LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Harborfest,
July 26-29, 2012, in Oswego, New York

WHEREAS, The quality of life of the citizens of the State of New York is
greatly enriched by the immense diversity of the cultural, educational,
recreational and entertainment opportunities and events available
throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Harborfest, hosted by the City of Oswego, New York, exempli-
fies this proud tradition; founded in 1987, Harborfest has grown from a
small local event to a major regional festival attracting an average
audience of 250,000 to 300,000 annually and is now one of Central New
York's and the Northeast's premier summer festivals; and
WHEREAS, As Harborfest celebrates its 25th Anniversary, July 26-29,
2012, under the luminous guidance of Executive Director Tom Van Schaack,
it truly merits the recognition and commendation of this Legislative
Body; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding, Harborfest has brought to its stages,
located at scenic venues throughout Oswego, more than 400 local and
regional performing artists on an admission-free basis and, since 1991,
it has also brought top-ranked national acts to its main stage, enabling
Central New Yorkers to see a glittering panoply of some of the best
recording artists and performing groups in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Harborfest also provides many activities and programs for
families and children and its organizers work closely with area educa-
tors to enhance cultural diversity education in the schools and to bring
performing artists from other nations into participating elementary
schools throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Since 1987, Harborfest has presented a world-class music
choreographed fireworks spectacular, one of only a handful of such pres-
entations in the Northeast and the only one in upstate New York, as an
annual Saturday night Harborfest event which attracts an audience esti-
mated at 100,000 spectators to the shores of Lake Ontario; and
WHEREAS, Harborfest has earned numerous International Festival and
Events Association Awards for Excellence and has been selected as an
American Bus Association Top 100 North American Event more than twice;
it draws more and more visitors to the area each year, greatly benefit-
ing the area and bringing great pleasure to all those who attend; and
WHEREAS, The treasured values of family unity and wholesome enter-
tainment for all ages are reflected in Harborfest, an event which helps
to foster community pride and spirit and produces a significant benefit
for the citizens of Oswego and surrounding areas and the thousands of
visitors who travel there to enjoy the festival; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Harborfest, and to commend its
organizers, supporters, sponsors, and staff for their dedication and
commitment to excellence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Van Schaack, Executive Director, Harborfest 2012.