Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 170

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Folk Festivals. Both of these festivals are held at Fort Adams State Park and are put on by the Newport Festivals Foundation. The Newport Jazz Festival started in 1954 and was the first jazz festival in America. It is often referred to as the “granddaddy” of all jazz festivals. Thousands of people attend the famous festival every year. The Newport Folk Festival was first held in 1959. It acted as a hub for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Other festivals that take place in the City of Newport include the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, the Black Ships Festival, the Newport Waterfront Oyster Festival, the Newport Daffodil Days Festival, the Festival of the Arts, and the Annual Newport Winter Festival. Community Events On top of Newport’s many festivals, there are any number of events around the city that attract residents and visitors. These include parades, comedy shows, charity events, guided hikes, poetry nights, craft brew races, and many others. All of these events are a way to bring the citizens of Newport together and to celebrate the community. Regattas Newport has a long history of hosting a variety of regattas. Table 11-5 highlights just some of the boat races that Newport has been a part of over its history. Table 11-5 - Newport’s Boat Races Race Description Newport Bermuda Race The Newport Bermuda Race, the oldest regularly occurring ocean race, has been held in Newport since 1936. The 635-mile race from Newport to Bermuda is run every other year. The first ever Bermuda Race was run in 1906 and the starting point was at Gravesend Bay, New York. America’s Cup America’s Cup is probably Newport’s most fabled race. The race was held in Newport from the years 1930 to 1983. Of the 12 times the race was held during those years, the New York Yacht Club won every race. Volvo Ocean Race The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race around the world that is held every three years. The most recent race was in 2