So another fabulous Kennebunkport Festival is upon us. Over a decade as fundraising success, and attracting folks from away to share in the beauty of the Kennebunks. The art, food, music and wine flow along the Kennebunk River from cocktail soirees, to chef dinners, dance parties and grand tastings. So many fun fab people turn out for this social event of the season, kicking up their heels and kicking off summer in Kennebunkport. The cuisine, art and entertainment of the community are the focus from start – a big mid week party at Old Vines Wine Bar to finish – to the Grand Finale at The Colony. Kudos to Kennebunkport’s best and the talented chefs from around the state of Maine that make this decadent festival an annual favorite, which is now back to being a festival run by the Kennebunks, for the Kennebunks.
Another delightful aspect of The Fest is the dress, the fashion that shows up at this stylish seaside event. Bright colors at The Burleigh and The Colony, and more humble hipster hemp wear for the Music on The Lawn (formerly Brews and Tunes) outdoor concert, make the Maine mix most interesting.
So many fashionable friends dial their style up for this week of fun & fundraising. Example Chris Kast and beau Byron Bartlett always bring flair, in their complementary colorful shirts. They’re so well-suited for each other – pun intended.
At a recent festival I noticed a new stand out on the best dressed list – Sergio Aguilera. Sergio brought tremendous men’s style to each event. I especially enjoyed the white suit that matched his moped, and his date Emily’s dress.
Another trender is Trisha Winslow from Maine Art Gallery – her red jumpsuit was bold & beautiful, while her glittery finalé dress was dialed for the last night of the fest.
Another elegant gal, Becky Bassett – local realtor, looked regal in her white fitted dress. Surrounded by her Bassett Team friends, she lit up the room, and the dance floor at Spirit of Maine too.
Ditto to Kennebunkport’s beautiful hairdressers, and best gal pals, Crystal and Tasha, they both looked super glam at Spirit of Maine.
A shout out to my companion Greg who gregariously wore everything I laid out for him from Monday to Sunday, not one complaint on the color coordinations to match my mood from teal for the Monda opening party to just the right white for Thursday’s Spirit party under the big top.
I am truly grateful for where we live and work 
and play, a place many purely dream of vacationing. Kennebunkport is a magical place. This Fest hosted in my home town brings food, music and art lovers together, raises funds for local charities including organizations that seek to end childhood hunger in Maine. Ironic perhaps that festival goers enjoy fine food & wine, for the food-insecure kids in our state, but cheers to that important charity. I love that the Kennebunkport Festival is now run by locals for local to celebrate the arts and cuisine of our community, like its launch in 2004 as Kennebunkport’s Art, Food and Wine Festival by Rob Blood, local innkeeper at Captain Fairfield Inn, now owner of Lark Hotels which has expanded to other beautiful towns like Newport Rhode Island and Stowe Vermont.
Replete with #kportfest reflections, I can hardly wait for next year’s Kennebunkport Festival. Though this week I long for a few reasonable bedtimes, a bit of detox, and a wee break from dancing feet. Rest up sailors, the week after the Kennebunkport Festival is Launch – a Maritime Fest in The Kennebunks. Let’s see who is best decked on the decks of the Spirit of Massachusetts at Saturday’s Launch Rock The Boat Party and more importantly who’s boat is best dressed for the River Light Boats Parade at dusk. There’s cash prizes for the boats that make the best splash with their decorations. I love this town. #LoveKPT …carry on Kennebunkport…. as you were.
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