Author: Pat D

The Antonio Gentile Bandstand Concert Series is back on summer Sunday evenings starting July 10 at 7 PM at the bandstand at Stage Fort Park. Here’s the link for further information. This event has been greatly missed by many and we are so pleased to see it return.

We hadn’t been to the Boat House Grille in Essex for a while so we stopped by for lunch recently. We were not disappointed! Friendly service, relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, varied menu, creative drinks all added up to another wonderful dining experience. Thanks to our server Hannah for being so attentive and efficient.

Our first stop in the Bar Harbor Photo Tour was to a working waterfront jam packed with lobster gear, fog and character. Just my luck that we’d be stopping at a sight so familiar to me, but it was unique for many of the others on the trip. As they were ohhhing and ahhing over their opportunities to chat with real lobstermen, I was standing along the sidelines observing. The tour guide came over to stage whisper that SOMETIMES these lobstermen can get very salty in the local bars especially in the off season. Is that so????? HAHAHA….. as much as the location may change, the character does not. And I am grateful for that.

From a working wharf in Maine:

I have seen a couple of inquiries online recently wondering about this project at Stage Fort Park. It is to be a “state of the art” outdoor street hockey rink and you can follow them here on this Facebook link. It’s really shaping up! You can find a projected final project at this link here.

Sharing this screenshot of an update from the City regarding reach bags and collection. Take notes of the dates and the particulars regarding size and number of bags.

Fiesta 2022 is in the books and it felt GREAT! Thanks to the organizing committee and the scores of volunteers who made it happen for the rest of us. It was memorable. Here are a few more shots from Championship Sunday events I hope you will enjoy.

Father Jim blessed the fishing fleet in front of the Fishermen’s Memorial Sunday afternoon under a beautiful sky. Bless our fishermen and their vessels.

What a race these young men ran today! The seas were a little rough and the wind wasn’t a friend today but Knot-e Boys, Renegade and Family Strokes put on a great show for all the fans on the beach! This post was rushed out to get it in quickly, more coverage tomorrow.

The winds and seas were kicking up which made rowing even tougher, but Kaos, Merger and ZFG gave spectators a great race to watch. Congratulations ZFG! Strong race, great finish.

This kid has got something special figured out in the Greasy Pole competition! Congratulations! Derek Hopkins takes it again on Championship Sunday, even though the flag has to be re-placed onto the pole several times due to the winds.

From our correspondent on the street, Chris McCarthy:

The beating sun made the whites super white and the children fade, but the procession came off without any obvious hitches! It was so wonderful to see so many people supporting this traditions. How many do you recognize?

The flag was claimed early in the second round so there aren’t too many photos of those who made the attempt prior to Anthony Novello’s walk but here are some of the intrepid walkers on their run in the second round. Lessons in acrobatics, balance, dismount and costumes. Great contest!

I flat ran out of time to post photos along with the video of the Junior Mens Seine Boat Race competitors last night, so here you go! Mens Seine Boat racing has a bright future in Gloucester. Well done Renegade, Knot-e Boys and Tonno Crew!

I stumbled onto this YouTube video which is not dated or verified but is supposed to be taken in Gloucester. I thought you might enjoy it anyhow. If you have any clues about this please feel free to reach out. I hope you are enjoying the return of Fiesta 2022!

Congratulations teams! I have run out of time to post photos, they will come tomorrow. Good luck in the finals!

Congratulations to all on a great race tonight. I look forward to tomorrow’s finals.

A few scenes from tonight’s Greasy Pole competition which was won in the second round by Anthony Novello, one of the early walkers. Congratulations! See you up there tomorrow!

The dedicated volunteers were out this morning attaching the new flag and re-greasing the pole in preparation for tonight’s Fiesta 2022 activities. Thanks guys!

After a race re-start, Gloucester Fire pulls in first to take bragging rights against the Gloucester PD and Coast Guard in Saturday’s Seine Boat competition. Great job by all on a beautiful Saturday morning!