Bar Harbor Welcomes All [PHOTOS]

However you arrive, the point of a press conference held Thursday, May 4th, was that Bar Harbor Welcomes You! Whether you arrive by car, bus, plane, or cruise ship, representatives stated that Bar Harbor Welcomes All!

May 4, 2023, Photo Chris Popper

The press conference coincided with the arrival of the 1st cruise ship of the 2023 season, with the Norwegian Pearl anchored, arriving from Bermuda.

Speaking were Kristi Bond, the President of FishMaine and APPLL

Kristi Bond, May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

Then Captain Johan Stofling, the Master of the Norwegian Pearl spoke. It was Captain Stofling's 1st trip to Bar Harbor.

Captain Johan Stofling, Master of the Norwegian Pearl May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

Everal Eaton, the new Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce offered remarks. He then presented Captain Stofling with some Maine-made Blueberry Soda and then live lobsters. Everal took 1 of the lobsters out of the box and offered it to Captain Stofling who preferred it in the box. Turns out that was the 1st time Everal had ever held a live lobster!

Everal Eaton presenting a live lobster May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

Sarah Flink the Executive Director of CruiseMaine spoke

Sarah Flink - CruiseMaine May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

Then Bo Jennings, the General Manager of Side Street Cafe spoke about how restaurants were opening today, and the importance of the shoulder season.

Bo Jennings May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper

Finally Mackenzie Patterson, a server and bartender at Side Street Cafe spoke about how the visitors to Bar Harbor allowed for her family to live year-round in Bar Harbor and her daughter Eden to go to Conners-Emerson School.

Mackenzie Patterson May 4, 2023 Photo Chris Popper