Padanaram to be honored as ‘Best US harbor’ in award ceremony

Padanaram harbor has long been valued by Dartmouth residents and visitors alike — and on Friday, May 10 it will celebrate gaining national recognition as one of the best harbors in the country.

Dartmouth harbormaster Steve Melo will be presented at noon with an award for “Best US Harbor” after Padanaram won the title in an online contest run by USharbors.com last month.

In a written statement, Melo commented on the award, calling the harbor and the town’s waterways “an essential element” in Dartmouth’s success as an exceptional community and a desirable destination.

“This national distinction will help to highlight the importance our waterfront plays in making our Town unique, viable and attractive to so many people,” he stated.

He noted that, along with the new Maritime Center opening soon, this distinction will help make Padanaram a “happening place” for boaters and visitors this summer.

“This makes a fine feather in the cap for those responsible for the recent revitalization efforts of Padanaram Village,” Melo added.

The harbormaster also cited the key contribution of local resident and boater Sue Ann SanSoucy to the campaign for best US harbor, calling her the “chief cheerleader” for the town’s success.

“I think Sue is an integral part to any story about our national recognition and a true champion of the award for our waterfront,” he wrote.

SanSoucy herself was responsible for nominating Padanaram, sending in a sunset photo taken on the water to support the campaign.

“As a lifelong resident of this beautiful Village and an avid boater, I really wanted to put us on the map nationwide,” she stated.   

She sent photos and shared the contest on social media to family, friends, local businesses, and online Dartmouth groups to raise awareness and garner votes — and the word spread quickly.

SanSoucy added, “It truly was a community effort and we are very proud to be recognized as US Harbors Best Harbor 2019!”

The ceremony will take place at noon on Friday, May 10 at the harbormaster’s office on 1 Bridge Street in Padanaram.