By Randy SingletonThis year, Hampton Roads’ annual celebrations of Harborfest in Norfolk and the Seawall Festival in Portsmouth were held in association with OpSail 2012. Residents of Norfolk and Portsmouth and thousands of visitors from across the region converged on the downtown waterfronts of both cities to enjoy tours of tall ships, live music, food, vendors, and children’s activities such as face-painting and rides the entire weekend.
On Saturday (June 9), Portsmouth’s Seawall Festival featured local musical groups Rajazz, the Good Life Band, Phazz II, and national recording artists The Manhattans. The evening concluded with a elaborate fireworks display on the Elizabeth River. The fireworks could be viewed from the downtown waterfronts of Norfolk and Portsmouth. Some motorists parked on the side of roads and bridges to watch the fireworks.
On Sunday (June 10), Norfolk’s Harborfest featured The Ohio Players, along with local and regional acts. OpSail 2012 attendees on both sides of the Elizabeth River enjoyed the sun, ships, fireworks, and smooth musical sounds provided by this huge bicentennial celebration in Hampton Roads.
