MATTAPOISETT — An event 50 years in the making.

At the end of a day of Mattapoisett Harbor Days festivities on July 17, King Lion Ross Kessler opened up a time capsule left under the Shipyard Park gazebo in 1971.

The capsule was left at the dedication of the gazebo 50 years ago — and before the opening, no one knew what awaited.

Bruce E. Rocha Sr., who helped in the gazebo’s construction, couldn’t remember what was left in the capsule.

“Well it’s 50 years ago that we put it in there,” he said.

When the capsule was opened, out came articles on the gazebo’s dedication from Presto Press, the newspaper which under subsequent ownership became The Wanderer, and a list of all the community members who helped with the gazebo.

“Everybody in the community contributed,” Rocha said.

A letter left in the capsule detailed the wishes of the town when it was put beneath the gazebo.

“And they hope it remains sealed until 2057,” Rocha said.

“I won’t tell them if you don’t,” Kessler replied.