Lobster boat races will move to Mitchell Field

The Harpswell Lobster Boat Races are moving from Potts Harbor to Middle Bay, where spectators can watch the July event from George J. Mitchell Field.

The Harpswell Board of Selectmen approved the organizers’ request to use Mitchell Field and waived the use fee on April 14.

The races will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 24, according to the request. The organizers expect 50-200 people to attend. Food trucks and merchandise tables will be set up at Mitchell Field.

“From my department’s standpoint, I think it’s a great location,” Harpswell Harbor Master Paul Plummer told the select board. “I know traditionally it’s been in Potts Harbor and Harpswell’s all about tradition. It has also been at Mitchell Field.”

Plummer said he fields complaints every year about the amount of wake the races create in Potts Harbor, and Mitchell Field “can hold a lot of spectators” on land.

Proceeds from the races will support the Harpswell Santa Fund and the town’s heating assistance program.