The East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation kicked off the weekend’s 26th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival last night with the Land & Sea Gala, held this year at Greenport Yacht & Ship Building Co. on Carpenter Street.
Walking down a path decorated with pumpkins and twinkling lights, and with the majestic harbor and a deep blue sky as a canvas, guests headed to a large white tent to sample some of the best the North Fork has to offer.
The event featured tempting fare from more than 23 local restaurants, plus three spirit sponsors and an array of wineries, as well as a live broadcast by WEHM and both a Chinese and silent auction, led by Dave Berson.
A highlight of the evening came when beloved local community member Paul Drum was dubbed honorary police chief by Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley.
Flatley said he’s known Drum and his parents for a long time and has known for years of Drum’s wish to be a police officer. Flatley presented Drum with an official police chief’s hat, a proclamation, and even a badge.
With Maritime Festival weekend set to commence in full swing, Flatley joked and said Drum could cover the festivities while he took the weekend off.
Drum will also receive a proclamation from Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell on Sunday at his “2nd Annual Paul Drum Pirates & Mermaids” breakfast at Front Street Station; proceeds from that event will benefit the Paul Drum Nautical Education Fund, a program that helps bring free maritime-themed events to local children. Russell will deem Sunday “Paul Drum Day” in town.
Tomorrow, the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Main Street.
