We’re pleased to announce that a total of $15,000 will be donated to three local nonprofits focused on improving the lives of children and young adults in our region. The nonprofit beneficiaries are the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, Boothbay Region YMCA, and the Boothbay Region Community Resources Council. Each of these deserving organizations will receive $5,000.

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the first-ever Boothbay Food & Music Festival which kicked-off with the 7th Annual Claw Down. The festival was very well attended with over 1,600 people enjoying four great events over three days – the Claw Down, Dinner Dance, Family Fest and Music Fest.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors for their generosity and to the talented chefs and volunteers who donated their time to make this a great experience for everyone! We would like to share some of the feedback that we’ve received:

“The Claw Down was a wonderful event to participate in again this year! The lobster bites were all unique and delicious, with several real standouts making for a tough decision. All the chefs deserve a big round of applause for their time and talents, making this event such a special night for the community and those of us lucky enough to be asked to judge! Thank you for including me.” Pamela Laskey, Maine Foodie Tours

“My family had such a great time at the Boothbay Food and Music Festival. From the venue at the Railway Village to the entertainment and food vendors, we were all blown away. It was so well put together. We are already looking forward to next year’s festival.” Alison Evans

“We had a wonderful time at the Dinner Dance!! It was such a fun night – great folks, excellent vibe, awesome music and delicious food. A wonderful recipe for a most excellent evening.” Julie Barber & Tom Hayward

This inaugural event was a community-wide, collaborative effort led by local business leaders and residents working together and made possible by the generous support of our valued sponsors. We hope that everyone who attended had a fantastic time!

Quotes from the local nonprofit beneficiaries:

Holly Stover, BRCRC board member: “As a Board Member of the Boothbay Region Community Resources Council and the Boothbay Region YMCA, I am grateful for this donation that will support local children and youth. This gift will allow us to foster the development of children and youth to help them reach their potential, there is no greater gift that can be given to the future of our community. Thank you!”

Michael Maxim, Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund board member: “We’re so thrilled that the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund was selected as a beneficiary of the 2018 Boothbay Food & Music Festival. BRSAF will be able to utilize those funds on a return investment for our future: students who graduate from Boothbay Region High School, no matter the graduating year.”

Andy Hamblett, eecutive director of the Boothbay Region YMCA: “Thanks to the generous sponsorship of this event, the Boothbay Region YMCA is able to enhance the lives of thousands of youth, families and seniors in our community. Thank you for helping the Y impact lives.”