Good weather, good food and good times have all been in abundance during the 2016 Harbor Fest’s first five days, according to the event’s producer. Harbor Fest began in 2011 through the efforts of local business One Event Productions.

Lori Reynolds’ business began the festival to showcase the region’s music, food, art and natural beauty. The organizer’s goal is to provide local businesses with a boost heading into the fall season.

So far, attendance appears to be ahead of last year’s first five days, according to Reynolds. Harbor Fest kicked off Labor Day Weekend with the traditional A Taste of Local Flavor which features food tasting and live music at local restaurants. Participants purchased “passports” for $15 to attend the various sessions. Reynolds reported “restaurants were full this weekend,” and organizers “received a lot of positive feedback.”

“All the numbers aren’t in, but it looks like between 400-500 attendees participated,” Reynolds said. “We are very happy with the turnout as it seems to be a little higher than last year. The comments have all been very positive, and some have already booked their reservations for next year.”

One of the changes in this year’s Harbor Fest is the inclusion of wellness events. During the Labor Day 5k and half marathon races, a wellness fair was held on the Boothbay Region High School’s football field where the races started and finished. The fair included a group yoga class, pre- and post-race stretching, healthy snacks, massages, music and a Peace Garden.

During the week, attendees will have the chance to experience “the world of wellness in Boothbay Harbor,” according to the organizers. On Sept. 9, a group yoga class will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monhegan Island. Participants who sign-up for the event will take a boat ride to Monhegan Island for the all-day retreat.

The wellness events were added this year to promote and recognize the contributions made by several health-related businesses in the region.

“Our community and region is so vibrant with all these wellness professionals who don’t really have a big opportunity to tell their story. So we wanted to help them get more exposure,” Reynolds said.

Another added attraction to the mid-week schedule is  “Sidewalk Fair Trunk Shows.’ This attraction was added to the festival’s daily “Made in Maine” showcase promoting downtown shopping.

“We have a different event every day promoting downtown businesses. The trunk shows feature designers who bring their creations to sell at a local shop for one day.” Reynolds said.

Harbor Fest is also hosting The Boothbay Region Community Television’s Film Festival. On Sept. 8, BRCTV will hold a fundraiser at Camden National Bank and host the premiere of Ryan Leighton’s film “Walking Home” a documentary about a father and son who walked the Appalachian Trail. The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. in the Camden National Bank’s parking lot. The film is shown at approximately 8 p.m. in the Harbor Theatre.

For more information about Harbor Fest 2016, go to the event’s website at boothbayharborfest.com.