The Bay Area’s venture into a “Festival of Sail” event intended to attract visitors to the South Coast the first weekend of June did not go over well according to local officials. The four-day event was promoted by Draw Events who estimated potential crowds of up to 15,000. However, far less attended, and some of those who did attend were reportedly disappointed and complained Twelve “Tall Ships” were initially going to participate, but the final number was four at the Mill Casino/Hotel/RV Park in North Bend, and one at the City of Coos Bay’s downtown docks. A spokesperson for the Mill stated they would not participate in a Festival of Sail event in the future, but would welcome a return by any of the ships and its crews. The Mill reportedly received a lot of the complaints even though they were not an official organizer. The City of Coos Bay supported the event with a $20,000 donation.
