Costumed Cats, Disguised Dogs, All Part of Salem’s “Howl-O-Ween”

 Contests, History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Volunteer Opportunities  No Responses »
Sep 282016
 

Have your pets been acting a little strange the past few days? Dogs and cats almost meeting in secret corners of your home? What could they have in common to discuss? How about this Sunday’s upcoming 2nd Annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade.

howl-o-weenYes, a Halloween-themed parade with pets as costumed participants; steps off at Derby Sq., Oct. 2 at 1 pm.

“Salem is going to the dogs, and we couldn’t be happier about it,” explains Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, which is producing the 2nd Annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade.

“Last year’s event was an enormous success with some amazing costumes,” she says “and we’re anticipating that this year will be even bigger. 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 2nd Annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade will include a pet photo booth by Salem Pet Photo, an area with information about local rescues and pet-focused downtown businesses, as well as the parade and costume contest with prizes.

Kylie points out, “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.”

While the  Howl-o-ween Pet Parade is a free event, pet-owning participants will be asked to register their pet’s name for judging and verify that all required vaccinations are up-to-date.

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

Salem Main Streets along with Salem Pet Photo, the New England Dog Biscuit Company, Creative Salem, Artists’ Row, and a number of other community partners are producing this 2nd Annual Howl-o-ween Pet Parade.

This event is rain or shine.

For additional or specific pet-related details, contact Salem Main Streets at 978-744-0004, or by email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org, or visit the website at www.salemmainstreets.org .

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Love Salem? Share Your Enthusiasm as a Volunteer

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, SMS News, Volunteer Opportunities  No Responses »
Aug 282016
 

Over 20,000 visitors served during the Haunted Happenings weekends and holidays in October! That’s the final head count for last year’s Information Booth Volunteers. What will it be this year? Join us and be a part of this rewarding community effort.

Salem Main Streets is looking for volunteers with enthusiasm for Salem to help greet visitors at the October Information Booth. Volunteers will staff the booth at the start of the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall handing out maps and sharing information about Salem’s wide variety of attractions, events, and businesses.

All volunteers are asked to be available for a minimum of two shifts for two hours each and will be required to complete a one hour orientation session. The orientation will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 9:30am at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty St, Salem. SIGN UP FOR ORIENTATION NOW!

Info Booth 1This is a great experience for new volunteers who not only will be updated on new October events, but will also interact with returning volunteers who in turn will share insights and information with those new to the program.

Volunteers are needed for:

  • Two hour shifts throughout the day each weekend in October
  • October 6 (Parade night)
  • October 10 (Columbus Day)
  • October 31 (Halloween Night)

We are also looking for multi-lingual volunteers to assist the many international visitors who come to Salem.

If you have availability some of these days, enjoy helping visitors by showing them your enthusiasm for our cultured and historic city, and want to make it fun and easy for visitors to explore all of Salem’s sites and attractions, please join us!

For more information or to become a volunteer please contact Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets’ Executive Director, at (978)744-0004 x15 or kylie@salemmainstreets.org. This program is a partnership between Salem Main Streets, the National Park Service, the City of Salem, Destination Salem, and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

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Who’s Ready for Halloween? Haunted Happenings Guide Deadline Moved Up

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
May 052016
 

Haunted HappeningsWhile the calendar says it is only May and summer is not far away, for many businesses in our Downtown District it signals that Halloween in the form of Haunted Happenings is less than six months away! Believe it or not, phone calls are beginning to come in to hotels and attractions seeking information.

In response, D2015_Coverestination Salem has wisely decided to move their deadline for the Salem Haunted Happenings Guide WAY UP this year. The deadline for submissions is THIS FRIDAY!

If you operate a business in Salem that participates in the Haunted Happenings extravaganza and are planning an October event or want to advertise to these inquiring visitors, do not miss out!!!

To find out more about Destination Salem’s integrated Haunted Happenings print and digital marketing campaign go to their website. Questions? Call 978-741-3252. Fax 978-741-7539. Email scooper@salem.org

 

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You’re Invited – to Help Salem Main Streets Achieve Its Goals

 Salem Event, SMS News, Volunteer Opportunities  No Responses »
Jan 162016
 

What is ahead for Salem Main Streets and 2016? Please join us for a night of celebration and information Tuesday, January 26th as we conduct the Salem Main Streets Annual Meeting.

SAF VolsKylie Sullivan, SMS Executive Director says, “Come cheer with us over last year’s accomplishments and look ahead to see what’s coming in 2016. Learn more about Salem Main Streets’ mission and purpose, and how you can benefit and get more involved.”

This gathering is free and open to all who live, work, or play in downtown Salem – residents, volunteers, business owners, community partners, and government officials.

Stephanie at boothIn other words, we want you there if you have anything to say about how the Downtown District was promoted by us in the past and —

Kylie emphasizes, “We are especially looking for feedback to help improve our work going forward.”

The meeting will run from 5:30 – 7:30pm at Ames Hall in the Salem YMCA, 1 Sewall Street (enter from the Essex Street entrance).

Free appetizers and cash bar!

Please invite your neighbors, associates, and friends! This is you chance to have an impact on how Salem is seen by the local community and the world.

Please RSVP to Kylie at kylie@salemmainstreets.org or 978-744-0004 x15.

Salem Main Streets’ mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the Downtown District.

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Live From Salem MA- – – It’s Halloween!!!

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, SMS News  No Responses »
Oct 312015
 

October 13 070Walking around Salem a few minutes ago, it was the quiet before the storm, but shortly the expected 70,000 revelers (plus the media) will begin to trickle, then ooze, then just flat out pour into the Witch City for Halloween 2015.

We hope you brought comfortable walking shoes. The big finale to Haunted Happenings is much more than a 3-ring circus, as you walk to all the events.

First stop we suggest is our Information Booth at the corner of Washington & Essex Streets. Our volunteers will guide you to where you want to go, so you spend less time trying to get there and more time enjoying what you wish to see.

There are a number of kid friendly events if you’re bringing the little ones for the early part of the day.

  • Salem Children’s Day, 10am-3pm on the Salem Common
  • Ask a Witch, Make a Wand, 10am-5pm, Artemisia Botanicals
  • Professor Wunders’ School of Magic, 10am, Gallows Hill Museum Theatre
  • Face Painting, noon-6pm, Gallows Hill Museum Theatre

There are also zones of music spaced around the downtown district for you to relax and recharge if you’re spending the entire day.

  • Music at Fountain Stage, noon – 1pm, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
  • Shock Top Beer Garden, 2pm-10pm, Federal Street at Washington Street
  • Radio 92.9 Concert Stage, 2pm-10pm, Washington Street at Federal Street
  • Concert Stage, 7pm-10pm, Front Street
  • Concert Stage, 7pm-10pm, Hawthorne Blvd.
  • Gazebo Stage, 7pm-10pm, Salem Common

Remember the rules, and have fun. Salem will put a spell on you….

(And in case later tonight you and your friends want— for whatever reason— to sing the version from the movie Hocus Pocus, here are the lyrics….)

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