The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival is a four day annual celebration promoting the State of Connecticut’s maritime heritage and spirit of innovation in conjunction with Connecticut Maritime Heritage Week. The Festival will attract more than 60,000 visitors this year to the historic Port of New London waterfront including individuals and families who experience unique tours aboard a fleet of boats including U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships, merchant marine vessels, and historic schooners. Festival events include a U.S. Coast Guard search & rescue demonstration, a “Meet the Crew” party, a Maritime Career Opportunity Expo, a burning of Benedict Arnold by costumed reenactors, and the popular “Chowder Challenge.” Yankee Magazines fall 2018 publication named it one of its favorite events of the fall season.