Harvest Dinner | October 1, 2023

Hearty soups and chowders, whole grain breads, freshly-pressed local cider, seasonal pies, and a consideration of “Why I’m a Democrat!” all came together in Jim and Marie Lindsey’s lovingly restored Le Barn event center in Jefferson at the 2023 Harvest Dinner on Oct. 1.

Event organizer Valarie Johnson of Somerville enlisted Democratic bakers and chefs from across the county to provide the delicious fare shared with more than 100 guests on a spectacular autumn afternoon.

Guests were greeted by the folk-inflected music of Laura Buxbaum and Brian Dunn of Waldoboro and a request from LCDC Chair Kelli Whitlock Burton to share, on paper, what made them decide to become a Democrat.

Once the audience was fed, Kelli read a few of the responses that folks so generously shared and submitted for consideration. Here is a sampling:

“Dems want government to work for people — and they get things done!”

“I am 92 years old, grew up in the depression. I remember FDR and was a recipient of the New Deal. The Democratic party still stands for what is good for the nation.”

And someone used the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone’s comment to sum it all up: “We all do better when we ALL do better. Democrats strive to make a better world for all.”

Sen. Cameron Reny of Bristol (SD 13), Rep. Lydia Crafts of Newcastle (HD 46), Rep. Holly Stover of Boothbay (HD 48), and Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake of Brewer all delivered stirring personal stories about finding their way to our side of the aisle.

Kelli also introduced Pam Swift of Palermo, a past and future candidate for the State House District 62 seat. We are thrilled that Pam, a retired OB/GYN physician, is ready to take on her Republican opponent again and the group signaled their approval with enthusiastic applause.

And did I mention pie? After the attendees had their fill of apple and pumpkin pie, the event concluded with the traditional pie auction where competitors engaged in good-natured bidding and delivered a significant boost to the overall financial results of the day—and the winners took home delicious souvenirs of the afternoon.

Thank you to Valarie Johnson for single-handedly getting this (the 6th!!) Harvest Dinner off the ground and to all the volunteer chefs and bakers who so generously gave of their time and talent to supply the group with such delicious fare. Thanks also to the volunteer workers who helped with set up, parking, and clean up . . . and a heartfelt “Thank You!” to our hosts and guests who helped make the 2023 Harvest Dinner an unqualified fundraising success!

With warm regards,

Geoff Bates
Fundraising Leader