Salem Merry-Time Festival (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: August 19, 2023

Location: Derby Wharf, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots in Salem (see below for specific parking information)

Parking in Salem

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Music, vintage cars, art and a cardboard regatta were some of the highlights of this family friendly annual event

Formerly known as the Salem Maritime Festival, the Salem Merry-Time Festival has been a staple of every summer in Salem since 1988. After a short respite, the festival has been reborn as the Salem Merry Time Festival. And a merry time was had by all attendees.

This was the first maritime festival in Salem since 2020.

Melodies emanated from the tent at the wharf as a variety of musicians and singers kept the crowds entertained.

Sweet Soul Sounds sang musical gems of or influenced by the Motown era.

Meanwhile, the Fo’c’sle Four Band sang sea shanties

There were also activities for children (or the young at heart). Children made works of art based on the fish, starfish and other sea life in the waters of Salem. These are better than what I could do!

The USS Friendship was available for tours. But since it is being renovated there weren’t many photo opportunities there. I did take a few photos of the famous figurehead and some rope inside of the ship which is fully covered now for said repairs and renovations.

But the highlight of the event was the first annual (we hope) “Great Salem Cardboard Boat Regatta.” The cardboard regatta consisted of 17 boats made of cardboard, tape and a few other accessories. The designs of the boats varied from those with Nordic themes to boats with local themes.

But all of the boats showed a lot of creativity and craftspersonship

A crowd gathered along the wharf as the rowers got ready.

This fan was able to root up close for her favorite racers!

And this young fan came to the regatta in some appropriate attire for the event!

The competition was fierce as the rowers took off for the race!

While many of the boats were able to keep together and be competitive during the race, others weren’t so lucky. But, despite the sinking sensation they must have been feeling, all of the participants seem to take it in good natured ways.

Trophies were given for fast and slowest times and other notable results.

After all that hard work put into making these water crafts, they met an unseeminly end!

The ship you may have seen in the background is the Kalmar Nyckel, a Swedish ship built by the Dutch. The ship is notable for carrying Swedish settlers to North America in 1638. This, of course, is not the original, though. This replica is usually docked in Wilmington, DE. The ship was available for tours. But, unfortunately, I was only able to take photos of the exterior during this visit.

There were also some vintage cars and visitors dressed in vintage wear!

Don’t forget to go to their Vintage Lawn Party Saturday, Sep. 16.

There was also an artist working on a maritime related piece of art.

The Merry Time Festival is a dog friendly event. Gus came to the event with his shark fin harness!

To cap off the regatta, one of the officials sang a few sea shanties!