Boats were blessed, faces were painted and clam chowder was devoured at Swampscott’s Marine and Harbor Fest held outside of the Swampscott Yacht Club on Saturday.
Nautical-themed vendors and a wide variety of food trucks set up shop on a nearly picture perfect, technically-still spring day by the water.
Until about five years ago, the Swampscott Yacht Club hosted Marine Day while the Swampscott Recreation Department separately held a Harbor Fest.
“We kind of married the two,” said Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia. “It’s been a great partnership.”
The clam chowder contest is one of the hits at the event each year.
“It’s the third year doing the chowder competition,” said Daher De Garcia. “It basically allows the winner to have bragging rights for a whole year until the following summer.”
Hungry guests lined up at booths set up by Dockside Pub, The Landing of Marblehead and Salem’s Sea Level Oyster Bar.
Around 300 attendees tried each chowder and cast a vote, with Dockside Pub snatching the crown of tastiest chowder.
Along with the seafood, there were also painted buoys, art made of knots and shore-themed clothing and jewelry were available for purchase from local vendors.
Daher de Garcia said along with the community having a great time, the fest gives a chance for locals to showcase their hand-designed artwork.
“What we try to do for this event is we try to find vendors that are a little more unique than our typical vendors we have at the farmer’s market,” said Daher de Garcia. “Most of the vendors have something to offer to someone who is interested in maritime, is a boater or just simply loves the ocean. You’ll notice there are a lot of ocean-themed offerings.”
One vendor, Irina with I.A.M. Jewelry, said she was already excited for next year’s Harbor and Marine Fest. Her booth, which was appearing at the event for the first time, featured handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.
“This is all about honoring the heritage of our town,” said Daher de Garcia. “We do the blessing of the fleet today, which is important to a lot of boaters in town.”
The blessing of the fleet also took place. It is a customary coastal tradition that is meant to ensure a safe season on the water for the boats in the harbor.
To get even more nautical, a group of singers clad in pirate clothing delighted the crowd with sea shanties as they shopped, ate and drank.
“We’re a beach town,” said Swampscott Yacht Club Member Derek Farias. We should be doing these sorts of events. It’s very cool and it’s who we are. We’re boaters.”
Daher de Garcia said it’s great to not only offer a schedule of summer events to the community but to do so with fun, cost-effective options for everyone.
“I just love being able to offer something to everyone so they can connect, get out of the house and enjoy our beautiful town,” she said.
