Salem Wants Your Reactions to Recent “Haunted Happenings” Halloween Celebration

 Haunted Happenings, History, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  1 Response »
Nov 262017
 

Everybody has an opinion although sometimes people don’t want to hear yours. But we do when it comes to reactions, comments, criticism, and suggestions about Haunted Happenings in Salem Ma.

Gone but not forgotten, our month-long celebration of Halloween (and all things spooky) doesn’t just happen by itself. It takes a lot of planning by a lot of people, groups, merchants and attractions.

To that end, the city of Salem has scheduled an “after action” review of Halloween 2017 for this Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5-6pm at the Salem Five Community Room, 210 Essex Street.

Everyone is welcome: tourists, business owners and most especially residents! We want you to share feedback with Mayor Kim Driscoll, and city officials in the public safety, traffic & parking, and public works departments.

What did you like, what worked well, and what did not work well for you this past October? Parking? Traffic patterns? Noise?

If you are unable to attend, the Mayor’s team still wants to hear from you. Submit feedback to mayor@salem.com or write to Office of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll, Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem Ma 01970.

Thousands of people flood our community every weekend during October. They generate a significant amount of revenue for merchants and attractions. But unintentionally visitors also impact the lives of residents. This is your chance to help Haunted Happenings continue to be an event that serves the needs of all of Salem.

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With Over 200 Local Storefronts, Salem Captures Spirit of Small Business Saturday

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Nov 242017
 

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the day that small businesses in Salem and all along Main Street USA really look forward to: Small Business Saturday. First observed in the United States on November 27, 2010, it is a day when communities of shoppers are urged to support the convenience of driving or even walking to their local brick & mortar businesses, instead of fighting the crowds at faraway over-crowded malls.

That kick-off Small Business Saturday was sponsored by American Express, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Roslindale Village Main Street. Since then it has grown into a nationwide event, with an estimated 112 million consumers reported to have shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016.

Shopping Local Is An Experience

“Small Business Saturday is so great,” explains Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, “because it’s not just about the shopping or the things – though with over 200 locally-operated storefronts in downtown Salem, there’s certainly no shortage of gifts and treats to be found! Instead it’s more about the experience of being part of a community, the feeling you get when you’re in a locally-owned business that simply can’t be replicated in a box store or online.”

You can walk into a locally-owned Salem store and actually speak to a clerk with product knowledge of items in the store. Or just as likely, you can chat with the store owner! Ever talk to the owner or even manager of a big box store (unless to complain)?

Adds Elizabeth Rutledge, EVP of Global Advertising and Media at American Express, “People across the country are aware of the benefits that small businesses can bring to the community, and the momentum that was started with the first Small Business Saturday continues to build.”

That is backed up by the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express. Among U.S. consumers who went out and shopped in-store, total reported spending reached an estimated $15.4 billion at independent retailers and restaurants in 2016.

You will be in good company.

So, a word to the wise, relax on Friday and Monday. And make Saturday your day for walking out of Salem stores with good deals for your holiday and other gift giving needs!

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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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Marching Monsters Haunt Halloween Parade in Salem

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, SMS News, Volunteer Opportunities  1 Response »
Oct 032017
 

Photo Credit – Social Palates/Creative Salem via Salem Chamber

Movie Monsters will flood the streets of Salem this Thursday, Oct. 5th as the 22nd annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade officially kicks off THE Halloween season for tourists and residents alike.

Twenty-two years. If you were a 10-year-old kid dressed in costume for any of the first few, quite possibly you have a son or daughter participating this year. Tradition is a big deal for this parade.

Another tradition involves picking a theme to help participants get creative in their costuming and float themes. Movie Monsters opens a vast panorama from which to dig deep the creative juices. We look forward to the sights and sounds.

According to the Salem Chamber of Commerce, which produces the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, “The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless, based on all the classic and beloved monster themed movies parents and kids love. The parade audience will see a lot of characters from Monsters Inc., Beauty and the Beast, Harry Potter, and The Addams Family, to name a few. Thriller might make a comeback and one or two horror movie characters might join the Salem Chamber Haunted Happenings Parade as well!”

Who participates?

Children & teens from Salem schools along with adults from schools, businesses, city offices, fire & police departments and other organizations participate as volunteers, organizers, planners, walkers and cleanup crews. It really is a group effort.

What’s the Route?

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade begins at Shetland properties on Congress street, precisely at 6:30pm. Marchers turn left onto Derby Street, right onto Central Street, left onto Front Street, right onto Washington Street, right onto the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and finish at the Salem common.

Friends and family cheer them on along the way, and at the Common they will be entertained by local favorite DJ Doug.

If you would like to volunteer to help with aspects of the Parade, contact the Chamber at 978-744-0004.

Mark your calendar to remind you to visit us this Thursday to see the spirit of Halloween on the faces of kids as the spotlight is all theirs.

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