July 11, 12 and 13 will be three very busy days in downtown New London as Sailfest 2008 celebrates diversity in the community, brings back its popular road race and finishes things off with the largest - and loudest - fireworks display in the Northeast.

The event, which draws thousands to the city, features four stages of free entertainment that includes rock, Celtic, hip hop and soul. There also will be free shows and entertainment for youngsters on the City Pier stage, tall ship tours, more than 100 vendors and the annual Hygienic Outdoor Art Festival Saturday and Sunday.

Friday's entertainment will feature Soul festivities on the Foxwoods stage in Union Plaza and Latin on the City Hall stage, with local bands showcased in the evening on both the Waterfront stage and the Custom House stage.

Saturday continues the celebration of different cultures with Latin on the City Hall stage and Gospel on the City Pier stage. Sunday will have Celtic on the Foxwoods Stage in Union Plaza and Urban on the City Hall Stage.

The highlight of the weekend, though, is the fireworks display sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. With more than 22,000 shells lighting up the sky over the Thames River, this year's extravaganza is a must see. The action will begin at 9:25 p.m. Saturday.

Road race returns

Back this year is the New London Sailfest 5K that starts in front of Citizen's Bank on Eugene O'Neill Drive and finishes at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument on State Street on Saturday morning.

Race-day check in and registration is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The fee is $15 per individual by June 27 and $20 afterward. Those who pre-register receive a T-shirt.

There will be refreshments and awards at Union Plaza following the race. Awards will be presented to the first male and female finishers, as well as the first finisher in the following divisions: Youth (12 and under), Junior (13-19), Open (20-29), Sub-Masters (30-39), Masters (40-49), Grand Masters (50-59) and Great Grand Master (60+).

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut at 860-464-7373 or toll free at 866-274-5587. You can also register online at www.chamberECT.com or at sailfest.org.

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