BELFAST — If you spent any time near Belfast’s downtown waterfront this weekend, odds are good you saw at least a sliver of the seventh annual Habor Fest.

The event, which took place at Steamboat Landing and Heritage Park, kicked off Friday Aug. 19,  with a launch party that included musical performances by Frogpipe, Unorganized Hancock, the Sun Parade and Bronze Radio Return.

Presented by the Belfast Rotary Club, Saturday’s event schedule was jam-packed, starting with an early morning Bug Run, which was followed by a pancake breakfast for those hardy enough to have entered the race.

The 9th National Boatbuilding Challenge took place under the big tent from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Come Boating! hosted the 16th annual regatta on Belfast Bay.  

Music was featured throughout the day, including LC Williams and the Driver, Everett Dumas and the Leaky Boot Jug Band. In addition to a variety of food trucks, there were also activities geared toward children, including knot tying and mini boat-races.

One unique attraction, the Touch a Truck event,  was a point of interest for kids and adults alike. A variety of members of law enforcement brought their vehicles to the event, which allowed the public the chance to climb into a police car sans handcuffs. Other vehicles included a bomb squad truck, a CMP truck, a fire engine, military hummer, and police boat.

Sunday’s festivities kicked off with Cardboard Boat Races, an event that attracted a crowd of hundreds. The races were followed by Habitat for Humanity’s Lobster Gala, which was hosted under the big tent.

The Juke Rockets performed at the gazebo, while Come Boating! ended the day with complimentary rowing lessons for interested members of the community.

For pictures from the Touch a Truck event, click here.

For pictures from Habitat for Humanity’s Lobster Gala, click here.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com