HarborFrost Celebration Coming to Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor’s annual summertime “HarborFest” was launched by writer John Steinbeck and his local cohorts over 50 years ago. It features whaleboat races and music and street sales every September. Sometimes they even have a beard-growing contest.
Last February, for the first time, Sag Harbor, celebrated “HarborFrost.” It was a blast, and this year it’s only getting bigger and better. On Saturday, February 11, beginning at noon, look for the return of village-wide restaurant specials ($20.12!), ice carving and fireworks. PLUS locals and “winter people” will be stripping down to their skivvies and jumping in the water next to Long Wharf at 3:30 p.m for “The Frosty Plunge.” They will be raising money there at Windmill Beach to support the local ambulance corps. Local restaurant Phao will be giving participants hot soup and the Sag Harbor Gym is donating hot showers for plungers. Dan’s Papers own Kelly Laffey and Denise Borschein will be there in the frigid waters getting their harbor frost on. Buy them a drink?
Speaking of John Steinbeck and that old windmill— ye olde windmill needs your help too. The Save the Windmill fundraiser is in progress to restore the windmill’s blades and replace its floor. For all the details visit www.savesagharbor.org.
There will be more live music at HarborFrost this year, provided by local musicians throughout the village, plus the many shops will be featuring sales and discounts. Maybe something for the little fuzzy one from Harbor Pets on Bay Street? Bond No. 9 perfume for your valentine, anyone? Bob Evjen at the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce promises “lots of surprises!”
It’ll be no surprise to anyone to see me at the bar of Page 63. They have live music all year, love it.
The big news in the Harbor is that Chef Matthew Guiffrida has moved his popular Muse Restaurant over from Water Mill. The newest restaurant on Main Street will officially open in March, but Guiffrida has promised HarborFrost attendees a “taste” of what’s to come at 16 Main Street.
Speaking of new, Salon Xavier, just a stone’s throw from the wharf, is offering all kinds of special packages for “the new you.” Bow–Dry/Mani/Pedi, anyone? How about a new body? Sag Harbor’s Hamptons Gym Corps is also doling out bargain packages.
Maybe the most interesting new addition to the festivities will be the first every Story Slam, being held on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m. at the Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre (GOAB), on East Union Street. Yes, it’s in a puppet theatre, but it’s for grown-ups. Any grown-up can participate. Put your name in the hat and when it’s your turn you tell a true story, not more than five minutes long. This event will be hosted by award-winning puppeteer and GOAB founder Liz Joyce. It’s inspired by the famous story nights at The Moth in New York. The theme for the evening is “Winter in the Hamptons (take it or leave it).” All stories must be original, exaggerations and tall tales are allowed. There will even be drinks and popcorn. More info at www.goatonaboat.org.
I live in Sag Harbor—trust me, it’s really great in the winter. Last year it rained during HarborFrost…NO ONE CARED! Whoo-hoo, join us!
For all the details on Sag Harbor’s HarborFrost visit www.sagharborchamber.com.