ROCKPORT/CAMDEN – Following Friday night’s parade and Harbor Park tree lighting with Santa Claus, Camden’s 29th annual Christmas by the Sea weekend got underway in earnest on Saturday, Dec. 5. It was (and still is) a day of events and fairs with Santa Claus returning after a good night’s sleep to arrive by boat in both Rockport and Camden harbors for more visits with the kids.

PenBayPilot’s day began at 8 a.m. with a visit to the Holly Berry Fair at the Rockport Opera House. Put on by the Rockport Garden Club, there was a little something for everyone. The Victorian Dollhouse to be raffled off was both a center piece of the fair and a source of wonderment among those who entered and looked it over.

Second was a stop at Aldermere Farm for its annual Beltie Holiday. There were opportunities to have photos taken with belted Galloway calves, to purchase baked goods and handmade gifts to support Aldermere Achievers and 4 H club and live entertainment by the Tea Cups.

Joelle Aubry is the office and outreach manager at Aldemere Farm.

“This really seems like a big event for children and families,” she said. “Everyone sees the cows along the roadside all year long and this is the time they get to meet them in person.”

After the farm visit it was a quick drive to St. Thomas Episcopal Church for their Holiday Fair. Homemade cookies, cakes, jams and jellies. A chance to dine in the sun room on seasonal soup, biscuits and gingerbread. A vintage jewelry and treasure table and beautiful craft made by St. Thomas Artisans.

Next stop was the First Congregational Church at 33 Elm St., to see a glittering array of handmade crafts of fabric arts; hats and scarves. Jams and jellies, baked goods and unique one of a kind gifts.

New this year, and the last stop on this tour, was a sweet stop at the Penobscot Bay Area YMCA. There children of all ages could choose a cookie and decorate it with a whole host of toppings. The event was sponsored by Red Barn Baking Company, Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe and 3 Dog Café, so you know it was tasty!

Jody Landrith is on the Christmas by the Sea Committee and also works for Camden National Bank.

“Making cookies at Christmas is a long time tradition,” she said. “Children love making cookies. Cookies for Santa, as well as cookies to eat themselves, so we wanted to bring it to Christmas by the Sea to be part of the events this year.”

Children chose their favorite cookie shape and then moved on to the frosting station, followed by their choice of candy toppings.

“They can either eat it here, or put in a zip lock bag and take it home to enjoy later,” Landrith said.

For more information on the remaining Christmas by the Sea weekend events, visit our Holiday Resource Guide.