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Kid-Friendly Weekly Event at Salem’s PEM

Aug 112014

Not every tourist destination can offer “kid-friendly” events on a regular basis— but here in Salem, we can. As proof, we present the on-going PEM/PEM Pals. This is a fun, interactive program with books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities designed specifically for preschoolers and their caregivers. It is presented Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Residents and visitors alike are welcome to attend.

For example, last week they read The Deep Blue Sea (which was in keeping with the theme of the current exhibition Turner & The Sea). There was also an adventure & fun with a sea-related craft.

This week the sea theme continues with a reading of Big Al, a book about a really big, but really friendly fish named Al.

The month will round out with special guests.

On Aug. 20 participants will be joined by Mr. Whirly (aka Keith Wasserman). He has some fresh tunes to share from his new cd, so attendees should be ready to dance!

On Aug. 27, you might want to keep your dancing shoes on because Teresa Coelho from Music Together will be available with all her instruments for children to try!

In fact, we suggest you take a look at the entire “Kids & Families” schedule for August at the Peabody Essex.

PEM/PEM Pals operates on Wednesdays from Sept. 4, 2013 – Dec. 24, 2014. It is made possible with support from Target and American Dental Partners. For additional info call 978-745-9500.

Sounds of the Street, on Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Aug 082014

Essex Street Fair 2013 – Photo Credit Social Palates

Salem has many interesting sights and locations to serve and service our community. One that offers many uses is the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. And especially so Aug. 9 & 10 when the 2014 Essex Street Fair will unfold from 10 am – 6 pm.

Regularly lined with stores and merchants offering delights to visitors and residents, this weekend our Essex Street Pedestrian Mall will be bright and musical and loud with the life of an annual Street Fair, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

What will you see? Crafters displaying their wares. What will you smell? Food vendors with tasty treats. What will you hear? Artisans discussing their methods.

The is a family friendly event, bring the kids. You will find something for everyone. Even possibly for Samantha the cat and Duke the dog!

This free event will run the length of Essex St. from the Daniel Low Building (Essex and Washington St.) to the Hawthorne Hotel (Essex and Washington Sq W.) The events are part of the Salem Heritage Days festivities.

Do We Know How to Party in Salem?

Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jul 302014

Of course we do — when was the last time you saw a one day festival around here? And the upcoming Heritage Days celebration of “yesterday & today” runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, proving our point. When we want to share the fun and food of our community with friends, neighbors and tourists, we make it last.

“Heritage Days has been a long standing tradition in Salem and this year we have ten days of fun-filled events,” comments Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “With almost 40 different activities to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come join us as we celebrate Salem being such a great place to live, work, and visit.”

In the coming days Salem Main Streets (as well as every other local organization with a mission to promote Salem) will be advising you of the highlights of Heritage Days. For now let’s just point out the “perks” of actually living here (in other words proof of residency gets you the following…):

The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are always free to Salem residents.

The Salem Trolley is free to Salem residents through September 30, 2014. Residents can receive a Resident Ticket by providing proof of residency at the Trolley Depot (8 Central Street). Resident Tickets are only available at the Trolley Depot and cannot be purchased on the Trolley itself. The trolley runs daily 10 am – 5 pm.

The Salem Ferry offers 20% discount plus $5 off for Salem residents on their round-trip Salem Ferry ticket.

The Witch House will be free to Salem residents during Heritage Days.

Pioneer Village will be free to residents on Saturday August 2nd.

Forest River Pool—- Red, White and Blue Blowout, Tuesday, August 6th from 6 pm – 8 pm. It’s July 4th in August! Salem residents wear your red, white and blue to the pool and participate in themed games and activities. (the pool is only open to Salem residents).

And that’s not even counting the fun to come, including some of Salem Main Streets’ own interactive ticketed events like Mayor’s Night Out and Ice Scream Bowl! Stay tuned!

Contest Looking to Grow New Crop of Window Boxes

Contests No Responses »

Jul 212014

Photo Courtesy of the Hawthorne Hotel

Window boxes are next up to be honored in Salem. Window boxes? Yes, the long narrow box in which flowers and other plants are grown and then placed on an outside windowsill— Salem has been holding an annual Window Box Competition since 1993. And this year is no different as Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, The Salem Beautification Committee and The Salem Garden Club have issued an invitation to residents and businesses to “help beautify our City and show off your gardening talents.”

Wood of course is the traditional material with which to build a window box, but people have used fiberglass, brick, metal, vinyl, and cellular PVC!

The simple container brings life and color to a vintage home, no matter the season. For example, in the summer go with brightly colored flowers and vegetables. But by autumn switch to small pumpkins and gourds. Definitely adds some spice to the look of the home’s exterior.

Registration concludes Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Judging will take place July 31st – August 3rd. Then the Awards Ceremony & Reception will be held during Heritage Days on Thursday, August 7th at 5:30 pm. in the garden of the Brookhouse, which is located at 180 Derby St.

For more information, rules and to register, call 978-619-5676. Or email: etalkowsky@salem.com with the subject: Window Box Registration; include your name, street address and telephone number.

Embrace Diversity; It’s On Display at Salem CultureFest

Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jul 182014

Typecast in recent years as solely a Halloween destination, Salem MA has been expanding its appeal with a number of theme festivals throughout the rest of the year. This weekend we offer a diverse event, the 8th Annual Salem CultureFest, courtesy of A3D.

This event features live bands who showcase many cultures and styles, as well as other performers (storytellers, martial artists, dancers, and more) who entertain while you enjoy exploring the unique arts, crafts, and wares of our area’s fine artists and crafters.

Over 2,000 visitors are expected to attend this fun family-friendly event on the Salem Common, Saturday from 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am – 6pm.

The mission of A3D (which means literally “African Development through Drum and Dance”) is to raise money, acquire assets, and start microenterprises to help specially targeted West African Non-Profit Organizations. Go to their website to learn more of their beginnings and projects.

Closer to home, proceeds have provided much needed support to local Greater Salem area organizations including HAWC (Help for Abused Women and their Children), the Salem School Foundation, the Gathering of Salem, and the Plummer School.

Funds raised at Salem CultureFest 2014 will be utilized to further efforts to acquire and distribute medical equipment and educational supplies to areas of need in West Africa. In addition, a portion of all funds raised at Salem CultureFest 2014 are to be set aside to another local non-profit to be announced at a later date.

Saturday Schedule (subject to change)

10 am : Festival begins – Vendors located throughout the Salem Common

10 am – 4 pm : Moon Bounce/Children’s Face Painting/Henna/Assorted International Games – It’s A Small World/Kids section

1 am – 2 pm : J&J Pony Rides – near It’s A Small World/Kids section

11:30 am – 12 pm : Opening Ceremonies: National Anthem sung by Maria Chaves – A3D Drumming – Main Stage

12 pm – 12:30 pm : Sisters In Dance (Belly Dancing) – Main Stage

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm : Joe Hayes (Native American Storytelling) – Near Main Stage

1:15 pm – 1:45 pm : Siren of the Circle (Hoop Dancer) – Near Main Stage

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm : Greg Coles (Dance) – Main Stage

3:15 pm – 3:25 pm : Parade around the Commons, followed by a Mexican piñata party – It’s A Small World/Kids section

3:30 pm – 5 pm : Hot Like Fire (Reggae) – Main Stage

6 pm – 7:30 pm : Michael Gabriel (Reggae) – Main Stage

Sunday Schedule (subject to change)

10 am : Festival begins – Vendors located throughout the Salem Common

10 am – 4 pm : Moon Bounce/Children’s Face Painting/Henna/Assorted International Games – It’s A Small World/Kids section

1 am – 2 pm : J&J Pony Rides – near It’s A Small World/Kids section

11:30 am – 12 pm : Opening Ceremonies: National Anthem sung by Martine Bernard – A3D Drumming – Main Stage

12:pm – 1:15 pm : Hipshot (High Energy Horns) – Main Stage

1:15 pm – 1:35 pm : The Dragon Within (Karate Demonstration) – Near Main Stage

1:35 pm – 2 pm : Police K-9 Demonstration – Near Main Stage

2 pm – 3 pm : Julio Bare (Dominican/Caribbean) – Main Stage

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm : Peter Stewart (Children’s Music) – Near Main Stage

3:45 pm – 4 pm : Parade around the Commons, followed by a Mexican piñata party – It’s A Small World/Kids section – Near Main Stage

4 pm – 5:30 pm : Hills & Valleys Roots Reggae Band (Reggae) – Main Stage

5:30 pm – 6 pm : Closing Ceremonies – Main Stage

Music, dance, laughter, fellowship, fun for the entire family. And donations help people on the other side of the world as well as in Salem. How much more diverse can you get than that? For more info, call 978-306-3142 . (Salem CultureFest photos by Angel Green)

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