Bartenders, businesses support two Mattapoisett organizations at picnic

Aug 3, 2019

MATTAPOISETT — Bartenders, restaurant owners, and musicians volunteered their time to benefit the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Mattapoisett Museum at the Great Community Picnic on Friday, Aug. 1.

Musician Hayley Sabella, of Plymouth volunteered her time and talent to perform at the picnic. The singer and guitarist played a selection of original music, as well as covers of “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen and “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf. Sabella said she has been playing professionally for eight years, and that she “grew up in a musical family” as both of her parents were music teachers.

Jake Hunsinger, Dick Derry and Band, and Retro Roots Music also provided entertainment for the picnic.

As guests ate, drank, and listened to music, owners and employees from The Inn on Shipyard Park paid homage to a classic nautical film. Dressed as characters from “Jaws” and equipped with homemade props, the crew was able to add their own sense of creativity to the event, while also promoting beach and swimming safety.

Co-owner Nils Johnson said he chose the iconic film as a theme because it is relevant to Mattapoisett as a coastal community, located just miles away from Martha’s Vineyard, where the movie was filmed.

In addition to a cash bar hosted by The Inn on Shipyard Park, the picnic featured live music, oysters and hors d’oeuvres, and dinner tables by the ocean to help raise money for the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Mattapoisett Museum. The fourth annual event took place at the Munro Preserve near the Town Wharf from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mattapoisett Land Trust President Mike, Huguenin said that his organization will use funds raised by the picnic for maintenance on its properties. Mattapoisett Museum President Jenn McIntire said that the museum will use the funds to improve labeling, and educational panels in its exhibits.

Huguenin said that nearly 400 tickets were sold for the event.