ROCKLAND, Maine — The informal vote was anti-climatic Tuesday evening as the Rockland Harbor Management Commission agreed to approve the Maine Lobster Festival schedule for use of Harbor Park this summer.
The harbor panel had initially balked at the number of days the festival needed for setup and cleanup of the annual summer event.
But on Tuesday night, the panel voted without discussion to approve the request and send it on to the City Council. The vote was an informal one because for the second straight meeting there was not a quorum of four members. The council is likely to vote on the application for use of the city waterfront property on June 13.
The festival has requested use of Harbor Park, and adjacent Buoy and Mildred Merrill parks for 14 days.
Festival President Brian Plourde insisted that 14 days were needed. Last year, the City Council gave the festival seven days to set up, five days for the festival and two days to clean up.
Plourde said the event has always worked with boaters and will continue to so that they can get to their vessels moored in the harbor.
“There is a misconception that we cut off access to the harbor,” he said.
The public can walk in the parks during setup and cleanup.
Harbor Park will again be a busy place this summer.
The North Atlantic Blues Festival will be held July 16 and 17. Then, the 69th annual lobster festival will run from Wednesday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 7.
Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors will hold it annual show from Aug. 12 through 14.
The annual cat video festival is scheduled for Aug. 20.