Mattapoisett non-profits unite for Great Community Picnic
MATTAPOISETT — As carefully decorated tabletops were assembled, oysters were shucked and beer was served, Mike Hugenin, President of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, gestured to the crowd of Great Community Picnic attendees and said “who doesn’t love a picnic at sunset at the harbor?”
On Thursday, Aug. 7, the 7th annual Great Community Picnic brought together community members dressed as hippies, sharks, Disney Princesses and Alice in Wonderland characters for an evening of chowing down and supporting the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Mattapoisett Museum at Munro Preserve.
Attendees to the event purchased access to tables or community seats and brought their own food to enjoy at the picnic, in addition to being able purchase beer from Buzzards Bay Brewing and raw oysters from Bob Field of Copper Beech Oyster Farm, Dale Leavitt of West Island Oysters and Mattapoisett oyster farmer Michael Ward. Money from ticket admission and purchased foods benefit the land trust and museum.
“This money pretty much goes to our operating expenses. We have almost 1000 acres now [and it] costs money to take care of those acres,” said Hugenin. “It also helps our education committee.”
Each tabletop was decorated with an intricate theme put together by attendees.
Mattapoisett resident Jane Finnerty helped put together a “Jaws”-themed tablescape, complete with a watermelon carved into the shape of a shark and a large inflatable shark.
Her favorite part of the evening was getting to enjoy the “fun event that supports the land trust and museum.”
“We decided that we wanted to do an event together that brings the community together, and we wanted it to make it very accessible and easy,” said Jennifer McIntire, Secretary at Mattapoisett Museum.
Musicians Bill Santos and Gary Brown volunteered their time and performed at the event free of charge.
“We have musicians that play beautiful music all night, and they just donate their time,” said McIntire.
The picnic has established another cherished summer tradition for Mattapoisett residents.
“I think the best part is just all these community members that are happy to be here and enjoy and the scenery,” said McIntire.
