The history of Rockport Maine is long and varied. From the industrial community of lime kilns and ice harvesting, to the boat builders, the sailors, and the beloved Andre the Seal. But I believe that Rockport’s greatest contribution to humanity is the donut.
It all started in 1831 with the birth of Captain Hanson Crockett Gregory. In his teens, he worked as a crewman on a lime-trading schooner out of Rockport Harbor. According to the old sea captain’s tale, he had a healthy appetite for the type of fried dough that was popular at the time, but he did not care for the shape. The center part, he thought, was never properly cooked. While out at sea in 1847, this young man changed the course of culinary history. Using the round lid of a tin box with a hole cut out in the middle, her pushed the center section out of the dough before frying, and the modern-day donut was born. He brought the invention to his mother, Mary, who began selling them around Midcoast Maine where folks quickly agreed that the new shape was just right. The rest, as they say, is history!
The Rockport Donut Festival
Friday, June 2nd & Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
Get your summer rolling with a weekend-long celebration of the donut at Rockport’s inaugural Donut Festival. Dance and dine on the harbor, play in the corn (donut) hole tournament, run the Donut Dash, take the kids to the parade, and so much more. Did I mention, SO MANY DONUTS!?
Event Details & Directions
Welcome to the Neighborhood
As we get closer to the opening of our Rockport Harbor Hotel, the Bay View Collection is proud to be part of the community and thrilled to be a Gold Sponsor of the festival. Orion Thomas, Planning & Development Director for the Town of Rockport, recently met with Hotel General Manager, Sarah McLean, to receive a check and a tour of the construction.
Our 20 studios and suites pay homage to the hospitality industry of Rockport’s past, while spoiling you with modern elements and luxurious amenities. Join our VIP list and follow the hotel on Instagram and Facebook to receive the latest news and special offers. We can’t wait to show you all that Rockport Maine has to offer.
