Howl-o-ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest Returns to Salem This Sunday

 Haunted Happenings, Parade, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, SMS News  No Responses »
Oct 072017
 

Doggies and kitties and lizards, oh my! Salem Main Streets is very pleased to produce the third annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 pm on Derby Square. Dress up your pet in a costume and show it off to the world! There will be prizes!

Pets of all species are welcome, but should be well-behaved and comfortable at a busy event where there are likely to be many dogs. (Daenerys, please let us know if you are coming  so as to make accommodation for your dragons)

“Our last two Howl-o-ween Pet Parades were enormously successful with some amazing costumes,” says Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, “and we’re anticipating that this year will be even bigger.”

She points out that “Salem is such a pet-friendly city; it seemed like a no-brainer that we needed a community pet parade during Haunted Happenings. It’s such a special way to engage our residents, appeal to our visitors, and celebrate our local businesses.”

The event will also include an area with information about local rescues and pet-focused downtown businesses,

Although it is a free event, attendees wishing to participate in the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade will be asked to register at the event to make note of their pet’s name for judging and to verify that the dogs, cats — and whatever else — are up to date on all required vaccinations.

Spectators are encouraged to join us on Derby Square, along Artists’ Row, or perhaps even “tail”-gaiting on the Lobster Shanty’s dog-friendly patio.

Salem Main Streets is grateful for the support of Creative Salem, Salem Pet Photo, the New England Dog Biscuit Company, Artists’ Row, PALS, Black Cat Tours, It’s Reigning Cats and Dogs, Healthy Hounds Doggie Daycare, Penelope’s Pet Boutique, and a number of other community partners in offering this event.

For additional info, contact Salem Main Streets by phone at 978-744-0004, or by email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.

Be sure to join us for this great, fun-filled event for the entire family, especially the “four legged” family members!

(Photos courtesy of Creative Salem — thanks John!)

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Mayor’s Night Out Trick or Treating

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Oct 052017
 

Trick or treating is a time-honored event in every community in America. But in Salem Ma, home of the month-long Halloween celebration known as Haunted Happenings, we give it a twist: trick or treating with the Mayor!

That’s correct. Kids get to visit local businesses with Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Friday, Oct. 6th.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. participating museums and attractions will also be open free of charge to Salem residents. Residents must provide a photo identification showing proof of Salem residency to gain free admission. Students may use a school identification card, bus pass, or a Salem Public Library card.

Mayor’s Night Out Trick or Treat is always great fun for Salem kids and participating merchants look forward to welcoming costumed trick or treaters on Friday evening. Trick-or-treating will begin at the big fountain by the Museum Place Mall at 5:30 p.m. and continue down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and around the shops in the Museum Place Mall.

Then families venture on their own to visit other participating businesses across the downtown district. This year several businesses are also joining in on the fun on Derby Street and at Pickering Wharf. Check www.salem.com for the complete listing of participating businesses. Costumes are encouraged! Trick or Treat bags will be provided by MAGIC 106.7. Once again, the Salem law firm of Mazow | McCullough, PC will be distributing safety flasher lights to help keep little trick or treaters safe and seen, especially during neighborhood trick or treating on October 31st.

“Mayor’s Night Out and Trick or Treating has become a great tradition for Salem residents,” said Mayor Driscoll. “October is a busy time for our businesses and this is their way to say thank you to our residents, offering a day that lets our locals enjoy this festive season in their own community. Salem’s many small businesses have really embraced this program and are offering several new specials and events this Friday. I hope everyone will come downtown on Friday and take part!”

New this year, Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours is offering a free tour to residents at 7:30 p.m on Friday. The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, Revolutionary, and witch trials history, with a ghost story thrown in as well. Call 978-745-0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).

Other merchant specials include: Victoria Station/Vic’s Boat House at Pickering Wharf is offering a free chocolate mousse desert with your meal if you mention ‘Mayor’s Night Out’; The Jolie Tea Company at 105 Essex St. will hold a tea tasting from 2:00pm-5:00pm, serving tea and sweets for free; Notch Brewery on Derby St. is offering free skeeball game for kids, with the purchase of an adult beverage from 3pm to 7:30pm and the Salem Arts Association is hosting a free exhibit “Cheers to our Volunteers” and “Faint of Art” at 211 Bridge St. They will be serving refreshments and a buffet of snacks from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Participating  Museums and Attractions

House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St.
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 7pm
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New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5pm
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NEW THIS YEAR!!!
Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost
8 Central St.
7:30 PM – Free Tour for Salem Residents
The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, revolutionary & witchcraft history with a ghost story thrown in also. Pre-Registration required. Call 978.745.0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).
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The Salem Museum
Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5:30pm
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Salem Wax Museum
Frankenstein’s Laboratory
288 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-8pm
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Salem Witch Museum
19 ½ Washington Sq. North
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 10pm
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Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch History Museum
197 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch House
310 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

Participating Trick or Treat Businesses (at posting time)

• A Sacred Place Wellness Center
• Angelicas Angels Landing
• Army Barracks
• Aurora Restaurant Bar & Lounge
• Beverly Bank
• Captain Dusty’s
• Coven Cottage
• Coon’s Card & Gift Shop
• Eastern Bank
• Emporium 32
• Essex New York Pizza & Deli
• For Kids Only Afterschool
• Freaky Elegant
• Gallows Hill Theatre (with special guest: The Grinch!)
• Gulu Gulu Café
• Haunted Happenings Magazine
• Ledger
• Longboards Restaurant & Bar
• Lotus Gifts
• Mack Park Neighborhood Association
• Mazow ∣ McCullough Attorneys At Law
• Maria’s Sweet Somethings
• New England Dog Biscuit Company
• Pamplemousse
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Popped Gourmet Popcorn
• RJ Coins & Jewelry
• Salem Beer Works
• Salem Flatbread
• Salem Common Neighborhood Association
• Salem Moose Lodge
• Salem Witch Museum
• Sea Level
• Thai Place
• Trolley Depot
• Turtle Alley Chocolates
• Witch Pix at Salem’s Vintage Photography
• Witch Tee’s

As part of Mayor’s Night Out the Museum Place Mall Garage and the South Harbor Garage will offer free parking to Salem residents after 4:00 p.m. (proof of residency will be required when you exit the garages).

Please check www.salem.com under City News for an updated list of participants.

 

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Horror Fest Creepily Seeps into Sept. PEM/PM Metal Macabaret

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Sep 192017
 

Now here is a scary good deal! Salem Horror Fest Opening Night Party at PEM/PM featuring Metal Macabaret will take place on the 3rd Friday of the month (that’s this Friday, Sept. 22nd at 6 pm) instead of the usual 3rd Thursday for PEM/PM.

Hauntingly inspired by the current Peabody Essex Museum Exhibition It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection, PEM teamed up with Salem Horror Fest to make an event that will make you tingle all over, from head to toe and through your bones!

The Salem Horror Fest, if you have been locked away in a dungeon, underground somewhere, is a four-week festival of fear (9/21-10/15) here in the Halloween-capital of the world! Screenings, exhibits, parties, concerts, guests & more!

PEM/PM Activities

Creepily create your own horror poster, dance demonly to beats by DJ Zombi and live tunes by Scary Mary and the Audio Corsette. Carve out some time to check out works by locals featured in the Women in Horror expo and enjoy a feature performance by M Lamar.

And the highlight of the evening: you won’t want to miss the 9 pm screening of Night of the Living Dead to kick off the Salem Horror Fest (separate ticket required).

This is THE ultimate big bash opening to the Halloween season!  But while costumes and masks will abound on the streets of Salem during our month-long Haunted Happenings celebration, the Peabody Essex Museum asks that for this event you refrain from any full-face makeup or masks in the museum for security reasons.

As with all PEM/PM events, it will also feature after-hours access to the museum galleries, interactive and art-focused experiences, an informal atmosphere including live music or DJ performances, tailored culinary offerings and a cash bar.

The goal is to present to the community multiple opportunities to interact with artists and performers, tinkerers and thinkers.

Members, as well as college students & Salem residents (with ID) will be admitted free of charge. For nonmembers, there is a $12 fee.

The PEM is located at East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA. For more info, call 978-745-9500, or toll free 866-745-1876.

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Fruits, Veggies, & More at Salem Farmers’ Market

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Farmers Market, Salem Shopping, SMS News  No Responses »
Sep 072017
 

Mid 70’s temperature and partly sunny skies; that is the forecast for today’s first Salem Farmers’ Market of September. It is also National Fruit & Veggies— More Matters Month. What greater incentive to attend could you ask for?

Our Farmers’ Market here in Salem is well known for its diversity of offerings. From fruits to vegetables, from breads to lobsters. Entertainment for the kids. Entertainment for adults. And space reserved for community groups to share a message. No wonder the Salem Farmers’ Market is known as much for its produce as it is the conversations it produces.

For example, it is not that farfetched that someone might ask “What are the top 10 Reasons to eat MORE fruits & veggies?”

And among the answers would be (courtesy of the Fruits & Veggies More Matters org website):

  • Fiber in fruits and veggies keep the digestive system happy and functioning
  • Vitamins & Minerals can be found a plenty in fruits & veggies to help keep the body healthy & energized
  • Calories, can only be detected in low quantities in fruits & vegetables
  • Convenience as fruits & veggies come in many nutritious forms, such as fresh, canned, frozen, dried, etc.

But, of course, we would like you to focus on the best aspect and that is getting the fresh side of availability of fruits and vegetables, direct from a local farm at the Salem Farmers’ Market.

Presented Thursdays through October 12th, the Salem Farmers’ Market takes place in Derby Square from 3-7pm. Will we see you there today?

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Volunteers Needed Now for Halloween Month-Long Info Booth

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, SMS News, Volunteer Opportunities  1 Response »
Aug 202017
 

Do you wish to do some good for others in the community? If so, then you are part of the 62.8 million Americans who annually give of their time & skills volunteering. In our case, the community is Salem and we are Salem Main Streets in need of volunteers to help us staff the Visitors’ Info Booth during the upcoming Haunted Happenings Halloween season, which begins October 1st.

Yes, we know, it is still mid-August and summer is not over. But look at the calendar again from a staffing/training point of view. To be ready to go with scheduled volunteers by October 1st, we need to send out an invitation now.

“It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to start planning for Haunted Happenings and the October Information Booth,” says Kylie Sullivan, executive director of Salem Main Streets.

A welcoming orientation will take place on Saturday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA. Volunteers will be updated on new October events and there will be time for returning volunteers to share insights and information with those new to the program.

Kylie adds, “Our annual orientation will cover all the basics for new volunteers, and important updates and reminders for our returning ambassadors. Even if you have volunteered in the past, it is important to try to make this training!”

Registration will begin at 9:30 am, with the orientation starting promptly at 10 am. Please remember to bring your ID for the CORI process.

What if you’re neither a native nor a long term transplanted resident and don’t know exactly “where everything is?” You will. Between support from the people in the booth with you during your shifts, to the repeated questions (where are public bathrooms, where can I see something really scary, where did they burn the witches, where can I get a good burger or fish meal), you will.

Purely as a side note, volunteering has been known to help new people in a community make new friends who share common interests & values.

And if you speak more than one language, we clearly could use your help, as many Haunted Happenings attendees are from foreign lands.

For more information, contact Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director, Salem Main Streets at 978/744-0004 x115 or email at www.salemmainstreets.org

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