Conversation and music filled the air over the Munro Preserve as more than 150 patrons dined at the Mattapoisett Museum and Land Trust’s Annual Great Community Picnic fundraiser on Thursday evening, August 6.
The picnic supports general operations for both groups, as well as trail maintenance and acquisitions for the Land Trust. It has been a major funding source for both organizations since its inception a decade ago, bringing in thousands of dollars annually.
For dinner, attendees were encouraged to bring their own drinks and food. A raw bar with dozens of $1 oysters was donated by growers at Mattapoisett Oysters and Copper Beech Oyster Farm of Mattapoisett Neck, and Blue Stream Oysters of West Island in Fairhaven.
Ale from Buzzards Bay Brewing was also available.
The annual table decoration contest was won by the party at table No. 3 for the third consecutive year. Their theme was the Academy Awards, featuring a red carpet leading to a table decorated with Oscar statues and patrons dressed as celebrities, security guards and paparazzi.
“We love dressing up,” said Sue O’Connell, a member of the winning team. “We definitely want to support the fundraiser. It’s a beautiful evening with our neighborhood. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Second place was awarded to table No. 6 for its tropical tiki theme, and third place went to table No. 19 with a golf theme. Other decorated tables featured themes around America, Christmas and lemons.
Gary Brown, former superintendent of Old Colony, and Seth Asser, a guitarist in the North Woods Band and the Southcoast Troubadours, performed the music at the event.
By Zakary Sarkarati