A gala event on a magical September evening in Wiscasset raised more than $12,000 for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association.

The September 14 party, attended by some 150 people, was held at Sarg and Elizabeth Potter's historic property overlooking the Wiscasset harbor. The glow from the setting sun and the half moon rising high in the sky made for a perfect evening following a day of overcast skies.

SVCA Board President John Atwood told the gathering that, “While it's true that we have this party every year in part to raise funds for SVCA, the primary purpose of this event is to celebrate the joy of living in this beautiful place. SVCA exists to conserve and protect the wonderful Sheepscot River valley and we are grateful for the support we receive for this mission.”

Guests and patrons sipped champagne and other beverages as they wandered through the gardens and fields sloping down to the river. A large tent, illuminated with strings of small lights, and a smaller tent, were set up for the occasion. Musical tunes wafted through the air, supplied by two accomplished local student musicians, saxophonist Alex Enders and violinist Corwin Rockwood, both sophomores at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle.

Four students from the same school, Angus Fake, Owen Lewis, Rowan Carroll-Christopher and Tess Fields, served as wait staff. Also serving was Jicela Gonzales, a visitor from Colombia.

Passed around were delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by SVCA members. For the third year Jody Brown of Wiscasset was in charge of the kitchen and young staff.

Photographs from the Sheepscot Watershed hung in the large tent, entries in the fifth SVCA "People's Choice" photography contest. Guests voted to choose the winners. First place was “Luminous Fields” by Peter Zeeb, who received a cash prize of $100; second place "Black's Grove" by Bob Hills, who received $50; and third place "Indian Pipes" by Callie Wronker, who received $25.

The SVCA thanks everyone who bought tickets for the event, including First Advisors, the business sponsor of the event, and the 92 patrons, of which five were local businesses: Highland Foods LLC, Lilac Cottage Antiques, Maine Distilleries LLC (Cold River Vodka), MicroMainea, grower of fine microgreens, and Sheepscot Flower Farm, which donated all of the lovely flowers.

The Alna Store, Artsake Framing, Carl M.P. Larrabee Agency, Inc., Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company and Treats also donated to the event.

Board President Atwood thanked the Potters for hosting the event, and the Champagne on the Sheepscot Committee, chaired by Ann Springhorn, for all their hard work.

SVCA Executive Director Steve Patton said, “The success of Champagne on the Sheepscot is not only a celebration of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association; it also is a demonstration of SVCA’s strength. We appreciate all those who have supported our organization through the years with their gifts of time, land, and funding.”

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Today, more than 3,633 acres and 15 miles of riverfront are protected. The SVCA’s ongoing monitoring of water quality helps ensure that the watershed’s ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat. SVCA’s mapping services, technical support and educational programs encourage prudent land use so the resources people value today are conserved forever. For more information visit the website at www.sheepscot.org or call the office at 207-586-5616.