Don't expect a repeat of last year's tall ship festival in 2011, but a much smaller event could be in the works for Duluth.
There are tentative plans to bring two wooden ships -- the USS Niagara and the Pride of Baltimore II -- to the Twin Ports this summer. Terry Mattson, CEO and president of Visit Duluth, confirmed efforts are under way to put together a Duluth Maritime Festival in July, although no agreements have yet been signed with the operators of the brig (Niagara) or the schooner (the Pride of Baltimore II).
Mattson envisions "an entertainment-centric" event that also would offer visitors an opportunity to participate in short "sail-away" outings. There's no word yet on the likely lineup of entertainers or even the dates of the would-be festival.
Tall ship fans can expect a bigger treat in 2013. That summer, Mattson says Visit Duluth is working to bring as many as 10 wooden sail ships to town. He said many of these vessels travel the globe, and their itineraries are sometimes established two years in advance.
