Rochester Harborfest returns Friday

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Harborfest is returning to Ontario Beach Park on Friday for the first time in more than a decade.

The festival will take place from Friday through Sunday to mark the opening of the summer season at the beach, as well as the 200th anniversary of Monroe County and the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse.

“The return of Harborfest coincides with the our celebration of two milestone anniversaries for our community – the 200th year of the lighthouse at the Port of Rochester and Monroe County’s bicentennial,” said County Executive Bello and Mayor Evans. “Some of the areas earliest residents were guided by the beacon of the lighthouse to the shores of Monroe County to settle. We invite families from across the county to join us in celebrating our heritage and future at the reimagined Harborfest.”

The City of Rochester says past events have drawn thousands to the beach and port area in Charlotte.

The three-day festival will offer food from local vendors, daily musical entertainment, free rides on the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel and a professional sand sculptor who will build a giant replica of the lighthouse constructed with 25 tons of sand. Other activities for families to enjoy include a sand sculpting competition with cash prizes, tours of the lighthouse, volleyball tournaments, art vendors, a car show and boat parade and more.

For a full schedule of events during the three-day celebration, please click here, visit the city’s website, or call (585) 865-3320.