53rd Annual Salem Heritage Days Begins August 1st

From Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: 2014 Heritage Days Schedule

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

53rd Annual Salem Heritage Days Begins August 1st

Salem, MA – Mayor Kim Driscoll today announced this year’s Heritage Days schedule of events, which begin on Friday, August 1^st and continue through Sunday, August 10^th. 

“Heritage Days has been a long standing tradition in Salem and this year we have ten days of fun-filled events,” said Mayor Driscoll. “With almost forty 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.”

To put everyone in a festive mood, this year’s Heritage Days kick-off event is a concert on the Common with music by the Civil Disturbance Jazz Band. This local area band will play a selection of jazz and show tunes. The concert is sponsored by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association. 

Also new for the first weekend of Heritage Days is the Bridgin G.A.P.S. concert at the Salem Willows. The goal of Bridgin G.A.P.S is to provide a festive, entertaining, and educational platform for the local community to gather and celebrate in a safe and positive environment while connecting with community resources. Performances range from local and non-local recording artists, live bands, dance groups, poets, and other performance styles along with guest speakers from various non-profit and charitable organizations.

All of the favorites are also packed into the schedule: join Mayor Driscoll on a tour of three of Salem's hot dining spots during the Mayor's Night Out Restaurant Sampler; Tour-A-Truck; Salem’s Best Pizza Contest; the Salem Community Concert Band; the Ice Scream Bowl; Kids Night on the Common; the Essex Street Fair; and the 13^th Annual Phillips House Antique Car Meet are just a few of the events back for this year’s Heritage Days.

During Heritage Week there are also four activities just for Salem Seniors: an ice cream social, a barbecue, a wellness fair, and a dinner dance.

Also, just for Salem residents, there are many free admissions to our local museums and attractions, such as the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Trolley, the Witch House, and Pioneer Village, and the Salem Ferry will offer a 20% discount plus $5 off a ferry ride. Another new special Salem resident event being hosted by the Salem YMCA is the ‘Forest River Pool Red, White and Blue Blowout’: it’s July 4^th in August at the Forest River Pool. Wear your red, white and blue to the Forest River Pool on August 6^th from 6pm to 8pm and participate in themed games and activities.

As part of the celebration, the City of Salem will double the merchant one-hour validation stamps at both garages, so spend a little bit longer enjoying downtown (some restrictions do apply).

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS