Oswego (WSYR-TV) -- It’s one of the biggest attractions in Central New York. People from all over the country come out to enjoy Harborfest every summer. But what many don’t know is that 25 years ago, it all started out as a small dream to bring the best of the world to Oswego.
John Sullivan’s wife pioneered Harborfest. He told NewsChannel 9, “Harborfest is really all about hope and hope comes to us in many ways, but when you see those fireworks it’s like the sparkles of hope glitter all around you and descend down and infuse you with that type of energy we call the Harborfest spirit.”
Off the glistening shores of Lake Ontario, Harborfest is an event that draws thousands to Oswego every year.
Sullivan’s wife Charlotte had a vision 25 years ago for an event that would put Oswego on the map and now, decades later, and years after her death, she’s done just that.
“A whole generation of Central New Yorkers have come to love it and support it and grown up around it,” Sullivan continued.
One of those people is Kyle King, who’s been going to Harborfest since he was born.
“I’ve been coming to Harborfest for 18 years, every year since my mom was pregnant. I was six-months-old when I first came and it’s been great every year,” King said.
People like Diana Dalziell has been there since Harborfest’s inception. She says the event gets bigger and better every year.
And for first timers like Matt Rosinski, Harborfest has already lived up to its name.
“We got up at 4 a.m. this morning and drove about five hours and we heard it’s a great place for vendors and we’re happy to be here for three days,” Rosinski said.
What all started out as a small dream, has now turned into a grand event that will continue for years to come.
“[Charlotte’s] legacy lives on because Harborfest is about hope and once you keep hope alive it never dies,” Sullivan said.
For additional information on Harborfest, including times and performances,
CLICK HERE.
