With the official ribbon-cutting ceremony last Saturday, the Village of Freeport officially celebrated the 40th anniversary of the annual Nautical Mile Festival, honoring one of the community’s signature waterfront traditions.
The festival included more than seventy street vendors, featuring jewelry, clothing, food and rides. Residents and visitors filled the Mile throughout the day enjoying the live music, a steel drum band, games and the waterfront atmosphere that has made the event a longtime village tradition.
The Nautical Mile, widely referred to as the fishing and boating capital of the Northeast U.S., displayed many of the attractions that draw visitors to Freeport each year, including waterfront restaurants and bars, jet skis and charter fishing boats.
Mayor Robert Kennedy said the festival represents more than just a summer celebration for the village.
“This is our 40th anniversary of the Nautical Mile Festival," Kennedy said. “It's a great day for everyone to come into Freeport and see what the Nautical Mile is about. I want everyone to come and enjoy it. We are going to continue to do this for many years in the future.”
Kennedy also explained how the event, which was expanded to be three days long from June 5 to 7, gives a major boost to local businesses and tourism, especially during the summer.
”We are going to do more amusement rides during the summer so that these families can come down and really enjoy it. It brings people in, and the businesses will capitalize on them.”
Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, a Freeport resident and former Village trustee, spoke about the importance of the event.
“I have come to this every year, it is always a wonderful event, and I know all the work that goes into it,” Mulé said. “I have seen the behind the scenes stuff that goes on. I wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy day.”
Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Ben Jackson also shared some words on what makes the event so special.
“It’s events like this, with the mayor, the trustees, everybody in the village getting together, working with the chamber that reality makes this a successful event,” Jackson said. “I want everybody to take a walk down the Mille and see what it has to offer. God bless America and God bless this village.”
The annual festival remains one of Freeport’s notable summer traditions, bringing in thousands of visitors each year to experience all of the amenities the village has to offer.
