2019 Boothbay Harbor Fest attendance among best ever

Event coordinator credits sunny weather, strong lineup
BILL PEARSON
Fri, 09/06/2019 - 3:30pm
At the Boothbay Farmers’ Market Sept. 5. Lorie Reynolds, left, and Dana Paolillo promote Boothbay Harbor Fest’s last weekend. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Chris Harris of Boothbay Craft Brewery promotes local brews Sept. 5 during the Boothbay Farmers’ Market. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Penny Theall, left, and Crystal Lewis sell organic pork and goat’s milk soap and hand lotion Sept. 5 during the Boothbay Farmers’ Market. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Dharma Farms of Washington sells fresh produce Sept. 5 during the Boothbay Farmers’ Market. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
Alina Blakesley entertains Farmers’ Market attendees Sept. 5 on her accordian. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register

    Based on strong event ticket sales and word-of-mouth, 2019 Boothbay Harbor Fest has been a huge success, according to founder and coordinator Lori Reynolds. This is Harbor Fest’s eighth year and several days of sunny weather and a variety of entertaining events have brought people from all over to enjoy the festival.

    Reynolds credited nearly two weeks of sunny weather and an outstanding entertainment lineup for drawing people to the region. “What I’m hearing from our partners is that this has been one of the best-attended festivals,” said Reynolds on Sept. 5. “Ticket sales have been strong and lodging is practically sold out. I’ve spoken to people from around the country, as well as first-time attendees from southern and western Maine, at the tastings and road races who said how much they’ve enjoyed the festival.” 

    But the festival’s main attraction is still to come. Fishin’ For Fashion takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Ocean Point Marina. Creator Dana Paolillo developed the fashion show which features attire designed from fishing and marine materials. This year’s show includes 14 original pieces mixed in with clothing from local shops. The show has 44 models ready to show off these unique designs. 

    This is also the first year the Boothbay Farmers’ Market has been a part of Harbor Fest’s listed events. On Sept. 5, 23 other booths joined Reynolds and Paolillo on the Boothbay Common. Products ranging from goat’s milk soap to a craft ale were for sale at the weekly market. Boothbay Craft Brewery had various selections of brews for sale. Chris Harris operated the brewery’s table. “The biggest seller we have is ‘Thirsty Botanist’ which is a juicy Maine IPA (India Pale Ale). This is the one most people ask about,” he said.

    Blue Tin Farms in Edgecomb sells organic raised pork and goat’s milk soap and lotion. Crystal Lewis and Penny Theall operated the booth. Lewis milks 13 goats on a daily basis to provide enough for production of lotion and soap. “Goat’s milk works with the skin’s pH level and reverses inflammation in the hands,” she said. 

    Harbor Fest concludes Sept. 7 and 8 with East Side Vibe. The final weekend includes vintage and artisan markets, kid’s zone, food trucks, boat bar and live music. 

     

     

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