PORTLAND, Maine — Organizers of the 42nd annual Old Port Festival earlier this month said early returns on the addition of days and events to the community celebration have been positive.
The festival expanded its past weekend schedule to include events on four days, June 11-14.
Sally Newhall, event manager for the Old Port Festival, said this week that this year’s crowd numbers appeared to break records.
“This year, the event was so successful for a combination of reasons,” said Newhall. “Not only did we have great marketing for the event, but there were also a lot of other events scheduled the week before so everyone was aware the festival was ending the week.”
“I think this is a good representation of everyone coming together,” said Keith Maddix, a Portland resident who said he attends the festival every year. “This event [is] very community-oriented and it’s really amazing to see all the differences business’s come together to entertain the people.”
While more nationally known acts drew crowds to the waterfront, local bands playing on smaller stages throughout the Old Port also attracted strong audiences.
“Each band that performed had people laughing, dancing and singing endlessly,” said Aurther Anderson, who drove from his home in Saco on June 13 to attend the festival. “It’s so invigorating to see people come together like that.”
Anderson also explained how at one point, he stumbled upon a drum circle in the heart of the Old Port. As he looked on, he saw something that reminded him why he loves attending Portland-based events.
“In the middle of the drum circle, there were originally two people dancing, but as the drums got louder, children started dancing with them,” said Anderson. “I love how an event such as this one can bring people together so easily.”
Portland resident Anna DeMerchant had her dog with her as she walked throughout the crowded streets. She explained that this year’s festival seemed to draw a much larger turnout than in the recent past.
“I’ve been to the Old Port fest a few years in a row, and last year it was way too hot for me to enjoy,” said DeMerchant. “Luckily this year the weather conditions are amazing. An event like this one is astounding because people come from all over Maine to join in a joint celebration involving food and music.”
David Warnock of Biddeford, who attended the festival with friends, summed up the allure of the event.
“The Old Port Fest is the first and probably only day of the year Maine comes out of hibernation to enjoy the beautiful summer weather,” said Warnock. “This event is really a great one to attend here in Portland each year and I’m looking forward to seeing what next year’s festival has in store.”