Salem Heritage Days July 31 – August 10

Salem Heritage Days kicked off with a fantastic Maritime Festival run by the National Park Service and continues through the week and into the next weekend with the Salem Chamber of Commerce Essex Street Fair. Whether you enjoy pizza or ice cream, running races or face painting and clowns the Salem Heritage Days is for you, Salem residents. Salem has a lot to offer year round and this is just a sample of of the many activities you can enjoy living in Salem.

Here are a sample of a few activities downtown Salem…

Monday, August 3
Salem Senior Recognition Days
Salem Senior Trolley Rides and admission to the Witch House, Witch Museum, House of Seven Gables, Witch Dungeon Museum, New England Pirate Museum and the Witch History Museum – Free admission for Salem residents ages 60 and over. Proof of age and Salem residency is required. Call for hours.

Mayor’s Night Out Restaurant Sampler – 5PM-7PM
Join Mayor Kim Driscoll for hors d’oeuvres samples at Gulu-Gulu, Tavern in the Square and The Grapevine Restaurant. The group will meet at Gulu-Gulu at 5 p.m. Pre-registration required (max. 40 participants). Cost: $20 (Cash Bar) Proceeds benefit the Salem Main Streets program. For more information or to register call the Salem Chamber at 978-744-0004.

Tuesday, August 4
Ice Scream Bowl – 6PM-7:30PM – Salem Common (formerly known as the ‘Scooperbowl’)
We all scream for ICE-CREAM! Indulge your sweet tooth! Sample flavors from many of the North Shore’s finest creameries and ice cream parlors. Bring the whole family. $5 Adults / $3 Kids. Proceeds to benefit Salem Main Streets. For more information contact the Salem Chamber/Salem Main Streets at 978-744-0004.

Wednesday, August 5
Window Box & Traffic Island Awards Ceremony – 5:30PM – Emmerton House Garden – Hawthorne Blvd.
Please join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, the Salem Garden Club and the Salem Beautification Committee as they award the winners of the City’s window box and traffic island competitions. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Thursday, August 6
Salem Farmers’ Market – 4PM-7PM – Derby Square
If you haven’t had a chance to visit The Salem Farmers’ Market. Come visit us at Historic Derby Square on Front Street in Downtown Salem and is held every Thursday evening from 4-7:00 starting June 25, 2009 through October 29, 2009.

Salem’s Best Pizza Competition – 6PM-7:30PM – Salem Common
Come decide which Salem restaurant has the best pizza. Bring the whole family. We will award the top adult and kids pick. $5 Adults / $3 Kids. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351.

Movie on the Common –~After Dark (8:30PM)~– Salem Common
The City of Salem~Park, Recreation & Community Services Department presents~(movie TBD), so bring popcorn, a blanket or chair and enjoy.

Friday, August 7
Kids Night – 5PM-7:30PM – Salem Common
The Salem YMCA will transform the Salem Common into a paradise for children with moon bounces, rides, games and arts & crafts. $3 per child will pay for unlimited rides. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351. (rain location: Salem YMCA, Sewall Street)

Saturday, August 8 & 9
Essex Street Fair – 10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Pedestrian Mall. Street performers, face painters, and strolling musicians will entertain crowds. For more information, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

For more information about any of the events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.salem.com or contact Salem City Hall at 978-619-5676

Heritage Days is brought to you by the City of Salem Kimberley Driscoll, Mayor & The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem YMCA, Salem Willows Merchants, Salem Main Streets, Young Dance Company, National Park Service, Salem Theatre Company, Dance Enthusiasm, Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services Department, Donna Michaud, BnS Fitness, Salem Garden Club, Salem Beautification Committee, Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Senior Recognition Days Committee, Historic Salem Inc., and Historic New England