A HarborFest Welcome

     Our sincerest thanks to Bryan Boyhan, Editor of the Sag Harbor Express and Chairman of the HarborFest Steering Committee, for allowing us to reproduce and excerpt from the official "HarborFest Program," written and published by the Sag Harbor Express.

     For generations, those living in and around Sag Harbor have had a deep and abiding relationship with the sea and local waters.  From its first Native ihabitants who called this place Wegwagonock, to its early settlers who arrived in 1707 and who farmed and raised cattle; from that most enterprising group of whalers who sailed several oceans to bring home prescious whale oil, to the merchants to established a bustling port with factories and mills that rivaled any town on Long Island; and as a harbor that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

     For the sixteenth year in a row, we will celebrate that maritime history with a three day festival that features dozens of events, including competitions, food tastings, sailing, tours, music, and much more.  And this year, on the brink of Sag Harbor celebrating its 300th anniversary, we offer "300 Stories," a play that explores the fascinating, funny, moving and surprising story of Sag Harbor from prehistory to 2006 through the eyes of three of Sag Harbor's celebrated residents.

     On Long Wharf will be an expanded Farmers' Market, featuring fresh local organic fruits and vegetables, artisnal cheeses, shellfish and several local chef to show you how best to prepare the local bounty.

     You're invited down to Marine Park to create a little art.  We'll supply the materials - you provide the inspiration.  Oh, and by the way, you'll be working on an unusual canvas - the sidewalk!

     And take a step back in the Village's history with a reading from the book "Sag Harbor, an American Beauty," full of tales of how this village grew, along with a new Nation.

     We'll also invite you to help us select the best clam chowder in Sag Harbor!  There will be plenty of competitors - sample them all, and tell us which you think deserves top honor.

     There are of course plenty of old favorites for you to enjoy over the weekend, including our Festival Parade on Saturday morning, Whaleboat Racing, Walking Tours, Musical Performances such as Sea Chanteys and more, a Children's Fair and other events for Kids, and finally our famous Clam Shucking Contest!