
Barbara Whitten, President of the Convention Visitors Bureau at the Ocean Gateway Press Conference Today.
By Carol McCracken (Post # 1,530)
This afternoon Barbara Whitten, President of the Convention + Visitors Bureau, announced plans for the sixth annual Harvest on the Harbor which takes place from October 23rd until October 26, on the Portland Waterfront at Ocean Gateway Pier.
A new feature of this year’s event is the International Maine: Taste of the World. The event celebrates the diversity of cuisine offered in Maine. This event unites chefs for an impressive global voyage of ethnic delicacies. Some of those participating in this new event include: Aki Japanese Cuisine, Cafe Miranda, DaVinci’s Eatery, El Camino Cantina, El Rayo Taqueria, Lakonia Greek Products, Little BIGS and others.
The always popular lobster chef competition was sold out prior to the press conference according to Whitten. The four chefs for the competition were announced. None of them are from Portland. Two are from the same restaurant in Camden, one from Kennebunk and the last from Kittery. Controversial Portland chef Harding Smith did not apply to participate in this year’s event.
“This has done so much for our shoulder season,” said Whitten. It’s one of the highlights that I’m most proud of.”
While it was not officially announced from the podium, the buzz around the press party was the news that Barbara Whitten, long-time CEO of the Convention + Visitors Bureau will be retiring on November 1st this year. She has been with the Bureau for 26 years. Replacing her is Lynn Tillotson, Director of Tourism Marketing, for the Bureau. “I’m looking forward to being a full-time grandmother,” Whitten said grinning.
For more information, please visit www.harvestontheharbor.com or call 207 772-4994.