The first ever Harbor Fest, held in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, Sept. 29, has received phenomenal reviews. Despite overcast skies and cool temps, hundreds of people came out to enjoy the festivities that went from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The highlight of the event was the chowder and chili contest held at Boothbay Harbor Shipyard from 4 to 7 p.m. where over 350 people enjoyed the food, beverages, music, camaraderie and atmosphere.

The event welcomed visitors from as far away as California, Nebraska and Missouri, as well as hundreds of locals from all over Maine. More than $2,000 was raised for event beneficiaries, Rebuilding Together Lincoln County and Pamela Creamer’s battle with Lyme disease. 

“We could not be more pleased with the results for a first year event,” said Harbor Fest creators, Heather O’Brien and Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u. “Even the weather somewhat cooperated and hundreds of people came out to enjoy the festivities despite the fact that it was a chilly and overcast fall day. 

“We all just carried on like true Mainers and did not let the weather stop us from having a great time.”

The event began in the waterfront whale park with a variety of local artists, free harbor cruises provided by boat captains Bruce White and Caleb Hodgdon of the Friendliest Catch, a birthday party for Gimbel’s Country Store, games and prizes and a live broadcast with DJ John Adams of 92 Moose. 

A treasure hunt hosted by Marketing Cents 4u and 10 downtown businesses created a flurry of excitement and plenty of friendly competition, with more than 29 teams completing the hunt. The grand prize winner, local Kim Sirois, was awarded $250 in treasures provided by participating businesses.  

The excitement shifted to Shipyard at 4 p.m., where people kept walking in to enjoy the return of the Dory Chowder and Chili Challenge. 

The enormous shed doors overlooking the harbor were wide open as The Peterson Project band performed an incredible mix of blues and bluegrass against the back drop of a picturesque harbor. Thirty chowder and chili contestants offered their own unique flavors that included everything from lobster and beer to gourmet imported oils and sides of jalapeno corn bread. 

Attendees voted for their favorites and while each and every contestant received votes for first place, the final proud winners were: first place chowder: Andrews' Harborside Restaurant; first place chili: Brown’s Wharf Inn & Restaurant, and first place display: The Watershed Tavern at Boothbay Resort and Craft Brewery. For more details on second and third placements and a complete event photo gallery, go to www.boothbayharborevents.com. 

Beer and wine tastings were offered by Boothbay Craft Brewery, Gritty Mc Duff’s and Barefoot Wines on behalf of Pine State Trading. Attendees also enjoyed an up close and personal view of the famous tall ship, the HMS Bounty, and the ship's second mate shared an interesting history of the great ship. A silent auction to benefit Rebuilding Together-Lincoln County raised more than $850 as well as tremendous awareness for the organization. The crew from HMS Bounty offered a donation of their time and work to assist the volunteers with a project in critical need of completion before winter arrives.  

With more than 70 participants, 30 volunteers and 350 attendees, the event was a direct reflection of the folks who call Midcoast Maine home. Marketing Cents 4u looks forward to Harbor Fest 2013.

For more information about this event or its participants, visit www.boothbayharborevents.com.