BELFAST—Belfast is for boating enthusiasts this weekend for their annual Harborfest and The Belfast Rotary Club is sponsoring the Boatbuilder’s Challenge on Saturday, so the night before, Marshall Wharf Brewing Co. is throwing their own launch party to kick off the weekend’s activities this Friday, Aug. 15 at the Steamboat Landing location.

David Carlson, co-owner of Marshall Wharf Brewing Company and the neighboring bar/restaurant Three Tides said he’s a huge supporter of the Belfast Rotary Club and even though the effort of putting on the Harborfest event coincides with Three Tides’ biggest night of the summer, he does it every year to support Rotary. “It’s absolutely insane that we do this every year, because we never break even, but eventually we’ll get there. It’s too good an opportunity to pass up. And we usually have about 50 people, including friends and family working that night. The Rotary really loves the support. And we like being part of this weekend event that has grown every year.”

“Basically in a nut shell The Rotary Club spend a lot of money on this huge 9,000 square foot tent for this weekend event, right at the mouth of Belfast Harbor. It’s one of the most picturesque places you can imagine to have an event. So my wife Sarah and I pay them a $3,000 fee to have our own party under this tent. We build everything else around it. We have bands, we have open container. We’re pouring 10 of our own beers and wine. It’s one of those fun events; you show up, you pay $10 bucks for five hours of fun. It’s grown and grown over the years.”

Beyond the beer and wine, four food trucks will be on hand such as Fishin' Ships, The Uproot Pie Co., PB&ME, and the Belfast Lion's Club Grille. Marshall Wharf and Three Tides, known for attracting hot musical acts to Belfast, will also be featuring the bands Tricky Britches, When Particles Collide and Toughcats (after whom one of their beers is named).

“The Toughcats are really the backbone of this event. It’s just real fun, big energy. It’s also family friendly, not a 21+ event. We’re pouring our own root beer for this event as well.

The gates open at 6 p.m. The music starts at 7 p.m. and goes to 11 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee. For more information about the Belfast Harborfest 2014 visit: belfastharborfest.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com