The Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust held its Boatyard Bash for the first time in four years, and this time it wasn’t in its typical location, according to Kendra Parker, DNRT development and outreach specialist.

With their typical barn location unavailable, the DNRT was left scrambling for a place to host 300 people for their summer fundraiser. Park said the solution to their problem was a “slightly untraditional space: a large steel building that is normally used for repairing and storing boats at Concordia Company on Gulf Road.”

She said Concordia President Stuart MacGregor was “eager” to provide the space for the DNRT to reintroduce their annual gala, which had been on hiatus due to concerns about the Covid pandemic. MacGregor already was a sponsor of DNRT’s trail race, and his wife, Lee, recently served on the DNRT board.

Parker said DNRT staff were able to transform the space for their Saturday, Aug. 24 event, with blue linens, fishing nets and jars of sand and shells. 

Additionally, Lightworks Productions hung bistro lighting and backdrops, Sylvan Nursery donated dozens of potted plants and Concordia also tucked a few boats in the corners of the building, adding to the nautical theme, according to Parker.

Dinner, which consisted of multiple tapas station, was served by RW Catering, who provided vegetarian and gluten-free options. Park said dinner closed with a visit from Oxford Creamery in the Oxcart with homemade waffle cones and ice cream.

After a filling dinner, attendees hit the dance floor, jamming to hits performed by the Dave Macklin Band. Parker said one highlight of the “eclectic mix of music” was the snippet of opera the singer belt out right before intermission. 

“Despite being the first time doing a large gala in a few years, and the first time ever at the Boatyard, the event was a great success,” Parker said. “In conjunction with DNRT’s online silent auction, the event raised $35,000 for land conservation in Dartmouth. DNRT would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, donors and those who helped to make this event possible.”