In 2002, a few wooden boat enthusiasts at the South Carolina Maritime Foundation decided to create an event to highlight Charleston’s rich maritime history and bring folks to the waterfront. The success of this event has blossomed over the last five years into an annual, harbor-wide celebration of the sea. What in past years was called the Charleston Maritime Festival has now been renamed to reflect the increased scope of attractions and the expansion of the festival grounds. Charleston HarborFest will be held May 16-May 18, 2008.
The Charleston Maritime Center will serve as the hub to this three-day extravaganza, with activities and attractions stretching north to Liberty Square, south to the Passenger Terminal at the foot of Market Street, and west into Ansonborough Field (depending on construction schedules). As evidence that this event will truly permeate the harbor, plans are being developed for additional attractions across the Cooper River in Mt. Pleasant as well as on the water between the two municipalities.