Can Northeast Harbor green/marina handle 500-person Friends of Acadia party?
NORTHEAST HARBOR, Sept. 6, 2023 - Why does the Friends of Acadia need an entire week for a one-night event, on Aug. 10, 2024, at the busiest time of the year on the town green/marina?
That question was put to FOA Director Eric Stiles by email today after he appeared last night at the select board to discuss its application to conduct its annual gala on town property after the Asticou Inn was unavailing.
The application was greeted mostly with support but as well as skepticism from at least one board member who questioned the length of the commitment. Another asked about parking.
The matter was forwarded to the harbor committee, which is meeting Monday, for its recommendation.
The application stated that the event needed five days to install tents, lighting, tables and portable facilities. (Hundreds of galas in New York City are done in half that time.)
FOA is the premier non-profit on the island. Stiles stated in a letter,
“We are writing to request your consideration and support for an exciting initiative that aims to benefit both the treasured Acadia National Park and the local Northeast Harbor community.
“The primary objective of the proposed benefit fundraiser is to provide crucial support to Acadia National Park through the Friends ofAcadia organization. This support will aid in the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the park for current and future generations.
“Equally important, however is our commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration within Northeast Harbor. We firmly believe that this benefit fundraiser presents a unique opportunity to forge stronger ties between the Friends of Acadia, and the local community.
“We recognize the importance of adhering to the Public Space Use Policy while planning and executing this event. To this end, we anticipate the need for certain pragmatic exceptions that will allow us to create a memorable and impactful fundraiser:
Monday, August 5
Morning Wallace Events Arrives with tents
Tuesday, August 6
Morning Main Tents go up
Wednesday, August 7
Morning Event Tent installation completed in AM (side wall, gutters)AV/Lighting equipment setup
Thursday, August 8 Tables set up in Dining Tent
Friday, August 9 Rest Room Trailers delivered
Saturday, August 10:
Estimated Guests: 400-450
Estimated Staff: 50
2:30 Band arrives to set up on stage
5:00 Ready to welcome guests
5:30 Guests arrive for Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
7:30 Guests are seated for dinner
8:15 Live Program begins
8:20 Live Auction Begins
8:45/9:00 Live Auction ends
Dessert served
Band strikes up for dancing
Event Ends
Sunday, August 11 and Monday, August 12
Event Space Cleaned, All Tents/Equipment Removed
Stiles did not respond as of publication.
(The QSJ is a contributor to the FOA)
Jackson Lab does a billion dollars in mouse sales annually. Benefitting researchers and scientists throughout the world. They employbover 1000 locally and are a non profit. I would hardly call Friends of Acadia the "premier" non profit in the area, nor would I buy into the sob story of how the park desperately needs the money. Maybe we should allocate the funds to all the local towns burdened by having to support the infrastructure for Arcadia's 4,000,000 visitors annually. A recent article in the Bar Harbor Story indicates the state receives over $20 Million from sales tax, yet Bar Harbor only receives +/- $500,000 in rebate. Heck of a deal for the state at the expense of taxpayers on the island having to support an infrastructure for so many visitors.
Guests of motel should love this disruption!