BotH918web

80 / 88

September - October 2018 80 Disponible en línea en español.
right - The 1931 fireboat, John J. Harvey,
still plys the waters of the Hudson River
and New York Harbor nearly 8 decades after
its construction, run by a dedicated crew
of volunteers. Interest in the Harvey grew
exponentially after its 9-11 exploits became
known, and it is being recognized as “Tug
of the Year” for 2018. It has been painted in
special dazzle artwork by artist Tauba Auerbach
for an exhibition in New York City which runs
through the winter, also commemorating
the end of World War I, during which dazzle
camouflage was invented for warships. For
more information visit .
Canal tugboats have unique features such as telescoping bridges, folding masts and special
hull designs to maximize their effectiveness on the narrow, shallow inland waterways. Ocean
going tugs are free of such limitations, and move vast loads across long distances. Of interest
to Roundup visitors, not only the big boys are represented at the event. Tiny trailerable tugs and
other small and interesting craft are often seen at the docks, such as last year’s honoree Atlantic
Hunter II, owned by Ben and Linda Grudinskas of Massachusetts, as well as local tour boats and
other unique vessels.
On September 11, 2001, the collapsing Twin Towers of the World Trade Center destroyed
all the water mains needed to support firefighters on the “pile”. Ironically New York City had
just decommissioned its venerable fireboat, the John J. Harvey, just two years earlier. Still, the
dedicated crew of the Harvey, who had been working to preserve the historic vessel, answered the
radio call for “All ships” and headed towards the smoldering cauldron in lower Manhattan. Some
right - While in Waterford, please visit the many
local shops and restaurants within walking
distance of the docks. McGreivey’s Restaurant
(91 Broad Street, (518) 238-2020, www.
mcgreiveys.com) is a family owned restaurant
with great food by a Culinary Institute graduate,
Art Riley and his staff. You will be treated to a
wonderful dining experience.
improvisation enabled the boat, once the most powerful fireboat in
the world, to once again do the job it had done for six decades prior
– pumping water for over 80 hours straight to help douse the flames
created by Osama bin Laden’s henchmen. The John J. Harvey will
be honored as “Tug of the Year” at this year’s Roundup.
Adjacent to Lock E-2 will be the Golden Real, a century old Dutch
cargo vessel which served in both World Wars providing food for
besieged Amsterdam, Holland and now makes its home in the
Capital Region. Owner Richard Manack lovingly maintains the
vessel, and is always eager to tell stories about the boat’s storied
heritage.
The Roundup also features vendors from across the region, food,
boat rides, live music, children’s activities and other interesting
displays including a farmers’ market on Sunday. The Saturday night
fireworks are some of the best in upstate New York, and there is
something for everybody at this great maritime event!
The Waterford Tugboat Roundup is one of the many great events
and happenings throughout the year along the Hudson and Mohawk
Rivers. For more information on these and other upstate New York
attractions, call (518) 371-3763, visit or
stop by the Southern Saratoga Information Center (at the Exit 9 Rest
Area on I-87).
left - Waterford’s fireworks are some of the best you’ll
see anywhere. Saturday nights at the Steamboat Meet
(July) and Tugboat Roundup (September), these are a
must see for any fireworks aficionado.