was much like the Maritime Festival, but noted a “lack of communication” regarding street closures, especially on Monday and Tuesday.
Hubbard and Flatley had said the decision would be made daily, depending on crowds, on whether to keep streets closed Monday and Tuesday. The streets remain closed today.
But the overwhelming majority of businesses, visitors, and elected officials alike applauded the event and said it could not have run more smoothly.
“It’s been great, the crowds have been excellent,” said Ronald K. Breuer, chairman of the East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation. “Lots of children and parents and families.”
The event, Breuer, made history in the village. “How many times do you see so many Tall Ships in one place?”
Well-run exhibits, including an interactive tent focusing on the Hermione and a children’s activity area, have only added to the rich experience, Breuer said, especially for young children, eyes wide with wonder as they absorbed Greenport’s rich maritime history. “That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “The next generation.”
