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City of Water Day Makes a Splash in New York Harbor Saturday

By Julie Shapiro | July 15, 2011 12:21pm

LOWER MANHATTAN — Get ready to get wet — City of Water Day is back.

The fourth annual seafaring festival, sponsored by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, will offer New Yorkers ways to cool off and explore the harbor all day on Saturday.

Free boat tours will explore the harbor's history, wildlife and agriculture, while those who want to work up a sweat can use free kayaks and rowboats.

Governors Island will also host live music and theater programs, tango dancing and games for children all day, along with a critter tank so kids can get a close-up look at the creatures that inhabit New York Harbor.

Those who want to take a more serious look at the waterfront can attend the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance's Harbor Education Task Force Meeting in Pershing Hall, on Governors Island, at 2 p.m. to talk about what students ought to learn about the harbor.

The Save Our Seaport group, which has been advocating for new leadership at the struggling Seaport Museum New York, plans to attend City of Water Day to solicit support and spread the word about their efforts.

City Councilwoman Margaret Chin is inviting her Downtown constituents to join her on the 10 a.m. ferry from the Battery Maritime Building to Governors Island, to enjoy the festivities and then stop for a picnic lunch.

City of Water Day events run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Governors Island and at Liberty State Park. Related programs will take place at Hudson River Park, Harlem River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and elsewhere.