What Do You Think About Keeping Maritime Festival Local?

Greenport's Maritime Festival is a beloved tradition for generations who flock to the village each year for some fun and great food.

This year, the focus of the festival is on keeping it local. 

So said Rena Wilhelm, artist and owner of the White Weathered Barn in Greenport. On the store's Facebook page, Wilhelm has put out a call for local artisans to participate in this year's Maritime Festival. 

Wilhelm, who sits on the Maritime Festival Committee, said the 2013 event will focus on the work and food of local farmers, businesses, crafts, and artists who like to dig in with their hands on a project and "get 'em dirty."

Rather than have outside vendors selling clams on the half shell or burgers, the goal is to feature local businesses, Wilhelm said, as well as chefs such as Keith Luce, who is unveiling his Stirling Square project, and Scott Bollman, chef at Bruce's Cheese Emporium in Greenport, who also owns the North Fork Sea Salt Co.

"There won't be any vendors selling knock off pocketbooks this year," she said. "We don't want to bring someone in from outside to sell burgers and fries when we can get it from a business owner who is already here."

What do you think about allowing only local vendors at the Maritime Festival? Do you think it's a good idea -- or do you like the array of vendors from outside the area? Share your thoughts in the comments section.