The 2014 Boothbay Harbor Fest will feature 12 major events at various locations in the Boothbay region from Friday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Sept. 7.

“Though the Chili-Chowder event was much loved by its attendees, it was in need of an overhaul for a variety of reasons,” Event Producer Lori Pecor said. “The event quickly outgrew itself and it became necessary to rethink the format in order to allow for future growth.”

The new format will increase exposure to our region via a massive marketing campaign, offer direct income potential to participating businesses, create opportunity for community collaboration and fundraising efforts. It even encourages the residential sector to participate. Harbor Fest is intended to be inclusive, not exclusive, Pecor said, “meaning, everybody is invited to participate.”

The date change was made to eliminate conflict with other major events. Marketing Cents reached out to participating businesses last fall to determine a preferred date. The majority reported a desire for more festivities scheduled over Labor Day Weekend to draw visitors and entertain them once they are here. Several businesses reported a large drop toward the end of August, due to school returning to session. Based on this data, events were created to appeal to audiences not affected by school schedules: young business professionals and empty-nesters.

The 2014 event line up is as follows:

• Harbor Crawl: Friday, Aug. 29, 4-7 p.m. Eat, drink, shop and be merry. Sponsored by 92 Moose Radio and Rocktide Inn. Various live music acts, chili-chowder tasting locations.

• 3-Day Chili Chowder Challenge & Music Marathon: August 29-31. Tasters will purchase a $10 passport, good for one taste of each chili or chowder entry. Tastings will be redeemable at the establishment of each contestant and coincide with their live music schedule, creating an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a weekend long music marathon.

• Art on the Waterfront: Saturday, Aug. 30, Whale Park, Times TBA. Presented by the Boothbay Region Arts Foundation: Free admission.
• Treasure Hunt: Saturday, Aug. 30, Whale Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by Marketing Cents 4u.

• The Wailin’ Jennys: August 30, 7 p.m. Presented by the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor: This Juno Award winning trio will sell out, so buy early! Advance tickets $30, on sale now.  More than two-dozen live music acts scheduled around town.

• 5k & Half Marathon: Benefits Boothbay Region Community Trails Partnership. Both races begin and end at Boothbay Craft Brewery, followed by a BBQ and live music, presented by Watershed Tavern. Racers can register online at www.boothbayharborfest.com, and there is also opportunity for non-registrants to make a donation to BRCTP. Event sponsors: Boothbay Craft Brewery, Marketing Cents 4u and Boothbay Region YMCA.

• Restaurant Week: Monday, Sept. 1 to Friday, Sept. 5. Reborn and rolled into Harbor Fest at the request of local restaurants; five nights of creatively prepared menus, at one tasty price.

• Fishin’ For Fashion Show: Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2-4 p.m. Rocktide Inn. When is the last time you attended a fashion show with models dressed in fishing gear? This one of a kind show will feature custom designs made only with marine related materials and showcase the individual style of our local merchants. Event sponsors: 92 Moose and Rocktide Inn.

• Harbor Fest Closing Party: Saturday, Sept. 6, from 4-7 p.m. Rocktide Inn; featuring bluegrass duo, Crying Wolf.

• Community Wide Yard Sale: Saturday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 7. A yard-sailor’s delight! Follow the yard sale map to dozens of homes and businesses around the region. All welcome. It’s just $10 to be included on map.

For more events, or information on participation, sponsorship, or any general questions, call Lori at 207-671-7676 or visit www.boothbayharborfest.com.