Port Washington Maritime Heritage Festival, which will be held August 20 to 22 on the city's lakefront, is stacking up to be the best year in the event's 11-year history.

Five incredible tall ships, including a very special "mystery ship" whose identity will be announced the week before the festival, will fill Port Washington's harbor, creating a scene from times gone by.

Visitors to the free three-day festival will find unique experiences at every turn. From tours of the Unicorn, the only tall ship in the world with an all-female crew, and the impressive 157- foot Pride of Baltimore II, to daysails aboard the speedy Roseway and the privateer Lynx, festivalgoers will get their sailing fix.

There are plenty of land-based activities at the festival as well. Musical acts ranging from Celtic to country will play throughout the weekend. A children's area offers fun and educational projects that kids will love, and adults will enjoy the artisan market where they'll be able to peruse a huge collection of unique art, jewelry and other wares.

A highlight of the festival is a maritime museum with an impressive collection of nautical artifacts not usually available for public viewing. The 1860 lighthouse museum will also be open for tours.

And, of course a wide variety of food vendors are on sight to tempt the whole family's taste buds - along with our wonderful local restaurants, located downtown, just next to the festival grounds.