The historic Havendagen in Coevorden are in full swing, but there is uncertainty about the future of the event. Changes are planned in the center of the city, around the harbour.
Sea shanties, a market full of stalls and of course ships. It is undeniable that the Port Days are busy this weekend. “There are now about 65 ships, including very old ones, such as a cargo ship from 1912. People can look in the deckhouse, which is still in its original state,” Joop Westerkamp explains one of the highlights. He has been involved with the Port Association Coevorden, organizer of the festival, since its foundation.
The street at the head of the harbor and part of the parking lot have to make way for a large water tank, measuring 25 by 30 metres. Sloping quays will be built around it, to sit on or from where you can step straight into the water on a hot summer day. Or where you can tie your skates in frost.
“We are now on the old Boompjesmarkt in Coevorden, all activities take place from there. If there is a water basin, yes, then we will no longer have room for our activities on the market,” Westerkamp sighs.
The municipality sees no reason for concern: “We would also like the Port Days to continue and we think that this can also be done with the new use of the area. The port itself remains the same size, so there is no less space for ships.” let a spokesperson know.
Westerkamp has since been in contact with various local politicians. It reassured him a bit. “The bullet is not through the church yet.”