Harvest on the Harbor will be back in October

Harvest on the Harbor promotes Maine as a culinary destination by celebrating great local chefs, wines from Maine and around the world. Last fall, Harvest on the Harbor was named one of the "Top Ten Seafood and Wine Festivals" by Coastal Living magazine and it was attended by more than 3,000 foodies from Maine and around the country.

"Following last year's successful event, we are thrilled to bring you the second annual Harvest on the Harbor," said Barbara Whitten, President of the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This event highlights Maine's culinary scene and helps promote this vibrant area but it also shows off the artistic and creative scene we have here. We realize that this event would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of this wonderful community and sponsors."

This fall, there will be even more incredible local foods, exceptional wines from Maine and around the world, amazing chefs and presentations˜and fun on Portland's waterfront.

Here is a list of a few of events during the three-day festival:

On Thursday, Oct. 22, The Grand Tasting will feature nearly 100 different wines, beers and spirits complementing 20 award winning chefs' signature canapés.

On Friday, Oct. 23, lobster lovers and even those curious about the crustacean cuisine will want to experience the elaborate flavors created by Maine chefs at the Maine Lobster Promotional Council's "People's Choice Awards." A distinguished panel of judges will select three of the top recipes entered into the contest, and then attendees of the competition get the opportunity to taste all three lobster dishes and vote on their favorite.

Saturday, Oct. 24, will see the massive Food & Wine Marketplace with more than one hundred wineries, breweries and distilleries, food artisans and epicurean purveyors on hand for your food and wine experience.

New to the marketplace this year is The "Man Cave" - but it's not just for men. Everyone will want to enjoy this unique experience. The Man Cave will offer a dwelling where you and your buddies can sample some of Maine's best brewed beers and some great grilled food.

Also on Saturday, food and wine meets fashionista MADgirl at this year's event with "Harvest Haute Fashion." MADgirl, aka Meredith Alex, is a local yet nationally acclaimed fashion designer who creates larger than life dress sculptures with unusual and yet perfectly appropriate materials. The art installation of dresses will be 10-12 feet tall and worn by live models. The dress sculptures will be adorned in the harvest motif such as ruffles of mussels, lobster and oyster shells, trimmed with dried apple peels, a hat of wine corks and grapes.

Finally, the day ends with a Surf & Turf Soiree, a sustainable culinary sampling from our Maine fishermen and farmers.