Anit Sharma, 28, from Te Puke said he had recently returned to the district with his wife Archana, and their children Aesha, 3, and 8-year-old Aryan after living in Christchurch for three years.
"I think the waterfront looks awesome and it's a great idea to have these sorts of events because it will encourage a lot more people to come to the waterfront and use it," he said.
The event, planned for Saturday, had to be postponed for a day due to bad weather.
Event manager Penny Mitropoulos said yesterday's rain did not deter people, with about 3500 to 4000 people attending, which was a "great turnout".
Ms Mitropoulos said this year's festival was all about showcasing Tauranga, with a huge array of different artists, and activities on and off the water, including a pole ski display. She said the event had continued to grow year on year with a lot more families and a "lot more kids" and overall everyone had a "really great day".
Entertainment included X-factor contestant Jessie Matthews' band Daughters of Ally, Rhythmic Chicks, Crooners and U4TIA, singer-songwriter Megan Sidwell, and musicians Alice Sea and Aaron Swann.
Tauranga's Urban Dance group also performed and the Kids Market, with more than 20 stalls manned by children, did a great trade.
The day ended with a big bang with a harbour fireworks display.
