New events to come to Harbor Days

Jul 8, 2014

The Mattapoisett Lions Club is hoping to draw more people to Harbor Days this year with fire, a fish fry and a couple of famous trophies.

“We’re trying to give people new reasons to come into the park,” said President Don Bamburger.

The annual three-day festival held at Shipyard Park begins July 18 with a fish fry served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. by the newest restaurant in town, The Hollywood Scoop. The fish fry is $9.50.

“What better place could you eat a fried fish dinner than at the edge of the harbor, under a tent, the sea breeze blowing and the sun setting,” said Bamburger. “It doesn’t get better than that.”

After dinner, the Dave Charnley Band, a country and blues band, will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Saturday, the Red Sox World Series Trophy will be on display in the gazebo from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. where folks can lineup to see it up close for $1 each. Each person who views the trophy will also be entered into a raffle to win a mural of the “Green Monster,” the Red Sox’s scoreboard, by artist M-C Lamarre.

Later that day, another trophy will be on display at the park for the showing of the Academy Award winning movie “On Golden Pond.”

“Before the movie, there’s going to be a meet and greet with the author of the play, and he’s going to bring his friend with him, Oscar,” said Bamburger.

The movie night is part of the monthly outdoor showings hosted by the Lions this summer.

On Sunday, the Mattapoisett Firefighters will be on hand to do a jaws of life demonstration and give festival goers a chance to practice putting out fires with extinguishers.

Besides the new additions, Harbor Days will remain largely the same event that draws crowds each year, said Bamburger. The park will be filled with arts and crafts booths on Saturday and Sunday as well as the annual “U Pick ‘em Auction.” There will be a LobsterFest from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night and a pancake and sausage breakfast Sunday morning from 8 to 11 a.m.

Live music will also play for most of the day on Saturday and Sunday.

The Lions Club’s Eye Mobile will offer free eye and ear screenings from 10 to 2 p.m. on Sunday as well.

Bamburger said proceeds from the event will go back into the community and to Lions Club charities.

“I always like working with the community. I think that’s really important because without the community we can’t do anything,” he said. “All the stuff we’ve been able to accomplish is all because of the support of the community.”

Several annual events leading up to Harbor Days will also return this year. The American Legion clambake is Saturday, July 12 at 5 p.m. followed by the triathlon on Sunday at 8 a.m.

The swimming, biking and running begins at 8 a.m. at Town Beach. Register online at www.lightboxreg.com/mattapoisett-lions-club-triathlon.

On Tuesday, July 15, the Taste of the Town will feature local eateries serving up their best dishes under the tent at Shipyard Park from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Lion's will serve strawberry shortcake on Wednesday night at the Town Band Concert from 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information on any of the above events, visit www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org.

Bamberger also asks residents to email him suggestions for movies they'd like to see in coming months at Shipyard Park. Email mattapoisettlionsclub@gmail.com to drop a suggestion.