MATTAPOISETT— As a tribute to Barbie, there were pink deviled eggs and the Inn at Shipyard Park staff dressed in their versions of the doll's princess, golfer and teacher costumes at the Great Community Picnic on Thursday, Aug 3.

Participants Ruth and Wayne Walega, Carol and Bob Clifford and Mary Schuberk decided to go for a traditional nautical theme for the center piece contest.

“The whole town comes out so it’s a lot of fun,” said Ruth. “And it’s for a good cause.”

The annual event held at the Munro Preserve is a joint fundraising effort organized by the Mattapoisett Lands Trust and the Mattapoisett Museum.

Picnic partakers packed their coolers with seaside friendly meals to enjoy an evening in the company of community members. The Mattapoisett Lands Trust and Museum provided the tables and seating and of course the oysters and drinks.

According to Mattapoisett Museum secretary Jennifer McIntire, guests participate in a contest for the most creative centerpiece.

“From the very beginning we had this idea that the tables are a blank slate and people could do something creative with their table so we started giving out prizes,” she said. “Some people get really creative with their themes.”

According to McIntire, local oystermen Bob Field, Dale Levitt and Mike Ward donated and shucked over 600 oysters for the event. 

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.