For those hoping to avoid stress this winter, Harbor Days offered the perfect chance for proactive shoppers to get their holiday shopping done. Visitors at this year's event found coasters, painting, doormats, books, clothing, jewelry, pet accessories and more from the vendors at Shipyard Park

Among the many tents was a U Pick ‘Em Auction by the Lions Club, which had more than 100 donated items from vendors, according to Lions Club President Amy Mello.

“It’s a great fundraiser for us,” Mello said. “It’s a good way to support the community.”

While there were many returning vendors, there were some new choices for shoppers this year too.

One of them, D’s Crafts, featured custom made coasters, as well as flowers made of paper. Doreen Bradbury, the artist, said that though it was her first year at Harbor Days, she’d likely be back.

“I’m amazed at the amount of people here,” she said. “It’s insane.”

C. Barry Hills, another Harbor Days newcomer, echoed Bradbury’s reaction to the crowd.

“It’s one of the better Lions Club fairs I’ve been to. I couldn’t believe the amount of people,” he said. “It’s very well attended.”

Hills, from Dennis, sold his artwork – paintings of outdoor scenes, such as lighthouses, beachscapes and cranberry bogs.

“I’ve been painting for over 50 years,” he said, adding that many people asked him if he had artwork of local scenes. “I will come back and paint here, I can already tell there’s a lot to paint.”

Also new this year was Mary Beth Dugan.

“This is my first Harbor Days and my first ever summer fair,” she said. “When I got the call that I got in I was so excited. This has always been one of my favorites to come to.”

Dugan was selling custom made ocean inspired art frames, stemming from her love of the sea and its many creatures.

“I love mermaids,” she said. “My boyfriend lives in Newport, so we walk the beach and pick up sea glass [for the artwork].”

While there were plenty of new options this year at Harbor Days, some old favorites returned as well.

After a one year hiatus, Paula and Steve Sears were back selling their doormats made from lobster trap rope for the fifth year.

A little less than a decade ago the federal government banned a particular type of lobster trap rope that was bad for the environment, and in that loss for fisherman the Sears saw opportunity.

“Hemp ropes disintegrate,” Paula said. “But this type of rope doesn’t absorb water, so it doesn’t get mold or mildew.”

The Sears collected all the newly banned rope from lobster fishers and began making their doormats. That was six years ago, and the couple has been at Harbor Days almost every year since.

“We had people come by today and say they bought mats from us three or four years ago and they’re still holding up,” Paula said. “They wear well.”