Though summer in the Hamptons has officially come to a close, the streets of Sag Harbor Village are filled with excitement for Harborfest this weekend. Just ask Brown Harris Stevens Agents and whaleboat racers Jane Holden, Jane Babcook, and Kimberly A. Kakerbeck.
“Founded in the 1960s, Harborfest originally held the title of 'The Old Whalers Festival' and included all sorts of events and activities like a Beard Growing competition, a parade, and of course, the whaleboat races,” recalled Holden.
“One year, I had the honor of leading the Sag Harbor Community Marching Band. We marched proudly down Main Street in their bright blue and gold uniforms. They were led by a 15-year-old in a splendid blue, white, and gold uniform carrying a 4-foot-tall baton while having to balance a tall white bearskin hat with a bright blue bird plume on her head. That 15-year-old was me!” - Jane Holden, BHS Hamptons Broker
Talks of how much fun the Old Whalers Festival was brought about the birth of the modern-day Harborfest.
“Now, the Sag Harbor Community Band no longer marches but plays on Long Wharf. Whenever I hear them, I find myself marching in place to the music,” said Holden.
Today’s HarborFest finds Long Wharf, Windmill Beach, Steinbeck Park and Marine Park filled with local vendors, games, live music performers, and activities while the sidewalk sales command Main Street. One of the perennial main attractions is the Whaleboat Race, taking place in the harbor itself. In a nod to the whaling history of Sag Harbor Village, competitors need to row traditional wooden whaleboats out to a floating model of a white whale and hit a target with a harpoon.
Brown Harris Stevens has been competing in the races since 2017 and has taken home the trophy on several occasions. This year, the firm's Hamptons offices have two women’s teams competing for the title, led by Jane Babcook and Kim Kakerbeck.
Babcook is always excited to partake in the festivities. “When Harborfest comes around, the feeling of fall is in the air. It reminds us of why we live here. Seeing old friends from the community always makes you feel part of the fabric of this village. The whaleboat races are competitive in a fun way and always bring laughter, whether you win or lose!” said Jane.
“I was on the women’s team when we won in 2018. We are looking to recapture the Whaler’s Cup in 2023! Such a fun Sag Harbor event with so much history,” said Kakerbeck.