Freeport Nautical Festival Celebrates Rebuilding After Sandy

FREEPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- After months of rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, the village of Freeport, Long Island, kicked off its Nautical Festival Saturday.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, a cold soda, T-shirts, children's rides and just plain fun were available at the Nautical Mile in Freeport, where 90 percent of businesses have reopened in the over seven months since Sandy.

At the Nautical Festival, many people were thankful. Pat Vollkimer, who sells soy candles at the festival, said she just moved back into her home five weeks ago and said the festival is a morale booster.

"For me, this is just heaven," Vollkimer said, "and I am so glad we are back opened and the restaurants and shops are reopened."

The owner of The Tides, Phillip Hughes, said he is ready to make money again after his business was closed for a while.

"We need it to boost the economy; definitely hurting after Sandy," he said.

The festival began at 10 a.m.

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