Third Annual PortFest Scheduled Oct. 6 at Port of Redwood City

  • News
  • by BPC Staff
  • on August 28, 2012
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            The third annual award-winning PortFest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port of Redwood City. Admission and parking are free.

            New for this year’s festival is a shuttle to and from the Redwood City Caltrain station, reports Port Commission Vice Chair Lorianna Kastrop.

            The Caltrain shuttle service is sponsored by The Dutra Group, a firm that provides dredging and marine construction services to public and private sectors in the Pacific Coast region.  It will be free to the public. 

            “We hope that this service will encourage more attendance at PortFest from up and down the Peninsula, celebrating the Port of Redwood City as a regional resource,” Kastrop said.

           Live music this year features the headliner classic rock band “The Groove Kings.” Additional performances will include the West Bay Community Band, a jazz rock band called “Marjikeze,” the Woodside High School Jazz Band, Orchestra & Marching Band, and the Sequoia High School Band.

            Rowing races are scheduled to start at 9 a.m., including the rematch of the Redwood City Council vs. the Redwood City Planning Commission for the coveted “Golden Oar” trophy.  The Sequoia Yacht Club will be open from 8-10 am for a pancake breakfast.  The welcome ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., including a greeting by Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre and the playing of the historic “Port Redwood March.”

           Throughout the day the popular “Working Waterfront” trolley tour, hosted by Seaport Industrial Association, will give visitors free tours of the Port’s industrial area. On-the-water events include harbor tours by the Marine Science Institute, sailboat rides by Spinnaker Sailing, and a new boat ride offered by the Sea Scouts on their vessel “Gryphon,” highlighting the Sea Scouts’ 100th Anniversary.

            Vendors, food trucks, a tiki bar with tropical drinks by the Sequoia Yacht Club, an Oktoberfest beer garden with local microbrewery beer hosted by Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club, will offer a variety of choices.

            There will be lots of kid’s activities provided by the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department and the Redwood City Public Library, as well as a bounce house & slide sponsored by Pete’s Harbor. Information booths and presentations will feature the San Mateo County History Museum logging exhibit, the Marine Science Institute sea life touch tank, the Kaiser Permanente mascot, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Redwood City Police and Fire Departments.  The Port of Redwood City will display its newly-created historical timeline in honor of the Port’s 75th Anniversary.

            PortFest is co-hosted by the Redwood City Education Foundation, and proceeds from the festival go to its “Save Our School Music” program.  On Oct. 25th PortFest will receive an Award of Recognition from the American Association of Port Authorities at its annual convention.

            Details of the event and a schedule will be posted at www.RWCPortFest.org