The scene at Peconic Bay Winery during yesterday's NOFO Rock & Fok Fest.

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Despite a bevy of questions and challenges from a handful of locals, including Town of Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, this weekend's NOFO Rock & Folk Festival was — from my seat in the crowd anyway — an absolute success.

The weather was gorgeous, the festival extremely well organized, the musicians talented, and the crowd relaxed and respectful. We had an amazing day and no one had more fun than our 3 1/2 year old. Great food from local chefs, an on-site farmer's market, local beers from Blue Point Brewery and of course wines from Peconic Bay Winery all added up to a truly outstanding day on the North Fork — and one that benefits an important charity, East End Arts Council.

The only people who were disappointed were the naysayers who expected the music to be too loud, rowdy crowds, parking problems and police activity. None of that happened. I've never seen a festival go off more smoothly. I've seen more rowdy behavior at pumpkin-picking festivals than I saw yesterday.

All anyone at the event wanted to talk about was how great it was and how much they are looking forward to next year's edition. I'm looking forward to it too!