A quick note to recognize Rockland resident Dan Bookham, and his employer, Allen Insurance and Financial, for their collective efforts to bring the Viking ship, Draken Harald Harfagre, to the City of Rockland.

Congratulations also to the City Council, City staff, the Chamber of Commerce, and all the entities responsible for organizing the event and managing the logistics.

With only 35 crew members manning the vessel, the Draken was able not only to sail across the Atlantic Ocean to get here, they drew an estimated 6,000 visitors, (an average of almost 2,000 each day), many of them first-timers, to Rockland’s beautiful waterfront and downtown business district.

For three solid weekdays preceded by a late Sunday arrival, the sidewalks, shops, museums and restaurants were packed with interested and interesting people who made a conscious decision to come to Rockland to see the Draken, and then explore the City and all it has to offer. Most were day trippers who arrived early in the day and remained through the mid-afternoon and early evening, before heading back home.

Like all who choose to visit Rockland, whether they come for our wonderful festivals, arts attractions, restaurants, harbor, lodging facilities, historic shopping district, or find Rockland as just one stop on their travel itinerary; and regardless of whether they come by sea, by land or by air, Rockland Main Street, Inc. wants to be sure they feel appreciated, welcome and safe, and that they know that we want them to return again. 

Rockland Main Street, Inc., is a 501[c][3] nonprofit organization that advocates for the entire City with an emphasis on the downtown district, with a focus on community development, economic vitality, historic preservation and design.

Rockland Main Street, Inc. is a focused partnership of residents, businesses and local government that enhances and protects the unique sense of place and economic vitality of downtown Rockland. 

As Edward McMahon, chairman of the National Main Street Center says, “Downtown is important because it's the heart and soul of a community. If you don't have a healthy downtown, you simply don't have a healthy town.” 

And as I like to say about Rockland Main Street, Inc., “If we do this right, every small business will want to be located in downtown Rockland, and everyone else will want to work, live, and play here.”

So much happens in Rockland.

Gordon Page is executive director of Rockland Main Street, Inc.