Hull’s PorchFest was a fun festival, thanks to all who made it possible

To the Editor:

The second Hull PorchFest is now in the books, and what a fantastic day it was! It took us three years to get there, but we got it done. There are many people to thank for such a successful day of music, community, and fun.

I couldn’t be prouder of the Hull community, not only for coming out in big numbers but for treating our performers, our porch hosts, and the streets of Hull with respect. For the second time, attendees enjoyed the festivities with little to no trash left behind and without any undue disturbances. A big hand for the citizens of Hull and our guests from other towns for helping us keep our promise of delivering a family-friendly event.

Thank you to our bands and performers who share our love of music and giving back to the community. We never forget that you volunteer your time to be here.

A huge thank you to our brave and visionary porch hosts for opening your homes to bands, performers, and festivalgoers for a few hours. We wouldn’t be a real Porchfest without you.

Thank you to the Hull police and detail officers who protected festivalgoers with kindness and professionalism. You gave us the planners’ peace of mind and allowed us to go about the day with peace of mind. Particular thanks go to Chief Jack Dunn and Deputy Chief Neil Reilly for supporting what we do.

Thank you to Kenberma area merchants for putting up with us for five hours again this year. As we did not have food trucks this year, it is our fervent hope that area restaurants experienced benefit from hungry festivalgoers.

Thank you to our volunteers who sacrificed their time to sell merchandise, run sound boards, and hand out printed schedules. You do the little things that assure attendees love Hull PorchFest so much.

Thank you to chairperson Jen Constable and the Hull Board of Selectmen for, once again, sharing our vision for enriching our town culturally and permitting us to hold this vital event. We appreciate your unanimous support more than you’ll ever know.

Special thanks also to Joyce Sullivan and her staff in the Hull Health Department, Chief Russo of the Fire Department, Bartley Kelly and the Hull Building Department, Town Clerk Lori West, and Town Manager Phil Lemnios for your support.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors and, in particular, Kendall Wright and her team at Charisma Realty, who stepped up in a major way to support Hull PorchFest.

Thank you to The Hull Times and many other media outlets for your bountiful coverage of Hull PorchFest. You are vital members of our team.

Thank you to the Hull PorchFest Planning Committee for sharing our vision and for your dedication and months of hard work. The core and longest-tenured members of the committee include Kat Wasabi, owner of Good Geeks, Sue Lynch, Kevin Hull, and Fred Meltzer. All of you bring specific skills and talents to bear.  You all, in your own ways, helped to keep me on track – and often from jumping the rails.

Thanks also to my great friend and treasurer of Hull PorchFest Inc., Peter Coffman, for keeping the books and always helping so indispensably at our annual fundraiser and to his wife Pam Sinton-Coffman for her video production skills.

Thank you to Abby Diamond, our fabulous accountant, for your generosity and time.

Thank you to our newest committee member and Hull newcomer, Kathleen McKenna, for your skilled assistance in writing and public relations.

Finally, thank you to my wife and partner, Trish Waddleton-Hardey, for steadfastly sharing my crazy vision from the beginning. You are the definition of an understanding and dedicated partner.

Tom Hardey
Founder and president

Hull PorchFest Inc.