4th of July – Salem Main Streets

Fireworks, Fun & Friends at Salem’s Independence Day Festivities

History, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Jul 022018

One of the best Independence Day Fireworks festivities on the North Shore will be found at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf this Wednesday, July 4^th. It is America’s 242^nd birthday. And you are an invited guest.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem,” explains Mayor Kimberly Driscoll. “Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the day visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities.”

A Bit of Trivia

Along the way, during the day, Americans are expected to consume 150 million hot dogs at bar-b-ques and other backyard celebrations.

Historically, did you know that it wasn’t until 1870 that the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday? Prior to that, Americans held individual celebrations. In fact, according to History.com “By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties – the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans – that had arisen began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.”

Salem Activities

Join Mayor Driscoll on Salem Common at 9:00 a.m. for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Lloyd Woodcock will read the document. Bob Kendall will provide piano music, Salem High School’s “Witch Pitch?” has been invited to sing the National Anthem, and audience singing will be led by Maureen Dalton. Coffee will be provided by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association.

Free children’s activities begin at 5:00 p.m. with the opening of the Kids’ Space, where little ones can play games, win prizes and get their faces painted. Also, stop by the Honest Tea tent for samples of their tea, sport, and kids’ juice line.

Live entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m. This year LUX quartet will be performing on main stage. LUX is a funky/jazzy/quirky/entertaining/engaging ensemble from the North Shore and has played venues throughout New England.

Food tents are on site selling hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other favorite foods you might find at a fair.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. Members of the Salem High School’s a capella group “Witch Pitch?” will sing The National Anthem.

Immediately following opening ceremonies, Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra (HFO) will take center stage to perform a program packed with Broadway show tunes and patriotic music featuring soprano Jacyn Tremblay.

For intermission entertainment, talented musicians from Salem’s Collins Middle School band will play several selections from their repertoire.

At 9:15 p.m., Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic tunes throughout the entire fireworks display.

Please note the following information for those planning to attend Wednesday’s July 4^th celebrations in Salem

Be safe. To ensure a safe and fun celebration, the Salem Police Department will have enhanced security in place on July 4^th. Guests are asked to carry any items in clear plastic bags and be prepared for possible bag checks by uniformed officers.

Say something. If you see something, say something to uniformed police at the celebration. In addition to officers who will be moving throughout the area all evening, you can also always find officers at the public safety tent, which will be clearly identifiable on site. Concerns can also be called into the Salem Police at (978) 744-1212.

Derby Wharf access. Police will be monitoring access points into the Derby Wharf area throughout the afternoon and evening. Please plan for additional time to arrive at the wharf for the festivities.

Road closures. Derby Street from Herbert Street to Daniels Street, and Orange Street and Curtis Street at Essex Street, will all be closed to traffic from 5:00 pm. until 11:00 p.m.

Avoid driving to Derby Wharf. Seek parking downtown in a lot (www.parkinginsalem.com) or Museum Place Garage on New Liberty Street and the South Harbor Garage on Congress Street are available for parking at $5 for the day, with the proceeds being donated directly towards the July 4^th celebration. There is overflow parking at Shetland Properties on Congress Street, or take the commuter rail or Salem Ferry (www.salemferry.com) to avoid anticipated traffic congestion. The last MBTA trains depart Salem station at 10:40 p.m. (southbound) and 10:51 p.m. (northbound/Newburyport Line) and 12:01 a.m. (northbound/Rockport Line)

Handicapped parking. There is limited handicap parking at Derby Wharf and in the Immaculate Conception parking lot on Hawthorne Boulevard, which is first-come first-serve, and there is a mobility impaired/wheelchair seating section reserved at the beginning of Derby Wharf, so attendees do not have to traverse the park’s terrain.

Don’t bring fireworks. Salem has adopted the maximum fines allowable for both the sale ($1,000 fine) and use ($200 fine) of fireworks. In addition, a dedicated police unit will be tasked with enforcing the laws prohibiting the private use of fireworks. Please help ensure a safe July 4^th for all and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Harbor access. Recreational boaters and other craft will be restricted from the area around Derby Wharf and the channel in Salem Harbor and the South River for much of the evening. Mariners can call the Harbormaster’s Office at 978-741-0098 or on VHF 16 for emergencies after hours or for more information.

One final note, we would like to add. A community undertaking such as this is indeed a community effort.

“I’d like to express a special thank you to our Skyrocket Sponsors: Footprint Power – Salem Harbor Station, Salem Five and Tropical Products, along with our Star-Spangled Sponsors: Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and KV Associates, and Thermal Circuits,” commented Mayor Driscoll. “This event does not happen without their and many others support.”

History is Alive During Salem 4th of July

History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jun 292016

Patriotism is something that will never go out of style, and in Salem MA we do up the most patriotic day, the 4th of July, in real style.

We kick off bright & early at 9am with Mayor Kimberly Driscoll on Salem Common introducing the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence. Dann Maurno will once again read the document. Bob Kendall will provide piano music, a quintet from Salem High School’s Witch Pitch? will sing the “National Anthem,” and audience singing will be led by Maureen Dalton.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem,” declares Mayor Driscoll to potential visitors. “Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the day visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities.”

And by ending the 4^th of July with festivities, she means a BIG ending. At 9:15pm, Salem will loudly & proudly cap off its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing a rousing rendition of the “1812 Overture” and other patriotic live music throughout the entire fireworks display!

What makes this all such a grand event in Salem is the setting. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf is not just a park or anonymous stretch of undeveloped land — it was the first National Historic Site in the entire National Park System!

That is historic in itself!

The Site consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures. These include the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and Derby Wharf, which was used by America’s first millionaire, Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby. With historic Salem Harbor, including hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700’s sailing vessel, the Friendship, as a backdrop, Independence Day in Salem is filled with the history that helped make America the free nation it is today.

But the history and patriotism doesn’t end there.

As an additional tie-in there will be a flyover by the 104th Fighter Wing from Barnes Air National Guard Unit, which is located in Westfield, Massachusetts and proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth.

As Salem is also the birthplace of the National Guard — yet another patriotic and historical element, Mayor Driscoll adds “it is especially meaningful for Salem to have a flyover by the 104th. Salem Common was the site of the first muster in 1637 and continues to host the annual National Guard muster to this day.”

Besides all that history, there will also be entertainment on the 4^th of July program.

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 5pm with The DITTO band. Lead vocalists and guitarists Gary Santarella and Roger Kimball have entertained audiences for over 40 years playing mainstream music classics by James Taylor, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Beatles, and many others.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15pm when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by Nadine Adisho, Leah Morgenstern, Danielle Gautier and Tyler Leger of Salem High School’s a capella group Witch Pitch?

Immediately following opening ceremonies Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra will deliver another great 4^th of July program as they have in years past.

Dr. Hillyer reveals, “This year we are doing a 50 year anniversary of the music from 1966—The Mamas and the Papas (California Dreamin’), Beach Boys (Good Vibrations), Henry Mancini film hits (Pink Panther, Peter Gunn), and cartoon favorites like Flintstones! Of course we’ll do our popular Tchaikowsky “1812 Overture” to the fireworks along with other patriotic greats! Bring your blanket and join in on the fun!”

For this year’s intermission entertainment there will be two additional treats. A delegation of talented 8th grade singers from Salem’s Collins Middle School will be performing and members of the Marble head Little Theater will entertain the audience with songs from Broadway.

If you are bringing the kids, take note that earlier in the afternoon free children’s activities begin at 4pm with the opening of the Kids’ Space, where young ones can play games, win prizes and get their faces painted, all thanks to the generosity of the MeetingHouse Church in Salem and Walmart. Also, look for the MAGIC 106.7 street team along with the MGH Pediatrics tent on-site with lots of cool give-a-ways.

And of course, on site Food Tents will also open at 4pm with hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other favorites.

Join your friends & neighbors and fellow Americans as we share an Independence Day of patriotic pride in a setting that is historic in itself, The Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf.

Patriotic Celebration of Fun & Games at Salem Athenaeum

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Jul 012015

What does Red, White & Blue mean to you? Inspirational speeches from our Founding Fathers? Or something lighter like strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries? Or something in between? The Salem Athenaeum Night Owls invite you to an evening of lively conversation, party games and fun in celebration of all that is Red, White and Blue, July 3rd from 7:30 – 10:30 pm .

A party at The Salem Athenaeum? If your impression of the Athenaeum has been that it is only a historic library that lends, preserves and acquires collection of books and documents, or that its sole outreach is offering cultural and educational programs, then be prepared to be set free of that misconception by this next gathering of the Night Owls!

Carolyn McGuire, Athenaeum Marketing Coordinator explains, “Night Owls is a program we started last year. Each evening has had a different theme.”

On occasional First Fridays, the Night Owls convene with an open invitation to the general public to bring games to share, a topic to discuss, or to just show up and join the fun.

“Given the date of this event, the theme presented itself to me. This is our third time hosting Night Owls, and most people enjoyed the free-form format in contrast to our more traditional events (with a set program and start time). This is my first time hosting Night Owls—it was originally a member suggestion that was well received and continued to grow.”

For this pre-4th of July evening, you are invited to bring something specific to share: a Patriotic Song, a Radical Idea, your best Card Trick or favorite Party Game. Color-appropriate sweets or savories. Dress as you wish (if you’ve got a costume and are so inclined…)

One other thing to note, you may arrive and depart as you like.

Night Owls has always had an informal schedule. They do not want you to feel obliged to arrive at a certain time, and you are more than welcome to stay for the entire event if you so choose.

McGuire adds, “The Athenaeum’s mission is ‘To preserve and excite the literary and cultural passions of the North Shore.’ We’re a community of people with a wide variety of interests. This event is simply an entertaining evening guided by the creativity of the participants—an opportunity for us to share our interests, appreciate what each of us has to contribute.”

One other thing to note is that although the Night Owls will have a CD and MP3 player available, if someone has a musical instrument and wants to perform a song, you are encouraged to do so!

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 978-744-2540 or go to www.salemathenaeum.net . The Athenaeum is located at 337 Essex Street, Salem Ma.

(Athenaeum cover photo: Nightlife — Scott Booth Photo )

Salem— Filled with History, Overflows for Celebration on the 4th of July

History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jun 282015

Salem Ma is as patriotic as any other community, with many extras as a backdrop to the history that helped make America the free nation it is today.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem,” points out Mayor Kimberly Driscoll. “Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the day visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities.”

If you’re not locked into spending Independence Day in Boston, Washington DC or Philadelphia, then why not Salem Ma? We’ve tried to make it very convenient. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, from which you can see the fireworks, is just a 10-15 minute walk through downtown Salem from the Salem MBTA station, or any of the parking facilities.

Did you know that the Salem Maritime National Historic Site was designated as the first National Historic Site in the National Park System? It consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures. These include the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and Derby Wharf, which was used by America’s first millionaire, Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby.
Did you know that when the United States was young, ships from Salem, MA helped to build the new nation’s economy by carrying cargo back and forth from the West to Asia? With historic Salem Harbor, including hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700’s sailing vessel, the “Friendship,” as a backdrop, Independence Day in Salem is overflowing with historical references.

“This year we are very excited to have a flyover by the 104th Fighter Wing from Barnes Air National Guard Unit,” states Mayor Driscoll. The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, located in Westfield, MA, proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth.

“As the birthplace of the National Guard, it is especially meaningful for Salem to have a flyover by the 104^th,” adds Mayor Driscoll. Salem Common was the site of the first muster in 1637 and continues to host the annual National Guard muster to this day.

(Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation designating the city of Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard during a ceremony held in city hall here, Aug. 19, 2010. Then on Jan. 10, 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill that designated Salem, Mass., as the birthplace of the National Guard.)

Convinced of our historical credentials? Then you are cordially invited to join Mayor Driscoll on Salem Common at 9 am for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The special program begins with the Star Spangled Banner, sung by members of the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Dann Anthony Maurno, a Salem resident, actor and author. Musical selections will be performed by Robert Kendall on keyboard. and Salem resident John Howard will lead the audience in singing America the Beautiful. (And, coffee will be provided by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association through the generosity of Starbucks.)

Free children’s activities begin at 4 pm with the opening of the Kids’ Space, where kids can play games and get their faces painted, all thanks to the generosity of the REMIX Church in Salem and the Salem YMCA. Food tents on site also open at 4 pm with (what else?!!) hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 5 pm with LUX, a band capable of seamlessly going between genres from an all-out up-tempo funky number to a traditional jazz band tune. Band members include Todd Clancy on his 8-string guitar, PJ Holaday on drums, Jared Holaday on saxophone, and singer Blair Leavitt.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 pm when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club Select, which includes Marena Anderson, Sam Bigus, Emma Lipinski, Chloe Panico, and Jacob Pini, directed by YMCA Music Director Samantha Gambaccini.

Immediately following opening ceremonies, Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra will be offering another top-notch Pops experience. “We don’t want to give the whole program away,” states Hillyer, “but you can be assured that we have another year of great music selections from Carousel to The Prayer with special guest soloists Erin Smith, soprano, and Ben DiScipio, tenor. They will blow your socks off! Set your blanket down early to get a good spot!”

At 9:15 pm Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

And then it’s time to go home. But what a time we hope you had!

As with every year, we wish to extend a big thank you, in advance, to City employees and volunteers who worked on this project.

Adds Mayor Driscoll “I’d like to express a special thank you to our Skyrocket Sponsors: Footprint Power – Salem Harbor Station, Salem Five, and Walmart, along with our Star Spangled Sponsors: Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and KV Associates, and our new sponsor this year, Tropical Products Inc. Salem is fortunate to have such a generous business community that continues to support this celebration.”

(Cover photo is a moment in time from video scenes photographed and produced by the National Park Service as part of the July 4th, 2013 “Celebrate the 4th” event held by the City of Salem)

Derby Wharf on the 4th at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site

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Jul 012014

Celebrating the 4th of July is an emotional event, be it on The National Mall in Washington DC or the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade— or right here in historic Salem Ma. If you’re looking to honor the founding of our great nation, Salem Ma is very much worth the trip. Just consider this as an exciting backdrop for the festivities: a dozen historic structures, nine acres of waterfront land, all making up the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which by the way was the first National Historic Site in the National Park System!

Now that we’ve got your attention what exactly are we doing in Salem at Derby Wharf on the 4th of July?

9am – You are invited to join Mayor Kimberly Driscoll on the Salem Common for a patriotic kick off event. “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by members of the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. The Declaration of Independence will be read by Dann Anthony Maurno, a Salem resident and actor who has appeared onstage in a variety of area venues. Musical selections will be performed by Robert Kendall on keyboard. Salem resident John Howard will lead the audience in singing “America the Beautiful.”

4pm – Children are included in the fun. Kids’ Space, where young ones can play games and get their faces painted, will be provided courtesy of the Gathering, the MeetingHouse Church and the First Universalist Society of Salem. Food tents on site also open at 4pm with hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

5pm – Things begin to heat up as live entertainment begins on the Main Stage with the Pocket Money Orchestra. This amazing young funk group from Salem features energetic original music by Brian Cogger (trumpet), Seth Bailin (tenor and baritone sax), Aidan Scrimgeour (piano), Ben Siwak (bass), Derek Hayden (drums), and Danny Dugan (percussion). The Pocket Money Orchestra has a growing presence on the North Shore music scene and plays regularly at local venues.

7:15pm – Opening Ceremonies! Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by Grace Bigus, Sam Bigus, Danielle Lovasco, Chloe Panico, Jacob Pini, Mariella Robinson, Delaney Sprague, and Aly Yanishevsky from the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club. This is an a cappella group for children ages 12-18 directed by YMCA Music Director Samantha Gambaccini. These students work as a team to create and sing a wide variety of repertoire from classic to contemporary.

This leads up to what we hope will be a Pops experience you will never forget, kicked off by Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra. This year soloist Jean Danton joins the orchestra with musical selections from Sondheim. Her singing has been described as “stunning,” ”outstanding,” “wonderfully controlled and full-voiced,” and “stylishly stellar.” She is a favorite soloist with Pops orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra, North Shore Music Theatre, North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, and New England Light Opera.

9:15pm – Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

“Salem is fortunate to have such a generous business community that continues to support this celebration,” Mayor Driscoll commented. “I’d like to express a special thank you to Footprint Power – Salem Harbor Station and to Salem Five, along with Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and KV Associates.”

“There is no better place to be than Salem on the 4th,” Mayor Driscoll stated. “We have consistently put together one of the most spectacular live concerts and fireworks extravaganzas anywhere in Massachusetts.”

For more information go to www.salem.com or call the Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595, ext. 5676. For traveling to Salem we advise taking the mbta.

Get here early. Have a nice meal. Enjoy the day and evening. (Photo courtesy Social Palates)