This year’s Harbor Days was held with some sporadic, less-than-optimal weather patterns. However, as per usual, it was a success. Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and July 20, Shipyard Park packed in artisan stands like sardines, accompanied by the huge foodie-tent and patrons from across the Tri-Towns and beyond.
The event is regularly hosted by the Mattapoisett Lions Club and its 16 members and takes place the third weekend of July (this past weekend, sorry if you missed it). Nearly 100 different vendors put up what they had. This year, some vendors had totally sold out all their stock, leaving a “Sold” sign in place of items. From t-shirts, to earrings, to scarves, to carved wooden cutting boards and furniture, the wide variety of items were snatched up. Some goods screamed “summer” and complemented the heat, while others, like the aforementioned scarves or even Christmas tree ornaments, are better used in a few months.
In a first for the long-running event, “Yoga in the Park” was also held the week before by the organizers in the park, as well as “Taste of the Town,” which also made use of the organization’s large white catering tent. That brings us to food, where Saturday afternoon saw a Lobster Fest and Sunday had a cookout; strawberry shortcake was available both days, and both days there was a line to get some first thing in the morning.
Similar to many Harbor Days of the past, this was a hot one. Not nearly as hot as the blistering heat of the prior week though at a high of 81 degrees. Sunday saw some waves of rain, though not enough to put a halt on, or even really impact, the event at all.
Harbor Days is anticipated and hyped up every year as soon as the first warm breeze of summer crests the shore. As I was once, outsiders are afforded the opportunity to go “what is Harbor Days?” before mingling with locals and getting a taste of the best the Tri-Town has to offer. For its 44th year, Harbor Days has delivered again.
Mattapoisett Harbor Days 2025
By Sam Bishop