Camden enjoyed another successful outdoor festival this weekend at the Winterfest celebration in Harbor Park and the Amphitheatre. The Camden Public Library is pleased to be able to host the annual festival, thanks to the financial support of the First National Bank.

There were many moving parts to the celebration, and the Winterfest Committee would like to thank all the many volunteers and participants. The hot food, which is a key ingredient to a winter festival, was provided by Camden businesses Marriners Restaurant, the Waterfront Restaurant, French & Brawn, and Boynton-McKay’s; the team of volunteers serving the food with such warmth and good cheer was from The First National Bank, led by Angie Parent and Nichole Quinn.

Other stalwart volunteers included Ken Gardiner as MC who kicked off the day with his unmatchable audience-participation Hokey Pokey; and the volunteer ice carving team that was led, as always, by master carver Tim Pierce of the Samoset, assisted by Hector Pietra-Santa and volunteer extraordinaire Matt Brown.

The newest feature of Winterfest was the inspired Doggie Winter Fashion Show which brought out dozens of dogs with their owners. Look for the Fashion Show again next year! Support for the show came from Loyal Biscuit Company, Fromm Family Foods, The Maine Dog, Castine & Compagnie, Paw Print Pet Lodge at Stillwater Farm, P.A.W.S Animal Adoption Center, and Equinox Guiding Service.

In addition to the ice carving, outdoor music, and winter fashion show, SunDog Outdoor Expedition organized the exciting Polar Plunge; All That Jazz provided live music indoors during the ongoing kids crafts hosted by children's librarian Amy Hand; and DJ Terry Frank provided music outdoors.

Thanks to all the carving teams as well for their contribution to a bracing celebration of winter! It takes a lot of support from the community to put together such a celebration. Camden’s Winter Celebration continues with a concert at the Opera House featuring Rustic Overtones on Thursday evening, the Snowplow Parade Friday evening, and the Toboggan Nationals all weekend.

Julia Pierce and Ken Gross for the Winterfest Committee of the Camden Public Library