Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke and the Baltimore Office of Promotion announce the return of the Baltimore Waterfront Festival on April 29-May 2, 1999 at the Inner Harbor's West Shore and Rash Field. Celebrating life on the water, the festival features yacht racing, hands-on boat building for children, high-tech environmental exhibits, continuous entertainment, cooking demonstrations and harbor excursions. The free event takes place Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The second annual Baltimore Waterfront Festival is presented by Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion, and sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America, Chevy Chase Bank and the Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association.

Specialized areas and events at the four-day festival offer an insightful look at life on the water in Maryland and beyond. The Water Sport Exposition Pavilion displays Olympic class sailing vessels and talks by Olympian athletes. The Coca-Cola's Adventure Action Area challenges guests to hoist a sail, scale a cargo net and wind surf on a simulated sail board. The Chesapeake Kitchen by Chevy Chase Bank presents the area's best chefs serving up seafood creations. Various live bands highlight the Bay Cabaret. Education and hands-on sail making, water science and other activities are on tap in the S.S. Fun Zone. The American Visionary Arts Museum hosts the East Coast Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race. The on-water activities include the 1D48 Chesapeake Grand Prix, Baltimore Rowing Club Invitational Rowing and the Living Classroom Foundation/CBYRA Pro-Am. Also, the 5th annual Really Big Show salutes the festival.

Additional sponsors include Mike Martino's Village Volvo, Abell Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Frederick Brewing and John Schmitz & Son.

For more information on the Baltimore Waterfront Festival, call 410-837-4636 or
1-800-282-6632 or visit the web site www.bop.org.