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Heritage Days, Salem’s Own Live Variety Show

Contests, History, Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, Volunteer Opportunities No Responses »

Jul 302015

Blending the past, present and future, our Heritage Days celebration spans Aug. 1-9 with events featuring food, fun, and activities for all ages. There are nearly 40 different events throughout the festival, some on different days, some at the same time. You really do need to keep the URL of the Calendar of Events for Heritage Days bookmarked on your home computer, tablet or cell phone.

There is no better example to prove this point than the kick-off event: The 2015 Salem Maritime Festival will be held on the historic wharves at Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Saturday, August 1st from 10am – 4pm.

In its 27th year, the Salem Maritime Festival offers an exciting array of free family fun, including live music, free harbor cruises, craft demonstrations, costumed re-enactors and much more! Kids will enjoy a variety of fun activities including radio-controlled boats, a “Muck Walk” and touch tanks with their favorite marine critters.

A flotilla of visiting vessels including a U.S. Coast Guard 47′ Motor Life Boat, the Schooner Fame, the Schooner Ardelle and the motorized vessel Endeavor will all be participating in the festival. A fleet of kayaks from Salem Kayak will provide attendees with the opportunity to paddle and row Salem Harbor. Friendship of Salem, Salem’s own replica of a 1797 merchant vessel, will be open to the public and will offer a National Park Service Junior Ranger Program for children.

Free 90-minute harbor cruises aboard Fame, Ardelle and Endeavor will be offered throughout the afternoon by lottery. The cruises are scheduled for 12:00, 12:15, 12:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15pm.

Exhibitors and demonstrators at this year’s event include:
Salem Kayaks
Norumbega Canoe Club
USS Constitution & US Navy
Marlinspike Sailor of Marblehead
Musician Larry Young
R.P Raiseles Cooperage
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Marine Modelers Club of New England
Salem Sound Coastwatch
Historic New England
Cat Cove Marine Labs
Division of Marine Fisheries
U.S. Coast Guard & U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Peabody Essex Museum
House of the Seven Gables
Witch House / Corwin House
Salem Beautification Committee
Salem Zouaves
Shipwrecks of New England
And more…

Recall what we wrote at the outset, that at times during the Festival some events would be running concurrently? While the wharf area will witness all things maritime, farther down the road, the Salem Willows will play host to not one, not two, but three other events on Saturday!

A Bridgin G.A.P.S. concert will present performances ranging from local and non-local recording artists, live bands, dance groups, poets and others from noon until 6pm. The Bridgin G.A.P.S. goal is to provide a festive, entertaining and educational platform for the local community to gather and celebrate in a safe and positive environment.

At the same time you can attend The Firemen’s Muster at 12:30 pm where crews will compete to throw the longest stream of water with an antique hand pumped fire engine. Come and see a 19th century sport that is being kept alive in the 21st century by a bunch of historic preservationists who obviously like to get wet!

And Clown Day will be also be happening, Saturday 11am – 3pm where clowns will be on hand all day to make balloon figures for your children, do some creative face painting using your kids as the canvas and then give a special performance at 2:30pm.

As stated in the headline, the Heritage Days Festival is a variety show— and we only told you about the FIRST day. More in upcoming blogs, and don’t forget to bookmark the calendar URL.

By Day or Night, Hawthorne Hotel Shines; Celebrates 90th Year with Big Bash

History, Salem Event No Responses »

Jul 212015

“Salem would be a very different community without an asset like the Hawthorne,” responds Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director, Salem Main Streets when asked to describe the Hawthorne Hotel in 25 words or less. No doubt those words & feelings will be echoed a lot this Thursday evening when the Hotel celebrates 90 years of service with a party overflowing with live ragtime music (it was after all built in 1925) in the Grand Ballroom, professional dancers in period dress, free hors d’oeurves, raffle items, and more.

The public had been invited; reservations went quickly. It is sold out. But there is still a way to attend, which we will get to later.

In a Creative Salem post, Alyssa Grace AlKhowaiter for the Salem Historical Society recounted the history of the Hawthorne quite succinctly:

In 1923, Hygrade/Sylvania Lighting Company founder Frank Poor decided that Salem needed a high-end hotel to accommodate visiting businessmen. With support from the Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Poor helped create the Salem Hotel Company to sell stock in the creation of a new hotel. 230 volunteers recruited by the Company sold $750,000 in stock to over a thousand area residents and businessmen, while daily sales were posted on a billboard in Town House Square. A celebratory parade was held in Salem on July 21, 1925, and on July 23rd, the Hawthorne Hotel opened for business.

And the Hotel has never forgotten where it came from: the neighborhoods and people of Salem.

Kylie Sullivan points out, “The really phenomenal thing about the Hawthorne is that it’s more than just a hotel; it’s not just offering a service for our visitors. It’s an integral part of our community for local businesses and residents. It’s where we host fundraisers, celebrations, and board meetings. We hang around outside hoping to catch a glimpse of a new bride and groom, or check out the incredible costumes for the Halloween ball, or wait for Santa to descend from the roof. It’s always the first to offer a donation for an event, or a space for a festival, or a discount for locals during a snow emergency.”

In fact, a portion of the proceeds of the evening will go to benefit the Salem Education Foundation (limited edition commemorative items will be available for purchase, a cash bar will be on hand, and of course donations would be appreciated).

As for how you can see the festivities, no matter whether you are in the USA, Europe or anywhere else in the world, we are going to do another Periscope live streaming broadcast. Simply sign up for the free Periscope app for Android or iOS devices and follow @SalemAMB on Twitter for the automatic notification of the camera going live.

Otherwise, after the streaming ends, we will upload the URL to both the @SalemAMB and @SalemMainStreet Twitter accounts so you can watch it on any device connected to the Internet. (It will be available for 24 hours.)

Send your personal congratulations to the Hawthorne’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Happy Birthday Hawthorne Hotel. And, many, many more!

(Pictures courtesy of John Andrews of Social Palates Photography)

Weekend Culture Fest Draws Upon Diversity of Salem Area Talent

Contests, History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, Volunteer Opportunities, Workshops No Responses »

Jul 172015

CULTURE: The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group — The Oxford Dictionaries

If you want to not only see but experience those words being put into action, come to the Salem Common on July 18th and/or 19th for the 9th Annual Salem CultureFest!

This free admission festival invites, encourages and gives opportunity to the many cultures of the area (the Salem community alone has over 15 different cultures) to come together in celebration of their diversity and unity through drumming, dancing, crafts, art, food, and entertainment. Click here for the full schedule

Each year the Salem CultureFest, produced by A3D, Inc., a non-profit organization of musicians, volunteers, and activists, draws around 2,000 people from all over New England.

This year they will have one central location for stage performers by the Salem Common Gazebo, plus a family-friendly parade each day of the weekend. And, especially for the kids: moon bounce, face painting, pony rides, and more.

Festival organizers indicate that they will also have “over 50 vendors participating with wares ranging from framed art and photos, several types of jewelry, pottery, balloons, toys, carvings, candles, hand-loomed scarves, food, shirts, hats, and more. Most of what you will find at this festival is handmade, available directly from the artists who crafted them.”

Salem CultureFest proceeds support education & medical supplies in Senegal, West Africa; A3D has thus far raised over $30,000 to provide new sewing machines, desks, and computers to Senegalese women and school children. This year a special goal has been set to raise $3,000 to specifically address medical supply needs for early 2016.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Salem Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Come to the Salem Common and let your five senses each experience the diversity that the Salem CultureFest has to offer, 10am – 8pm on July 18th and 10am – 6 pm on July 18th.

Welcome to Salem MA, Home of Award-Winning Businesses & Events

Contests, History, New Businesses, Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Jul 082015

Another week, another set of votes by you the customers of North Shore businesses & events. You have spoken again; this week we present the Best of North Shore survey by North Shore Magazine which indicates we must be doing something right in Salem MA. Over 30 top awardees!

Scan down the alphabetical list (typed up by our own tireless Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets – TY Kylie!) to find your favorite dining choice, business or service. Perhaps you’ll see a place you’ve wanted to try but never have. Now’s as good a time as any! And congratulations to all the merchants & business owners, managers and staff!

62 Restaurant & Wine Bar – Best Italian – Editors’ Choice
Most Romantic – Reader’s Choice
Best Donut – Editors’ Choice

A&J King – Best Bakery, Bread – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice
Best Bake Shop, Pastry – Readers’ Choice

The Barking Cat – Best Pet Boutique – Editors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice

CinemaSalem – Best Movie Theater – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

The Cookie Monstah – Best Cookies – Editors’ Choice (tied) * Note – not Salem based, but a staple of the Salem Farmers’ Market

Finz Seafood & Grill – Best Seafood, Prepared – Editors’ Choice (tied)

Gulu-Gulu Café – Best Beer Menu – Readers’ Choice

Harbor Sweets – Best Confectionary – Readers’ Choice

Haunted Happenings (city-wide event) – Best Festival, Fall – Readers’ Choice

Hawthorne Hotel – Best Hotel – Readers’ Choice

Landry & Arcari – Best Rugs – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

Life Alive – Best Vegetarian – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

Mahi Mahi Harbor Cruises – Best Charter Boat – Readers’ Choice

Melita Fiore – Best Bake Shop, Pastry – Editors’ Choice (tied)

Mighty Aphrodite Maternity Consignment – Best Maternity Clothing – Editors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice

Milk and Honey – Best Gourmet – Honorable Mention

Mud Puddle Toys – Best Toy Shop – Editors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice

North Shore Boot Camp (at B&S Fitness) – Best Boot Camp – Editors’ Choice

Olde Main Street Pub – Best Pub Food – Editors’ Choice (tied)

Opus – Best Sushi – Editors’ Choice Best After-Work Drinks, Readers’ Choice

Passage to India – Best Indian – Readers’ Choice

Paxton – Best Barber Shop – Editors’ Choice

Peabody Essex Museum – Best Museum – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice Best Tourist Attraction – Readers’ Choice

Roost & Company – Best Home Décor – Readers’ Choice Best Gifts – Editors’ Choice (tied) AND Readers’ Choice

Rouge Cosmetics – Best Beauty Products – Readers’ Choice Best Makeup Selection – Editors’ Choice (tied) AND Readers’ Choice

Salem Willows – Best Family Hangout – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

Pack your appetite! Salem Willows Seafood Festival July 10-12 #MassInsider @VisitMA @NBCVB http://t.co/QbpVtV5Dlu pic.twitter.com/3EV00taYG0 — Destination Salem MA (@DestSalem) July 8, 2015

Salem’s So Sweet (joint event by Salem Main Streets/Salem Chamber of Commerce/Destination Salem) – Best Festival, Winter – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

Scratch Kitchen – Best BBQ – Editors’ Choice

Sea Level Oyster Bar – Best Seafood, Prepared – Editors’ Choice (tied)
Best Waterview Restaurant, Year-Round – Editors’ Choice

Tavern in the Square – Best Sports Bar – Readers’ Choice

Tri-City Sales – Best Kitchen Appliances – Readers’ Choice

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall – Best Seafood, Prepared – Editors’ Choice (tied) AND Readers’ Choice

The Ugly Mug Diner – Best Breakfast – Editors’ Choice (tied)
Best Brunch – Readers’ Choice

Witch City 5K (organized by Salem YMCA) – Best Community Walk/Run – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice

Ye Olde Pepper Companie – Best Confectionary – Editors’ Choice (tied)

Yoga Sakti – Best Yoga Studio – Editors’ AND Readers’ Choice
Best Yoga Apparel – Editors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice

Readers’ Choice Awards are those establishments who received the most votes through the open, online voting system. Editors’ Choices were selected by the North Shore magazine internal team and based on research / site visits. Voting was conducted February 1st through March 1st, 2015.

Changes This Year

While regional and national chains have been allowed in previous years to qualify as nominees, this year only local organizations and locally owned franchises were qualified to be nominees. Also, businesses with multiple locations were recognized by their specific location. For example, if a business had locations in Salem, Peabody, etc. then each location would have its own nomination process.

Patriotic Celebration of Fun & Games at Salem Athenaeum

History, Salem Event, Workshops No Responses »

Jul 012015

What does Red, White & Blue mean to you? Inspirational speeches from our Founding Fathers? Or something lighter like strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries? Or something in between? The Salem Athenaeum Night Owls invite you to an evening of lively conversation, party games and fun in celebration of all that is Red, White and Blue, July 3rd from 7:30 – 10:30 pm .

A party at The Salem Athenaeum? If your impression of the Athenaeum has been that it is only a historic library that lends, preserves and acquires collection of books and documents, or that its sole outreach is offering cultural and educational programs, then be prepared to be set free of that misconception by this next gathering of the Night Owls!

Carolyn McGuire, Athenaeum Marketing Coordinator explains, “Night Owls is a program we started last year. Each evening has had a different theme.”

On occasional First Fridays, the Night Owls convene with an open invitation to the general public to bring games to share, a topic to discuss, or to just show up and join the fun.

“Given the date of this event, the theme presented itself to me. This is our third time hosting Night Owls, and most people enjoyed the free-form format in contrast to our more traditional events (with a set program and start time). This is my first time hosting Night Owls—it was originally a member suggestion that was well received and continued to grow.”

For this pre-4th of July evening, you are invited to bring something specific to share: a Patriotic Song, a Radical Idea, your best Card Trick or favorite Party Game. Color-appropriate sweets or savories. Dress as you wish (if you’ve got a costume and are so inclined…)

One other thing to note, you may arrive and depart as you like.

Night Owls has always had an informal schedule. They do not want you to feel obliged to arrive at a certain time, and you are more than welcome to stay for the entire event if you so choose.

McGuire adds, “The Athenaeum’s mission is ‘To preserve and excite the literary and cultural passions of the North Shore.’ We’re a community of people with a wide variety of interests. This event is simply an entertaining evening guided by the creativity of the participants—an opportunity for us to share our interests, appreciate what each of us has to contribute.”

One other thing to note is that although the Night Owls will have a CD and MP3 player available, if someone has a musical instrument and wants to perform a song, you are encouraged to do so!

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 978-744-2540 or go to www.salemathenaeum.net . The Athenaeum is located at 337 Essex Street, Salem Ma.

(Athenaeum cover photo: Nightlife — Scott Booth Photo )

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