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12:29:23 am Still A Craze For Harbor Days

Categories: Mattapoisett

Impeccable weather drew throngs of appreciative crowds on Saturday to Mattapoisett Lion’s Club’s annual Harbor Days event. Guests browsed the booths of more than 100 crafters and artisans in Shipyard Park as musicians strutted their stuff in the gazebo. Smells of freshly prepared seafood and burgers wafted through the air; meanwhile, a few attendees took advantage of boat tours that offered scenic vistas of Mattapoisett’s harbor.

Among booths selling artistic creations and nonprofits representing a variety of causes, Mattapoisett Lions Club volunteers manned an extensive raffle table. To participate in Harbor Days, each booth is required to donate a raffle item. All proceeds directly benefit the service organization, which participates in a slate of community projects in the area.

Entering into his 19th consecutive year of participation in Harbor Days, basket weaver Keith Boling remarked that the fair has grown considerably in size. “It is a phenomenal fair for us. It is always done well; the Lions Club runs an excellent fair,” he said. Mr. Boling and his wife Margaret sold dyed wicker baskets and purses adorned with seashells and rocks. Basic weaving became “therapy” for Mr. Boling after a car accident many years ago, when a friend provided him with a mold, baskets and books during his recovery. His interest eventually blossomed into his own business and now he regularly attends ten fairs per year.

Conversely, Dartmouth resident Denise Maranhas is participating in the event for the first time. “I’m excited to see what will happen,” she said, noting the burgeoning crowds. Ms. Maranhas is an artist who fuses stained glass patterns in a kiln into functional objects, including clocks and cheese platters. She began fusing glass after taking a class three years ago on the use of stained glass, and took to it so much she bought a kiln of her own.

The nonprofit Helping Hands and Hooves again offered its popular hair wrapping services. “This is the most fun booth,” said Debbi Dyson. The booth bustled with activity; volunteers enthusiastically wrapped strands of young women’s hair in multicolor beads in exchange for a donation towards its cause – providing therapeutic horse rides to teens and adults with disabilities.

Marilyn Quilty, who handcrafts belt buckles and elaborate jewelry, is in her fourth year of participation. “It’s the only summer show I do, and there is good weather every year,” she said, adding, “I like the people, it is a nice atmosphere.” A mother of three, Ms. Quilty is a self-taught artist who turned a hobby into a full-out business.

In its fifth year, the harbor tours offered an opportunity for attendees to see Mattapoisett by boat. The small cost to participate entirely benefits the Mattapoisett Lions Club. On that unusually wind-free Saturday, David Kaiser of the Mattapoisett Boatyard led groups of about a dozen on 30-minute tours among Mattapoisett’s approximately 800 moorings. He said the waiting list for a mooring ranges between five and ten years, “although it used to be for 20 years,” he noted. Mr. Kaiser also pointed out Mattapoisett’s old shipbuilding piers, which actively built whaling ships during the 19th century.

While Mr. Kaiser led the boat to Ned’s Point and its historic lighthouse, passengers watched three stand-up paddle boarders enjoy the serene waters. Mr. Kaiser pointed out that Buzzards Bay usually is windier and typically is known for its breezes, which are especially noticeable from the Block Island area up to the Cape Cod Canal. He attributes the wind zone to ocean currents, which is why the water temperatures are warmer in the area than further north, he said. In addition, he pointed out an old traditional wooden boat from Martha’s Vineyard that “warmed my heart,” he said.

After 20 years, Harbor Days is still going on strong and remains a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. This year the weather contributed again to another successful event.

By Laura Pedulli

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