We all know the Hamptons is the place to be between Memorial Day and Labor Day but what about after the unofficial summer is over? Well, there is still plenty to keep you busy and entertained in the area, and to prove it you should really stick around for Sag Harbor's annual Harborfest, going on Friday September 10th through Sunday the 12th this year.
The event is a celebration of all things Sag Harbor, in particular its rich whaling and maritime heritage. From 1760 to 1850 Sag Harbor was a bustling whaling port, and many might be surprised to learn that in 1789 Sag Harbor actually became the first official point of entry in the United States. Since 1945, the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum has educated locals and visitors alike on Sag Harbor's extensive history. Therefore it is apropos that the weekend-long event kicks off with the traditional Lobster Bake at the museum which is a fundraiser for the landmark. Tickets are $85 for a mouth watering menu of seafood and more, as well as a silent auction.
The action-packed weekend is then non-stop throughout Saturday and Sunday. "Harborfest is a family-oriented event; we have worked hard to make it that way," says Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce Vice President Alan Fruitstone. The whole family will certainly enjoy the Harborfest Parade on Saturday morning at 9:30. It is also a fun social event. "People really look forward to coming out and seeing their friends and people they know," Fruitstone says. Along with the social aspect of the weekend, there is also a little competition. The biggest attraction of the festival is the Whaleboat Races which take place off the beach at the Windmill. Men's and women's teams of four, comprised of two rowers, 1 tiller person, and one bow person, compete for the Whalers Cup. This year approximately a dozen or so boats will participate. The race is held over both days with the championship on Sunday. If boating is not really your cup of tea, maybe you'd like to try your feet at the Harborfest 5K bright and early Sunday morning.
In addition to these bigger events there is plenty to keep the average stroller occupied. The Farmer's Market on Saturday morning is a big hit, as is the Arts and Crafts Fair on the wharf which takes place on both days. If you're looking for some good deals, another draw is the Sidewalk Sale where Main Street stores offer special markdowns. Music is also a significant part of the festival and there will be several nautical-inspired folk singers performing throughout the weekend. There is plenty of food and drinks, including beer and wine, to be enjoyed by all. There is also a ton for the kiddies to do, including face painting, clowns and something new this year, The Great Sag Harbor Rubber Ducky Race taking place Sunday at 1pm. Jordan's Initiative will drop 1,500 numbered rubber ducks into the harbor and they will race to the finish under the LCpl Jordan Haerter Veterans' Memorial Bridge. You can adopt a duck for $5 at the Ducky Race Headquarters on the Long Wharf and root for yours to win…the first 20 receive a prize!
For the adult crowd, don't miss the annual LVIS Cocktail Party on Saturday evening from 6 to 9 at the Breakwater Yacht Club or instead you may want to hit the Jazz concert in town at 7pm (more information at www.oldwhalerschurch.org).
You can get a complete schedule online and some of the events, including the races, require pre-registration or tickets, so check out the chamber website at www.sagharborchamber.com for details. Otherwise, just make a plan to show up and enjoy all that Sag Harbor's Harborfest has to offer. It'll be a whale of time!
