By Carol McCracken (Post # 855)
The 30th MS Harborfest returns to the Portland waterfront again this year. From its inception in 1982, the event has grown into a successful festival of sailboats, powerboats, tugboats and lobster boats. It runs from Friday, August 19th until and including Sunday, August 21st.
For the first year, the benefit auction will be held at the Portland Company, 58 Fore Street. Attendees bid on hundreds of offerings including art, jewelry, trips, nautical items, luxurious spa services, sports tickets, cruises and one-of-a-kind events and services. The auction includes a light dinner and cash bar. Tickets are $20. per person or $150. for a table of 10.
While it’s always been possible to view the Parade of Sail start from the Eastern Promenade at Ft. Allen Park on the Hill, this year there will be a Shoreside Festival on Saturday, August 20th and on Sunday, August 21 as well. Sunday is when the Lobster Boat Races and the Tugboat Muster & Races happen. There will be children’s activities, music, food, crafts and artisians. Sunday’s races will be broadcast from the Gazebo at Ft. Allen Park, on the Promenade.
Proceeds go to benefit the National MS Society and the 3,000 people in Maine who have MS.
For more information, please visit www.MSmaine.org Harborfest is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank & Verrill Dana.