Thursday is the last outdoor Salem Farmers’ Market of the season. Come downtown and support your local farmers and bid some of them 
farewell for the winter. About 20 of the Summer vendors will continue with the market into the winter market which opens in Old Town Hall Thursday, November 1 (the following week). The market Thursday, October 25 will feature Dance Etc. performance of Thriller as has become the traditional closing of the market. 
Mark your calendar for a series of Welcome Back Salem Events Starting November 1…
Welcome Back Residents begins with the opening of the Salem Winter Farmers’ Market in Old Town Hall on November 1. The market will be open from 3 – 6 p.m. and offer over 20 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items. For more information visit www.salemfarmersmarket.org.
Salem First Friday November 2 – begins with glass blowing, book signings, music and much more. Salem First Friday is a year round program with businesses staying open until at least 8 p.m. in the downtown (including Pickering Wharf) and offer special events, discounts and promotions.
On Friday, November 2 the Salem YMCA will be offering babysitting services for children 5 – 12 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Adults can enjoy First Friday events while their children will enjoy well supervised gym activities including gymnastics, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and dancing! Pizza and drinks are included. Mention Salem First Friday and you save $5.00 off the $15.00 fee. Space is limited so call ahead 
(978-740-9622) to save a spot.
Some of the free special events scheduled for November 2 include: Boston Bead Company holding a Pearl and Gem Trunk Show with a chance to win a $50 Door Prize, Seed Stitch has fabulous fashion inspired hats from Fiber Fashion Show, the Witch DR is holding an art show with Benjamin Stebbings glass blowing and refreshments, R & J Coin is holding a book signing 
with Timothy Kendall, author of The Salem Witch Trials Calendar, re-find women has a guest appearance by Rosalyn Englehardt from Beautiful Me with goodie bags and refreshments and Front Street Coffeehouse will host DJ Radio Scotvoid. Contact participating businesses to learn more about the details of the events and promotions which are subject to changes.
If you would like more information on “First Friday” or are a business or entertainer interested in participating, please contact John Andrews at john@socialpalates.com or organizer Jennifer Bell at Jennifer@salemmainstreets.org (978)744-0004 x15 or visit the Facebook site /SalemFirstFriday or the website www.salemFirstFriday.com.
Also, not to be missed is the Salem Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Weeks: November 4 – 8, and November 11 – 15. Over 24 Salem restaurants are participating offering three course fix price menu for $25 several are offering fix price menu for $15. For more information visit www.salem-chamber.org.
This weekend is filled with fright and fun for the whole family. From a children’s parade and costume party, Saturday, to the 24th Annual Halloween Motorcycle Ride, Sunday, Salem is filled with activity. Salem State Theatre Company will perform Born This Way at 11 on Saturday, October 20. There will be live music starting at noon on the Fountain stage and lots of shopping throughout the downtown. During the day and into the night there will be ghost and witch tours as well as lots of parties around town into the wee hours
. Visit hauntedhappenings.org for more information and a full schedule of events.
Take a seasonal photo at the Salem Farmers’ Market Thursday, October 18. There will be a lovely autumn display by the steps of Old Town Hall (hay bales, pumpkins and corn stalks). Stop by during market hours from 3 – 7 p.m. in Derby Square and take a picture of yourself at the Salem Farmers’ Market before it moves into Old Town Hall in two weeks. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at 3:30 and music by the Dejas from 5 – 7 p.m. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at the market as well as many other specialty food items. The EBT card is accepted at the market. Just stop by the Information Booth on Front Street. For more information visit www.salemfarmersmarket.org.
