ROCKPORT — For the last six decades, spring's return to Rockport has always brought with it a kaleidoscope of beautiful flowers, a chorus of young songbirds, the birth of a new tourism season and a celebration devoted to Rockport's most iconic structure — Motif No. 1 Days.
Rockport's 60th annual Motif No. 1 Days will take place this Saturday and Sunday.
Every May since 1949, the town has celebrated the return of spring and the kickoff of "the season" with a festival featuring the famed fishing shack, which for generations has been a favorite subject for painters and photographers. This year, artists will set up their easels to paint the Motif and other Rockport scenes, complemented by musicians and street performers, 'Arts and Flowers Weekend' at the Rockport Art Association and the 6th annual Chowdah Fest in Harvey Park, benefitting New Year's Rockport Eve.
In Dock Square, the Rockport Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a communitywide bake sale, coupled with children's flower pot decorating, to raise money for community improvements.
Meanwhile Rockport's retailers will use special outdoor displays to debut their newest lines of spring and summer merchandise. Street entertainers and musicians can be found throughout the festival at multiple locations including Dock Square, Bearskin Neck and Main Street.
The event extends beyond the business community — to organizations such as New Year's Rockport Eve, the Rockport Art Association, and Rockport High School's arts and music programs.
"We coordinate things and try to organize some of the activities through the retail committee of the Chamber," Rockport Chamber of Commerce Manager Peter Webber said. "And we broaden out to include all the organizations in the community that have traditionally done activities and events. Rockport Art Association always has their Arts and Flowers Weekend. Arts and artists are always a key part of Rockport."
For businesses, the event stands as a seasonal milestone, Webber said.
"It's always been the traditional start of the summer tourist season — the return of the high season for tourism," he said. "The innkeepers are very involved — and the shops really outdo themselves. Their part is to roll out their spring and summer merchandise."
That effort is facilitiated through sidewalk sales approved on a special basis by the town's Board of Selectmen.
For those interested in learning more about the Motif, which was destroyed in the infamous "Blizzard of 1978," there will be an event on Bearskin Neck's Bradley Wharf this Sunday. Local historian and photographer Les Bartlett will present stories of the Motif in words and images, beginning at 11 a.m.
In addition to outdoor activities, galleries featuring Rockport artists will be open and displaying their extensive collections, while amateur and professional artists will be demonstrating their skills at a variety of locales throughout the weekend.
Impressionist painter Caleb Stone will lead Rockport Art Association students in a weekend-long outdoor painting workshop.
The Cape Ann Transportation Authority trolley will run on a continuous loop from Blue Gate Meadow Lot, with stops at the Community House (by request), Rockport Market, Dock Square, Toad Hall Bookstore, Front Beach, Back Beach and the Rockport Train Station, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Schedule of events for Rockport's 60th annual 'Motif No. 1 Days'
Saturday, May 17
r RHS Concert Band, 10 and 11 a.m.
Haskins Building, 37 Main St. "The Way We Were" and "The Pirates of the Caribbean"
r Sixth annual Rockport Chowdah Fest, noon to 2 p.m.
Harvey Park. Area restaurants will compete for the best chowdah in Rockport.
Proceeds to benefit New Year's Rockport Eve.
r Wagon rides, noon to 4 p.m.
Visit Bearskin Neck with a wagon rides from Dock Square to the top of Bearskin Neck and back.
r Rockport Legion Band, 2 to 3 p.m.
Playing familiar favorites at Harvey Park
r Dog parade, 2 p.m.
Dress up your pet and register at Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck. $10 registration fee benefits the Cape Ann Animal Aid. Everyone takes home a photo of their dog, and treats for all. Rain date Sunday, May 18.
r "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," 7:30 p.m.
Rockport High School Drama Club presents "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" — music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim— in the Rockport High School auditorium. (Performances also May 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18
r RCOC Bake Sale and Children's Craft Activity, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At Dock Square island. Proceeds benefit civic and community improvements.
r Children's Activities and Live Music, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Children's games, clowns, face painting, and balloons in Harvey Park. Strawberry shortcake, drinks, popcorn and N.Y.R.E. souvenirs will also be on sale. Proceeds benefit New Year's Rockport Eve.
r RHS and RMS Jazz Bands: Jazz Festival, 1 to 5 p.m.
Six Rockport school bands playing a jazz festival at First Congregational Church. Rain venue: Haskins Building.
r Shops, Galleries and Restaurants Celebrate the Season, all day
Retail stores will host special events and create outside displays to roll out their new spring and summer merchandise. Gallery exhibits, open houses and artist demonstrations will take place throughout town, and special menus will be offered by Rockport restaurants.
r Musicians and Street Entertainers, all day
Musicians, jugglers, balloon artists and more will be performing throughout the day at various locations in the downtown area.
r Arts and Flowers Weekend, all day
Rockport Art Association, Main Street. Unique, art-inspired floral arrangements will be on public display at the Art Association galleries throughout the weekend.
r Outdoor Painting Workshop, all day
Painters will demonstrate their artistic abilities throughout town, painting the many scenes and landscapes that Rockport is famous for.
Sunday, May 18
r History of Motif No. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Les Bartlett will tell stories of the Motif on Bradley Wharf. He will also show segments from his DVD on the Legion's Motif Float for the Chicago World's Fair.
r 12th annual Emergency Services Day, 1 to 4 p.m.
At the Public Works yard on upper Main Street, next to the Police Station.
