The 18th annual RiverFare benefit featured gourmet food, spirits, and a silent auction under a tent overlooking scenic Essex Harbor. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Attendees sampled signature dishes and drinks while perusing and bidding on an array of gifts, services, and entertainment experiences. Net proceeds will help support the Connecticut River Museum. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Regina Birdsell samples Italian sparkling wine from Ron Plebiscito, owner of Angelini Wine, Ltd. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Patrons sampled Restaurant L&E's Watermelon Gazpacho and Avocado Crema. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Cooper Beech Inn's Fish Cook Tyler Anderson sets out leaf bowls of Spring Vegetable Gazpacho with lobster and herbs. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Jeff & Judy Lovelace, Stuart Ingersoll, Yvonne Hayes. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Jeff & Judy Lovelace sample hor d'oeuvres. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Close friends Libbie Clark and Marshall Cook sample Olive Oyl's shrimp & calamari ceviche. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Hedy Korst overlooking paintings in the silent auction. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Anne and Wendell Raddatz talking wine with Doug Rankin of Shurnik Wines. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Doug Rankin of Shurnik Wines with friends Phil DePaula and Suzanne Smythe. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Mimi and Bill Benner sample dumplings from Forbidden City. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Sponsors from Dreamscapes Ernie Lewis and Rachel Edwards take photo with Annie Garland (center). Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Captain Jack Sparrow once again pays a visit to a shoreline event. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Eileen and Dave Clark with Alan and Cheryl Campbell. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier

Shore Publishing's Publisher Lisa Miksis with husband and daughter Brian and Rowan Richardson. Photo courtesy of Jess Smith/Valley Courier