Harbor Days are here again

Jul 12, 2022

MATTAPOISETT — Harbor Days have returned to Shipyard Park.

Hosted by the Mattapoisett Lions Club and held at Shipyard Park, the popular annual celebration includes an array of food, music and crafters.

The Taste of the Town kicked things off on Tuesday with a sampling of food from 12 local restaurants and music and dancing to The Showstoppers.

The event, hosted by the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, raises money for a scholarship fund for local students.

It’s a great way to kick off Harbor Days, said Lois Ennis, assistant treasurer for the Women’s Club. She has been an organizer for the Taste of the Town for the past 17 years.

Hungry patrons were lined up all the way down Water Street. Ennis said that she expected about 400 people to show up, though she had printed menus for 600 to be prepared.

“It’s a special day, and it takes a lot of people to make it happen. It’s a great thing for Mattapoisett,” said Ennis.

Ennis added that The Showstoppers add a lot to the night “with their great performance.” The acapella group is made up of 15 kids who volunteer to put the show together, belting classic hits such as “Crocodile Rock” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”

On Wednesday, Mattapoisett Town Band was scheduled to perform in concert while the Lions Club served up some strawberry shortcake.

There will be more days of summer fun through July 17. The event serves as a major fund-raiser for the Mattapoisett Lions Club, which sponsors local scholarships and contests and supports people in need in the area, said Kimberly Ray, president and communications director for the club.

In addition to the five days of activities, the Mattapoisett Lions Club triathlon will be held starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, July 24 at the town beach. The event includes a .25-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run.

To register for the triathlon, visit https://www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org/pb/wp_26fe1af9/wp_26fe1af9.html.

Here’s the schedule of events for the rest of Harbor Days:

Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m

Painting in the park allows those attending to learn how creative they can be. Pre-registration required and can be done by visiting www.paintingatsplash.com. Cost is $39. Participants will create a 11 by 17-inch sign.

Friday, July 15, 5:30-7 p.m.

The Friday night fish fry includes a six-ounce piece of breaded fish, french fries, cole slaw, tartar sauce and lemon wedge. Meals are $15. Oxford Creamery is a sponsor.

Music by the Yard Sailors, 5-6 p.m.

Music by Jeff Angeley and Pebbles of Rain, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 16

Pie and bake sale, sponsored by Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, 9 a.m. until sold out

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Craft fair featuring more than 100 vendors

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Silent auction, highest bidders announced after 4 p.m.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. U Pick Em Auction

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kitchen is open

Music by Molly O’Leary and John Fernandes, 11 a.m.-noon

Music by Thatcher Harrison, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Music by Dave Alves, 2-3 p.m.

Music by Montage Bleu, 3:30-5 p.m.

Music by G&I, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

5:30-7:30 p.m., Lobsterfest, with lobster, corn on the cob, chowder and other features. $30

Sunday, July 17

8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pancake and sausage breakfast six dollars for adults and children

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Craft fair featuring more than 100 vendors

9 a.m.--4 p.m. U Pick Em Auction

Music by Jeff Dunn, 9-10 a.m.

Music by Showstoppers, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Music by Funky Cat Trio, 1-3 p.m.

11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Kitchen is open

4 p.m., 50/50 raffle drawing