2011 Harvestfest Presenting Sponsors Make Huge Contributions to Festival’s Success

In it’s 27th year, Harvestfest is two-day event located at Short Sands Beach, in York, Maine. The event started as a chamber of commerce end-of-the-season ox-roast BBQ for our members, which was so much fun that when word got around about it, the chamber was under pressure to open the party up to the general public! That is how Harvestfest was born!

The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Harvestfest, is pleased to announce that all four presenting sponsors are returning again this year. Harvestfest is southern Maine’s premiere fall festival. It will be celebrated this year on Sat., Oct. 15 & Sun., Oct. 16.

“We could not have grown this community festival without the longstanding contributions of our presenting sponsors and we are grateful for their continued dedication to the event. Not only do these businesses provide valuable financial support, they roll up their sleeves and make the festival happen by performing the hard work behind the scenes!” said Jeff Pelkey, Board Chair.

In the past, Wendy Tapley, owner of Tapley Insurance Agency Inc., and her husband Brian chaired the chamber’s food booth. They ordered all of the supplies and leaned on their employees and their families to man the booth, prepare the food, and clean up the mess when the event ended.

Peter Hughes, his brother Patrick and their families from the Cutty Sark Motel dig the bean hole, set-up the ox-roast BBQ pit, and prepare the whole Harvestfest site for the onslaught of attendees. They also allow the chamber to use their motorized equipment during the festival to move materials as needed.

Kennebunk Savings Bank has been involved for many years. Bank employees also volunteer with many other aspects of the event during the weekend, as well as sell coffee in partnership with Carpe Diem Coffee Roasters to raise money for the York Food Pantry.

Woods Family Inc., owners of The Daily Grind, sponsor the Pumpkin Stroll at York Beach. A crew from The Daily Grind led by Jen Woods assists children in carving their pumpkins, which will become part of the Pumpkin Stroll from 5:30pm to 7:15pm Pumpkin Stroll on Saturday along Railroad Ave. Stroll by foot or by car to view the more than 250 carved and decorated pumpkins and luminaries, while enjoying the fun and original music of guitarist Dan Blakeslee!!