NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Latest on activities marking New Orleans’ 300th anniversary (all times local):
2:40 p.m.
Old-style, tall-masted sailing ships resembling vessels in a pirate movie have eased up to the New Orleans riverfront as part of the celebration of the city’s 300th anniversary.
Three vessels cruised up the Mississippi to the downtown riverfront Thursday. The giant, billowing sails of one of the ships could be seen as it approached from a distance. But, the vessels had sails furled as they rounded a sharp bend in the river and approached under engine power, aided at times by tugboats.
Similar vessels were anchored at Lake Pontchartrain on the north side of the metro area.
More modern U.S. Navy ships are also in New Orleans. The city’s tri-centennial celebrations are coinciding with Navy Week activities that include tours of the ships.
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5 a.m.
Massive ships with towering masts and billowing sails are heading for New Orleans’ wharves on the Mississippi River as the city’s 300th anniversary celebration kicks into high gear.
The tall ships are set to arrive around midday Thursday at the city’s downtown riverfront. Others are docking at nearby Lake Pontchartrain.
Modern U.S. Navy ships are also arriving in New Orleans. The city’s tri-centennial celebrations are coinciding with annual Navy Week activities that include tours of the ships.
On Saturday, New Orleans hosts an international welcome ceremony for dignitaries from around the world. That takes place at Jackson Square in the oldest part of the city, the French Quarter.
New Orleans was established in early 1718 by French explorer Jean Baptiste le Moyne de Bienville.
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