Ernestina Hosts Working Waterfront Events

The New Bedford Waterfront was “Working” all weekend as festival goers braved the damp weather to celebrate  the “real thing”, a working harbor and the oldest fishing vessel, the famous Arctic explorer, the beloved Cape Verdean packet and exciting sea-going educator.  Massachusetts Official Tall Ship, our own Ernestina ex. Effie M. Morrissey.

Ernestina volunteers and DCR’s Manny Silva welcomed over 600 people to tour the ship and enjoy the activities.

SEMA President Julius Britto answered questions and guided festival visitors to Ernestina from the information booth at Coast Guard Park.

Daisy Nell and Capt’n Stan visited on Saturday and shared stories and songs during WWF Story Time .  Daisy’s two new children’s books and the accompanying songs were a great hit.  The Stowaway Mouse and Rocky at the Dockside both feature Harold Burnham’s schooner Ardelle.

Our neighbors the Buzzards Bay Rowing Club introduced many to whale boat rowing.

Commissioner Fred Sterner showing the new foremast.  He also explained all the work to be done before the masts can be stepped and the rig can be raised.

On Sunday,  despite the damp weather,  WWF Story Time presented Meghan Lapp on deck.  Families joined Meghan as she read her children’s book Fast Friends about the Fire Island Ferries.

The Blessing of the Fleet was scheduled for Ernestina’s deck but the weather forced the ceremony inside the Ferry Terminal.   After the formal ceremony the Very Reverend Constantine S. Bebis  and the Very Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Avila boarded the New Bedford Fire Rescue boat to bless the ships around the harbor.

Sunday afternoon closed with a rousing presentation by the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus.  The Chorus has carried the songs of Lovely Ernestina to many festivals across New England this summer.  Contact us if you would like to purchase a CD.  Proceeds benefit Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association, Inc.

We hope to see you next year at the 10th Annual Working Waterfront Festival!