Sag Harbor Life. Some Winter "Goings On."
Let’s face it. Even Sag Harbor can get a little “quiet” after the holidays. Since 2011, the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce puts on HarborFrost, a wintertime celebration of Sag Harbor. It features ice sculptures up and down Main Street, shops open with special sales, discounts and gifts, restaurants waiting to feed the throngs of hungry visitors. Special events are planned all over the Village, including music, refreshments, activities for children, and hot chocolate—it seems almost everywhere.
Last year at HarborFrost time, it was our first winter living in Sag Harbor, and it was also the occasion of the “flood,” our own personal debacle that overtook the entire winter and spring, so we didn’t pay much attention to HarborFrost. But this year, with the gorgeous weather and well-planned schedule, shame on us for not knowing more about it ahead of time and planning to participate. It was a real come-together community event, with people coming from far and wide to attend, walk around the Village, and enjoy Sag Harbor in the off-season. It was PACKED. We were stopped each time we were out by people in cars and walking asking for directions. By all appearances it was a big success! The festival began on Friday evening with an opening night celebration at the Sag Harbor Cinema that included food and libations, and benefited HarborFrost. Now I know why our street was parked up from one end to the other on the first Friday evening in February!
The ice sculptures were carved yesterday by Master Carver Richard Daly of Ice Melodies. The grand finale was a Grucci fireworks show off Long Wharf.
This morning when we were out walking our puppy, we were finishing our route home on Main Street and had already forgotten about HarborFrost. We were surprised and delighted to see all the ice sculptures on the sidewalks, melting just a little in the beautiful, sunny day. It was such a “feel good” stroll, with the sidewalks empty and plenty of room to enjoy the serendipity of the moment, and snap some photos to share here.
Sag Harbor felt like a very good place to be. We felt happy for the retail shops and restaurants that received a much needed “booster” shot during the long stretch until spring. Next year, I know I will look forward to HarborFrost and all the events that come with it.
Please click on the images to enlarge. Perhaps you will want to attend next year too!
