Salem is going to the dogs (and cats and lizards and bunnies), and we couldn’t be happier about it! Salem Main Streets is very pleased to produce the return of the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 1 pm on Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime National Historic Site. In addition, we are fortunate to continue our 2020 partnership with Creative Collective to produce a virtual contest for those who are not able to join us on Oct. 9th.

Pets of all species are welcome at the parade, but should be well-behaved and comfortable at a busy event where there are likely to be many dogs. Masks are not required but are highly encouraged. The parade is rain or shine.

Salem Main Streets asks all parade participants to register online in advance if possible, with a small donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for nonresidents. All proceeds go directly to Salem Main Streets in support of special community programs all year round.

Submissions for the virtual contest must be received by the end of day on Saturday, October 9. Voting will occur October 10 through October 17, with awards announced on Monday, October 18.  Again, we request a small donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for non-residents. Pets may participate in both the parade and online contest, but must register for both separately.

Online registration for both the parade and virtual contest can be found at www.salemmainstreets.org/howl-o-ween.

The 2021 Howl-o-ween Pet Parade is supported by primary sponsor Wolf Next Door Coffee, as well as a number of downtown businesses, including Coon’s Card & Gift Shop, Koto, the Halloween Museum Salem, Partridge in a Bear Tree, Wicked Good Books, and Black Cat Tours.

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.  SMS provides direct support to downtown businesses, and produces numerous community events and initiatives throughout the year, including the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, Salem’s So Sweet, and the October Information Booth.  SMS operates thanks to the generosity and partnership of the City of Salem and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Destination Salem, Creative Collective, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and many other local business sponsors and community volunteers.  Contact Salem Main Streets by phone at 978-744-0004, or by email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org, or visit the website at www.salemmainstreets.org for more information.

Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl is back! It’s time to sample some of the best ice cream in the North Shore from some of the many ice cream shops the area has to offer. Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl event will be held on Wednesday, August 4 on the Salem Common from 6:00-7:30 p.m., rain or shine. A Heritage Days favorite, this annual event is a chance to taste some classic flavors and new combinations from the area’s premier ice cream shops.

A few of the homegrown local businesses serving samples at the event will include Melt Ice Cream, Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream, Cherry Farm Creamery, and Maria’s Sweet Somethings. Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl is a fun event for both children and adults to cool down from the heat and enjoy tasty ice cream.

The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets are purchased on site on the day of the event, cash only.  A spoon and napkins will be supplied with the purchase of a ticket. All of our materials are recyclable or compostable in an effort to reduce the impact of this popular event.

Proceeds go to support Salem Main Streets, a nonprofit organization focusing on the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant year-round retail, dining, and cultural destination. Salem Main Streets organizes the Salem Farmers’ Market and many other events in downtown Salem, as well as offering direct business support to downtown businesses. The Ice Scream Bowl is coordinated in partnership between Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as part of Salem Heritage Days.

This year’s Ice Scream Bowl will be directly followed by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association’s Movie Night! This Wednesday’s movie will be “Captain Marvel,” starting at 8 pm. So bring a blanket and camp chairs so you can settle in after your ice cream to catch an outdoor movie with your neighbors.

The 2021 Ice Scream Bowl is made possible thanks to the support of Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Modern Millie Shop, and the Creative Collective, as well as the generous donation of product and staff time by the participating ice cream shops!  In addition, this year’s event was funded in part by the City of Salem and U.S. Economic Development Administration.

For any other questions or comments regarding this event, please contact Kylie Sullivan at Salem Main Streets at (978) 744-0004 x115 or email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.