Old Man Winter’s cold breath did nothing to dampen spirits in Rockport Village Saturday evening, where sidewalk candles spread a cozy glow through the streets, and the famous fireworks of Big Al brightened the inky dark over the waterfront.

It was the fourth annual Holiday on the Harbor — HoH — a low-key celebration of the season that fills Rockport with music, good food, hot chocolate around a fire, and culminates with exploding rockets and cascading sparkles over the water. 

The entire afternoon and evening is courtesy of a partnership between businesses, nonprofits and town that pool resources and volunteer effort. 

The HoH committee that charges up the energy of the town year after year includes Harbor Master Abbie Leonard, Public Works Director Mike Young, as well as Monica Kelly, Peter Ralston, Allyson Poutasse, Deb Chatfield, Jason Haynes, Terri Lea Smith, and Charlton Ames. They recruit an army of volunteers, from National Honor Society students to pre-teens, as well as music teachers, parents and the stray citizen, to help coordinate a variety of activities.

Late in the afternoon, the doors were wide open at from Barnswallow Bookstore on Russell Ave., all the way to RAYR wine shop on Pascal Avenue. A special music show got underway at Rockport Opera House, courtesy of Bay Chamber Concerts; Santa and musicians filled Union Hall, and fire pits on the grass at the harbor warmed those who were strolling around as dusk began to settle.

Fireworks maestro for the town is Charlton Ames, who travels to Wiscasset and consults with Big Al, at Big Al’s Fireworks Outlet, about what might be new and exciting to spring upon Rockport.

This year did not disappoint: The crew aboard Dallas Field’s barge sent the mortars high into the sky, and timed the explosions just right. The crowd that was sprinkled along Marine Park, the fishermen’s dock, Goose River Bridge and up on the porch of Nina June restaurant were delighted, hooting and hollering and blowing their car horns in appreciation.

“What a wonderful fireworks display and great way the harbor park and surrounding streets were decorated,” said Bill Chapman, Select Board Chairman. “I especially liked seeing Andre tooling around the harbor all decorated. But, I have to go back to the fireworks. They were tremendously AWESOME (to use Owen Casas’ term)!  The only complaint is that no matter how long they are, they always seem to be over too soon. We are already looking forward to next year.”

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657