KITTERY, Maine — There were lots of smiles, balloons handed out by a costumed gorilla and savory food scents wafting through the Foreside during the fifth annual Kittery Block Party Saturday.

“This is a party with a purpose,” said Ben Lord, who co-chaired the event with Julie Sudderth. “We are giving out $25,000 to local civic organizations and nonprofits.”

The day-long event highlighting local businesses, organizations and restaurants had something to please everyone. But, what was heard over and over from some of the estimated 5,000 people attending the event, was that it was family-oriented and kept local.

“This gets bigger every year,” said Terence O’Neil of Lebanon, who was taking a “popcorn break” with his 3-year-old twins, Hugo and Fergus on the steps of Rice Public Library. His wife, Becca Pawling was leading girls from New Heights through the crowd on stilts.

“It’s a great friendly, family event,” O’Neil said.

For more of the full story and pictures, click this link for the Portsmouth Herald.