Tall ships, cannons, and more at Harborfest 2011 (update: wrap-up)

Image by Charleston Harborfest

May 16: This year's Charleston Harborfest has ended with success.

The organizers, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, were hoping for 20,000 attendees, but they aren't sure they reached their goal. The crowds were light, but the event was still successful, particularly since the festival took a year's hiatus.

Maritime Foundation Executive Director Sarah Piwinski said, "We kind of knew it would be a smaller event than in 2009 because we had fewer tall ships, and I think that is the big draw. It was a lighter year, but we're OK with that. After taking a year's hiatus, we're happy with what we were able to pull off this year."

For more details wrapping up this year's Charleston Harborfest, head over to The Post and Courier.

First reporting: Venture toward East Bay and Calhoun in downtown Charleston this weekend and you can't miss it: The Charleston Harborfest.

The awe-inspiring tall ships are sailing into town for the annual event, hosted by the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, which runs Friday through Sunday.

What else is in store? Here's a little taste:

From the classic beauty of sailing ships and pirates giving their best “Argh” to the interactive educational exhibits, Charleston Harbor Fest offers an array of activities. You can be as hands-on as you want with activities ranging from tame to adventurous. Tour the ships, enjoy the scenic waterfront, and relax with a beverage and fine Lowcountry fare. For those with more adventurous spirit, head out on the harbor for a sailing lesson.

Here's a look at the Harborfest schedule and a preview of the tall ships that have confirmed their attendance.