San Francisco’s iconic Fleet Week, normally a high-energy salute to the military with jets, ships, and street fiestas, is showing signs of wear this year as the U.S. federal government shutdown drags on 😔.
With federal landmarks closed and public services paused, tourism is taking a hit. Hotel rooms that usually fill up in moments are lingering empty, and local vendors are seeing fewer sales at their pop-up stalls along the Embarcadero 💸.
“I’ve been a vendor for five years, and I’ve never seen crowds this thin,” says Marco, who sells artisanal coffee. “It feels like our biggest festival went into sleep mode.” 🚢✈️
Despite the quieter streets, the core of Fleet Week—the tribute to service members—continues. Sailors, Marines, and aviators still put on dynamic demonstrations, but without the usual buzz of thousands of spectators, the shows feel more like a rehearsal than a grand finale 🪖.
Local entrepreneurs are hopeful that a swift end to the shutdown will reignite the festivities. Until then, San Franciscans are reminded that even the mightiest events can be humbled by politics—and budgets.
Reference(s):
San Francisco's renown Fleet Week lacking luster during shutdown
cgtn.com
