Category Archives: costumes

November 29, 2018

Halloween 2018 (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2018

Location: Downtown Salem, MA

Another year and another Halloween in Salem, MA, in the books. Although I’ve loved s

As always, the families that dress up and visit Salem are my favorite. I love how they all get into the spirit of the day.

The girl to the right dressed as a lady bug in the photo below is holding my card. I can’t think of a better advertisement.

There were also some famous people in Salem for the big day!

One thing that never ceases to amaze me are the creativity people use while designing their costumes.

You’re not seeing double. These two sets of Sanders sisters dropped by for a group photo. Seeing that the theme of this year’s Haunted Happenings was the movie Hocus Pocus (some of the scenes for this film were filmed in Salem and the nearby area) it was appropriate.

Rapunzel let her hair down. Literally.

I’ve always thought there were two Halloween celebrations in Salem. The day time celebration, which tends to be more family friendly and the night time celebration which has a more edgier and festive atmosphere. Also, the costumes and props often have lights that illuminate the Halloween night.

As usual, I saw many dogs in Salem on Halloween.

Rocky is a 5 year old pit bull mix. His coat, one that I see very often on pit bulls, is called a Brindle.

Cannoli is a 7 year old German Shepherd.

Until next year, or next week, Salem.

Below is a short video from Salem during Halloween

11 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

October 31, 2018

Dark Arts (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Exhibit: Oct. 5-Nov. 4, 2018 (photos taken Oct. 13)

Location: Salem Arts Association, The Bridge at 211: 211 Bridge Street, Salem MA

Cost: Free, donations are appreciated

Hours:

Only open during the weekends
November / December hours 12:00 – 5:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays

Parking: plentiful after Halloween. Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation during Halloween.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: Dark Arts At Salem Arts Association

Salem Arts Association

Highlights: art with a “dark theme”

First, let me wish you all a very Happy Halloween! To celebrate this special day I thought I would post photos from my recent visit to the “Dark Art” exhibit in, where else, Salem, MA.

Halloween meets art at the aptly named, “Dark Arts” exhibit at the Salem Arts Association building in Salem, MA.

Several artists, chiefly from Salem and other North Shore (the coastal area between Boston and New Hampshire) have their work displayed at the Salem Arts Association 211 Building.

The Salem Arts Association building is tucked away off Bridge St. So you do have to keep your eyes open for it if you’re passing by. In fact, I missed it a few times myself before I found the walkway located on the opposite side of the MBTA station.

The works of art vary widely from photographs, watercolors and mixed media among other types of art. I have not posted them on any order other than the order they were posted in the building.

If you haven’t seen these treasures, you have until Sunday, November 4 to see them! You can find the hours and directions to the Salem Arts Association in the details above.

At the time that I took these photographs all of the works of art were for sale if you’re interested.

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Daniel Breslin of Salem, MA, earned second place with his work III. He used encaustic media (a hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added) and objects on wood to make this art.

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Katherine Miura used oil to paint Ugly Jack.

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Copper Beech is a pastel painting by Janet Schwartz, originally from Westborough, MA.

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Steve Negron, of Lynn, MA, used acrylic to make “Lupe No Longer Enjoyed Hector’s Undivided Attention.”

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RIP Maybe is a digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar.

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Zenovia Limberakis made Sanctified Ouija Board II. It is an assemblage.

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Daniel Bresin made Electrux Rectifier (Beast) from encaustic and objects on wood.

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Struck A Nerve is an encaustic and mixed media work made by Rebecca deVries.

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Rebecca also made Metamorphosis out of encaustic and mixed media materials.

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You’re Future Told is a paper and wood work of art by Cynthia Mikula Smiszek.

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From left to right are Paul, Merry and Peter. They are all mixed media works of art by Lisa Folger. This work won an Honorable Mention recognition.

Raven Skullis a piece of jewelry by Kiki Taron Kinney.

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Silent Vigil is a painting by Michelle Briggs.
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Barry Spatz won Honorable Mention for his graphite pencil drawing called Salem Nocturne.

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This photograph of the famous Laurie Cabot was taken by another famous person, David La Chapelle

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Brian Best won an Honorable Mention for his work American Ghoul Doll out of mixed media.

Halloween Junque Journal is a work of paper by Cynthia Mikula Smiszek. Cynthia won first place for this piece.

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The Treasure Of A Mind is a found assemblage by Martha Bergeron.

Robert Kolsky made Gothic Sailboat out of mixed media.

Frank Nagorka used mixed media and assemblage to make Marie Antoinette Barbie. Frank is originally from Westfield, MA, and currently resides in Lynn, MA.

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The multi talented Lee Ann Rubin created Aftermath out of acrylic and latex on wood.

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Maris Prost created Pyramid out of mixed media.

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Sunrise Shadows is a photograph by Peter Grimshaw.

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The Warning is an acrylic painting by Emily Kwong.

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Emily also painted this watercolor painting, These Violent Delights.

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Jack Walsh of Salem, MA, made October Moon out of glass.

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Lee Ann Rubin also made this acrylic painting called They Come When I Call.

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Sacred Tools III is an acrylic painting by Heather Meri Stewart.

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This tribute to the accused Salem witch Sarah Good who was hanged in 1692 is a pastel painting called You Deserved Better by Janet Schwartz. Janet placed third with this work of art.

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Another work by Lee Ann Rubin, Everybody Wants To Rule The World is an acrylic painting.

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Robert Kolsky’s Dark Art is an acrylic painting.

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Closer To God is a mixed media and assemblage work of art by deVries.

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Nightmare is an acrylic painting by Maria Prost.

Mandragora officinalis (diptych) is an acrylic painting by Heather Meri Stewart.

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Dale Lewinski made this print called “Chakra Tree.

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This digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar is called Night Lights.

Welcome Great Pumpkin is a digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar.

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Pat Chase made this encaustic work called Dark Beauties.

Karen Hosking won an Honorable Mention recognition for her photograph Midnight At The Gazebo.

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The Green Door is a mixed media work of art by Mary Taddie.

Heather Meri Stewart made this acrylic painting called Monsanto.

Celtic Cats is a pen and ink work of art by Sheila Farren Billings.

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Emily Kwong made this watercolor painting called I Had A Dream You Were King In Another Life.

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Wendy Snow-Lang made this work of art Salem’s Black Cat And His Little Red Friend from prismacolor pencil.

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Chris J Lang made the Gourd Goblin out of mixed media on wood.

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Burial Hill is a photograph by James Bostick.

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Death is another photograph by James Bostick.

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Memento Mori For Edgar Allen Poe (sic) is another photograph by James Bostick.

IMG_0784-2 Splitting Headache is a mixed media work of art by Erin Survalis.

Which work of art is your favorite? I loved them all. But, I voted for The Gourd Goblin. I loved the color scheme and the theme of the work.

I did it again. After vowing to not take too many photos of the costumed visitors in Salem this year, well, that promise lasted about half an hour. There were just too many cool costumes this year in Salem.

Rather than posting all of the people in their creative and amazing Halloween costumes in one blog post, I am going to try to post a few of them at the end of my Halloween themed posts. This means you may have some Halloween themes “left over” posts into November. I will also probably have to post one with all of the costumed visitors in one post as well. There are just too many to post in one blog post. Here are a few of the more cool costumes I have seen in my visits to Salem this month. And a few dogs too, of course.

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Alvinnn! And the rest of the chipmunks made it out to Salem. Look at those tails!

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What a super cute family!

He didn’t talk much. But she said it was okay to take their photo.

Another great looking couple. I hear he can be a real pain in the neck, though.

Another cute family!

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Brandon The Shape Shifter always comes up with such cool costumes on Halloween. I can’t wait to see what he wears today!

While I was looking for cool stuff to photograph, I saw a bunch of police and other law enforcement teams with their dogs. Claude, a 5 year old Black Lab really stood out to me.

Look at those big brown eyes on Millie, a 5 year old Chihuahua!

I will be posting many more photos of Salem during the Halloween season in the upcoming week or weeks. I hope you all read along!

Just a reminder that you can follow me @new.england.nomad_ on Instagram and New England Nomad on Facebook.

16 Comments | tags: art, costumes, Dark Art, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, Salem Arts Association | posted in art, costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 12, 2018

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade 2018 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 4, 2018 (held annually the first Wed of October)

Location: Downtown Salem (Congress St, Derby St, Essex St)

Highlights: marching bands, costumed marchers, floats, exhibits

It’s that time of the year again in Salem, MA. Ghosts, goblins and traffic have begun inundating the streets and walkways of Salem for the Halloween season.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce kicked off the Halloween season with their 23rd annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade.

Decorated vehicles and costumed marchers lined the streets of downtown Salem.

The Salem Marines JROTC and Irish American Association of Police Officers and other men and women also marched. Some of them even gave candy to the spectators.

The theme of this year’s parade was Hocus Pocus, the film starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the film which features several Salem landmarks in the film such as the Old Town House which I have photographed in the past.

Or, from the more prominent side in the film, the front side of the building. The building doesn’t usually have words written in chalk on it usually. There are poems in chalk written on this building in this particular photo because I took the photo during a poetry festival in which visitors could either write their own poems or other famous poem in chalk on the building or on the street.

Keeping with this theme, there were lots of people dressed up as the Sanderson sisters. It is a very common costume theme in Salem each year, likely because of the connection to the filming sights from Salem in the movie. In the second photo, Mary Sanderson couldn’t make it to Salem, so they had a stand in for her.

Even the spectators were dressed up for the event.

Not to be outdone by the humans, there were also dogs dressed up at the parade.

This king is Buster, a 7 year old Yorkie.

Ginger is an 11 month old butterfly, I mean Goldendoodle. Or is she a Goldenfly or butterdoodle?

I saw Roy, a 7 year old German Shepherd, while I was walking to the parade. He is posing in front of a cool classic car in front of the Peabody Essex Museum.

I’m not sure why this sweet ride was parked there since Essex St is usually closed to vehicles during the Halloween festivities. But, a good bet is that the mistress of the dark, Elvira, drove to the museum in that car as she was the special guest at the museum that day. If only I could be in two places at once.

Due to the low light environment (the parade began shortly after 6 p.m. EST) and the various characters to show, it was a little easier to video parts of the parade. Unfortunately, YouTube failed to upload the last part of the parade that I had videotaped. Below are the three videos I took from the parade.

8 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Halloween, Haunted Happenings, Massachusetts, New England, parade, Salem | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, parade, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 6, 2017

The Devils Chase 6.66 Mile Run (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 28, 2017 (annually, the last weekend of October)

Location: Fort Point St, Salem, MA

Highlights: over 1,000 costumed runners competing in a 6.66 mile race

With the appropriate “Run Like Hell” tagline, the annual 6.66 mile race spooked up a wide variety of creepy racers.

Keeping with the Halloween theme, most of the runners dressed in their favorite Halloween-themed garb.

Over 1,200 runners, many in costumes, participated in the race. Runners came from all over New England, New York region and even points farther. The competitors had the option of running the 6.66 mile (roughly 10.7 k) race or the shorter 3.33 mile race (roughly 5.4 K) course.

A fog machine gave the finish line a eerie look and a d.j. from a local radio station kept the spectators entertained. The finish line had some interesting items hanging from it. The spectators came dressed up for the event as well.

Don’t let the kids in the last two photos fool you. They ran in the kids race and they are fast!

In fact, even though there weren’t as many kids running as there were in the adults and teens race and their race was shorter, I think I enjoyed watching them all cross the finish line and celebrate.

There were some competitive runners (the winner ran the 6.66 mile course at a 5:46 per mile average clip) and some who ran for fun and to challenge themselves. Every runner received a well deserved “participation medal” when they finished the race.

I love the different expressions on the faces of the runners. Some are determined. Others are laughing and waving. But, they all had a fun or a rewarding experience. I still can’t believe how hard it must have been to run the race in some of those costumes and still keep a smile on your face.

Some people ran with their dogs. Others ran with their strollers in tow.

Watching all of the competitors pushing themselves or just enjoying their run with their friends (that is something I never understood – I never really ever enjoyed any of my runs) in the mild October air, made my competitive juices flow and made me miss my competitive running days. You know, before I picked up a camera. But, after seeing everyone have so much fun during this run, I may have to try this race next year!

Rafa, a 1 year old Belgian Malinois, stopped by to watch the runners.

Below is a video of some of the runners.

4 Comments | tags: Devils Chase 6.66 Miler, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, race, Salem | posted in costumes, Devils Chase 6.66 Miler, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 3, 2017

Halloween In Salem – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

There’s no better place to be on Halloween than Salem, MA. You might think I don’t have any second thoughts about the celebrations that celebrate a dark time in our history. However, I have a different take on it.

I do actually have some mixed feelings about it, though, given the history of the witch trials in Salem so many years ago. It’s a quaint, pretty seaside city with a rich history and things to do all year round that transforms into a party town for 31 days.

But, I love the city for so many more reasons than just the pageantry and fun of their Halloween celebrations although I do find some of the novelty items to be a bit distasteful.

My take on the whole commercialization and atmosphere of the season, though, is that we have taken a dark time and, despite that awful time, we’ve been able to turn a negative mark on the city into a time of fun and revelry. I do think it’s important to remember the tragedy. But I am also glad people are able to have fun and bring commerce and happy times to the area.

I thought I would begin this photo blog of my day in Salem with some couples and friends who have dressed up as a duo.

I think it’s funny how people walk by these, at times, bizarre outfits and act like it’s just another October day in Salem. Definitely nothing out of the ordinary to see here.

I am always surprised by the creativity of the costumed visitors in Salem. The “Cereal Killer” gave me a good chuckle. And the Joker below was the best version of him I saw during my visits, not just because of his look but his personality and the way he acted like him.

One of the more popular things to do in Salem, especially on Halloween, is have a psychic reading. Each year, psychics flock to Salem to offer their services at the Psychic Fair. There are also psychics who give readings all year round.

The past few years I have arrived in Salem early in the morning on Halloween so that I can see as many people in their costumes as I possibly can. And, this year, it paid off. I saw these cute little trick or treaters walking through Essex St. I think they trick or treat at some of the local businesses in the area.

And, yes, there were plenty of dogs in Salem for Halloween.

Alfie is a 1 year old Schnauzer mix.

Luna (on the left) is a 3 year old rescue Terrier mix. On the right is Dobby, a 4 year old Golden Doodle.

Adele, dressed up as Beetlejuice, is a 10 month old Great Pyrenees.

Omid, Persian for “hope”, is a German Shepherd rescue from Iran. Omid was abused while he was in Iran and, after being hit by a car, he was left for dead. But, a man saved her and brought him to a shelter. Eventually, Omid was adopted by a family in the United States. Omid is an inspirational example of how we should never give up and how things can change for the better, even in the darkest of times. You can read more about him and like him on his Facebook Page.

You can also learn more about his story and see videos of him as a pup at the following YouTube videos:

Omid Video 1

Omid Video 2

These cuties got to see Salem in comfort and style.

Thank you for stopping by and reading Part I of my photos of my day in Salem. I may have to post 3 parts to include all of the photos from my trip. Stay tuned for part II!

Please check out my Facebook page here.

6 Comments | tags: costume, dogs, family friendly, fun, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, scary | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 1, 2017

Halloween Costumes – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

With the record breaking crowds this Halloween season there were so many opportunities to photograph some really cool costumes.

I always go to Salem with the same thought. “Less is more.” I try to focus on the best of the best costumes. The problem is that so many costumes are great for different reasons. A simpler, basic costume could be much more interesting and funny than an elaborate costume. And, even if you were to focus on only the elaborate costumes, well, they are around every corner as well. So, I d photograph a lot of people. But, I also think everyone I photograph is “photo worthy!”

This post may have a little more gory costumes than I usually post. There’s nothing too bloody and I kind of feel weird mentioning it. But, I also understand some people might not be into that thing. I have grouped the photos into categories. So, you can skip the “creepy” group if you’re not into that. After all, I don’t want anyone to have nightmares later.

Once again, out of all of the costumes that impressed me, I think the couples and friends who dressed up together are some of the best. It’s great to see people get into the spirit of the season.

This Nightmare Before Christmas couple posed with their beautiful dog, Bruiser, a 5 year old boxer.

These couples, families and friends did a great job with their costumes. The funny thing is I have seen some of these people in my previous visits to Salem through the years. I am pretty sure the “Three Blind Mice” in the bottom row visit Salem on Halloween yearly. I love that they take so much interest and passion for celebrating Halloween!

This guy is another regular in Salem during my visits here. he definitely comes up with the coolest costumes. Spolier alert: his costume for Halloween was just as, if not more, amazing.

Clowns and other creepy costumes have also been popular this Halloween.

My favorite costumes, though, are the fun ones.

It’s definitely not an election year. I only saw one person dressed up as a politician and this person is not even in office anymore. He also took up smoking.

Costumes of the witches from the movie Hocus Pocus are a popular costume choice which makes sense since some of the scenes from that movie were filmed in Salem.

As Halloween drew to a end, it was only appropriate for Mr and Mrs. Clause to make an appearance since that is all we are going to hear about for the next few months.

These beautiful dogs are Calvin Ruckus, a 5 year old Australian Cattle dog (blue heeler) is on the left and Bean (or Corbin), a 5 year old Australian Cattle dog (red heeler) is the happy fella on the right. You can follow them at calvin_n_bean.

This brave cat Oliver (5 years old) and his friend Hedy Lamarr (named after the Austrian/American actress and inventor), a 5 year old Chihuahua Weimaraner, took to the streets of Salem. Oliver has similar marking as my cat, Bailey and she probably would have hid in the back of the carriage like Oliver did.

I know Halloween is technically over. But, I’m going to extend the Halloween theme on my blog for a little while longer. Stay tuned for my Halloween related posts coming soon. I spent pretty much all day in the city on Halloween and I have lots of Halloween goodness to share with everyone! I also have a few other extra surprises coming up.

Please check out my Facebook page and consider liking it. Thank you to everyone reading and a big thank you to everyone who stopped to pose for these photos!

11 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, fun, Halloween, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, scary | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 31, 2017

Halloween Costumes – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visits: Throughout October

Location: Salem, MA

What would blog posts about Salem during Halloween be without photos of people in costumes? I had been holding off on posting my photos of people in their costumes until the end of the month. So, I have plenty of photos to show and I may take a few more tomorrow.

These are always my favorite posts of the Halloween season. The creativity and care people put into their costumes is very impressive. Plus, the cuteness factor was on 100 in the photos of the families in costume.

There are so many people that dress up in some really cool costumes. So, I will have to break it up into multiple parts. I will try to post every day this week so I can include them all in my posts this week.

In this first installment, I am going to begin with the performers and people who are regulars in Salem during this time of the year and a few other visitors in costume.

Along Essex St, a pedestrian walkway that is shut off to traffic during the Halloween celebrations, there are a number of people who dress up and pose for photos with visitors (donations are appreciated). Some of the characters that are represented on Essex St are the Addams Family (Pugsley couldn’t make it this year). I didn’t notice it until now but it looks like they even got “Thing” in the photo.

Frankenstein also has a rather elaborate display.

There’s this scary werewolf. I thought I saw a woman in a red hood here a second ago. Oh well.

Spider-Man helped this little girl shoot a web!

This is what I love so much about Salem this time of the year and the performers. They have so much personality (even the quiet ones like Mike Myers)

Speaking of Mike…here he is.

And of course Pennywise. Written on his tip jar is, “Tips to help find George Appreciated.” Good to know my money went to something worthwhile.

There were other famous characters who made special appearances during my visits.

The entire cast of the Nightmare Before Christmas somehow all made it there together.

There are several other performers who don’t have a name or aren’t emulating a famous character (at least not that I know of). But they are still pretty scary!

Witch costumes are also very popular in Salem.

Not all of the costumes people wear in Salem are scary of shocking though. Some are down right cute. It’s great seeing families get into the spirit of the Halloween season!

There were also lots of couples, or friends (I’m not judging or assuming here) who dressed up for their trip to Salem. There were so many cute, spooky and fun couples!

Dogs have a great time in Salem too!

Maggie is an 8 month old German, Short Haired Pointer,

Stayed Tuned For Part II and Happy Halloween!

3 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in costumes, dog, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 21, 2017

Howl-O-Ween 2017 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 8, 2017 (usually the second Sunday in October each year)

Location: Derby Square, Salem, MA

Highlights: dogs and other pets dressed in costumes

Salem went to the dogs earlier this month with the 2017 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.

In the midst of costumed humans, out-of-towners and frazzled merchants, it’s refreshing to see dogs get into the spirit of the season!

The annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade was held earlier this month to let pets and their parents showcase their costumes. In the past, there used to be winners selected. I stayed until the end and I did not see a vote or any awards presented(hence the name “pet parade” and not “contest”). I think it is good, though, since they are all winners to me.

So, without further delay, the dogs of Salem…

Maverick, a 5 month old Black Shepherd, was dressed as a cute little pumpkin.

This cute little bumble bee is Louie, a 6 year old Gordon Setter.

Calling Dr. Wolf…Zirka (Ukranian for “Star”) is a Sheltie with German Shepherd and other breeds. He told me to take two bones and call him in the morning.

Cheers to Raglan, a 7 year old Berne Doodle (Burmese Doodle mix). Bottom’s Up, Raglan!

Oliver (“Oliversauarus”) is a bit of a celebrity. You can find his Instagram page here. He is part Great Dane, part Great Pyrenees, part Labrador, American Staffordshire Terrier. Or, as his mom calls him, a “super mutt.”

Nora, the mummy is a 7 year old chihuahua.

Bismarck, a 10 month old Shepherd, arrested me with his beauty.

Clara The Witch is a 1 year old Morkie.

Freyja the Rabbit is a 7 month old Australian Shepherd.

Shiver my timbers! Tink The Pirate (a rescue dog) is a 2 year old Pointer/Lab mix. Kudos to Tink’s mom who made the costume just before the pet parade!

Seamus The Shark is an 11 year old Black Lab.

Diesel The Lion is a 2 and a half year old French Bulldog.

Lulu, dressed as a caterpillar, is a 1 and a half year old French Bulldog.

Belle is a 10 and a half year old Boxer/Greyhound/Butterfly mix.

Finn (from the show (Adventure Time) is a 1 year old Beagle.

Princess Evy is a 6 month old Newfie.

Keeping with the royalty theme, Prince Cain is a 1 year old Pitt bull.

Sparky, a 2 year old Pomeranian mix made a special delivery at the parade.

Ben the Pumpkin is a 14 year old Yorkie.

Jett (get it…Bennie and the Jetts) is a 4 year old Yorkie.

Murphy the Dinosaur is a 3 year old Beagle.

Blue and Lucy are 9 year old Pomeranians.

Herbert, 6, (in the front of the truck) and Ruby, 14 (In the back of the truck) are Japanese Chins.

Opie is a one and a half year old Mini Daschund.

Lana is a 1 year old Beagle mix.

Thor (on the left is an 11 year old York Terrier. Oreo, (On the right) is a 13 year old Pekingnese.

Riley (on the left), a 15 year old Poodle, was dressed as Bert.

Simon (on the right) , a 7 year old Poodle mix, was dressed as Ernie.

You can see the heads and shirts of them in the first photo.

Dogs weren’t the only pets who came to the pet parade.

Scout is a 5 month old domesticated bat. I mean cat.

Bagheera The Bengal looked cool and chill, even if there were dogs all over. You can find Bagheera’s website here.

And his Instagram account here.

And there was this really big cat!

As the event wore on, the pets that showed up became more and more unusual.

Meet Strider the Lizard!

Below is a video of the pet parade.

Stay Tuned for more fun in Salem!

Please stop by my Facebook page to see additional photos and videos I didn’t post on my blog! Thank you!

15 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in costumes, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 31, 2016

Pumpkin Decorating Festival (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 29, 2016

Location: Salem Commons, Washington Square North, Salem, MA

Hours: They lock up the cart the pumpkins are stored in each night so they are not accessible to be viewed until around 9 or 10 a.m. and they lock them up in the evening.

Parking: Parking is available in the two main parking garages in Salem or you can try your luck with on or off street parking. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced this time of the year. It’s $20 a day to park in most garages and lots no matter how long you stay.

Cost: Free

Dog Friendly:Yes

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: pumpkins decorated by children in various age groups

What would Halloween be without pumpkins? You do not have to worry about if you visit Salem, MA. Pumpkins are everywhere; in front of businesses, on people’s porches and in a little cart in Salem Commons.

The pumpkins, which were decorated earlier in October, have been on display in Salem Commons during the entire Halloween season as part of the Haunted Happenings festival in Salem.

The pumpkins, arranged by age group, range from the humorous to the (sort of) scary. I especially like the elephant pumpkin.

Salem Commons also has a variety of food trucks, amusement rides for children and Halloween decor. In fact, it may get overlooked with so many other things going on in the city.

During my stay in Salem, I saw lots of costumed beings, both human and pet.

Grayson, a Yorkie who will be 3 in December, was the bomb in his Galaxy Samsung Note 7 costume. If you want to see more of Grayson, and you really should, you can connect with him on Instagram @GRAYSON_THE_YORKIE (GRAYSON_THE_YORKIE)

I saw Grayson later that day on Essex in a different costume.

Ginny, a 6 year old Siberian Husky, looked like an angel with her wings on.

The K-9 police dog of the Salem Police Department below is Perky. I love the look of complete attention to his partner in his eyes.

The humans who dressed up for the day wore even more interesting costumes than their canine counterparts.

While I think some of the costumes may be self-explanatory or from sources I am not aware of, I will do my best to describe the costumes. Feel free to correct me or add to these descriptions in the comment field if there’s a costume I cannot identify.

first row (left to right): zombie, night of the living dead zombie, more zombies – pirate zombies maybe, Kramer

second row (left to right): colonial-era guitarist, pirates

third row (left to right) Jawa, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, zombie, wolf and little red riding hood

fourth row: man dressed as woman, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle….I almost said it three times with Lydia (although I think she looks more Alice In Wonderland)

fifth row (left to right): headless horse person (I think it was a woman in the costume), not sure but it was a very cool costume

sixth row: “Alex” (from “A Clockwork Orange”), “Frank” from “Donnie Darko”, “Frankenstein” and I’m not sure about the last one (possibly Rusty Jones, Brawny, Grizzly Adams, OK now I know I’m dating myself here…)

And, yes, I have even more (many more) costumed people and animals to show you in future posts! Happy Halloween!

Here is a video of the decorated pumpkins:

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October 12, 2016

2016 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 2, 2016 (it is usually held every year during the first Sunday in October)

Location: 32 Derby Square (off Essex St), Salem, MA

Cost: Free (there may have been a registration fee if your pet participated in the event)

Hours: October 2, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Parking: Serby Square and the surrounding area are pedestrian friendly, walking areas. cars are not allowed in this area. You need to park in a garage or find off street parking. There are two main parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St within walking distance and there is metered off street parking.

Highlights: pets…in costumes!

Web Site: 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

Just when you thought Halloween couldn’t be any more fun, Salem Main Streets, working with a variety of local businesses and organizations, held the 2nd annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.

The first pet parade was such a success they moved it from Artists’ Row to Derby Square. Having attended the first Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, I think this was a good call. The other venue was too narrow and there didn’t seem to be enoug room for everyone to roam freely. Derby Square had more room but it also became crowded as well. Everyone loves a pet parade I guess.

There were a variety of dogs in a variety of costumes.

The group of dogs pictured above were, of course, The Scarecrow, Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man. They also brought a yellow brick road which the Scarecrow and Dorothy are sitting on.

Here are some of my favorite dogs and their costumes from the day.

The force was with this 4 month old Lab who was dressed as Bark Vader.

Aye Matey! Lady is a 10 year old Chihuahua.

As if she wasn’t cute enough already, Alexsei, an 8 year old Jack Russell Terrier, was dressed as a koala.

I’ve heard of dogfish sharks but this takes the cake. Willie, a 5 year old mutt, is a rescue.

Samie is a 6 year old Greyhound.

Blitzen, dressed as a purple monster, is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois (pronounced “mal-in-wah”). Yes, he’s 1 year old!

Mickey, I mean Riley, is a 2 year old Lab mix. I dare you to say “No” to that face.

Here comes the bride Persephone (the name of the daughter of Zeus), a 10 year old Golden Doodle.

Daisy the Lobster is a 2 and a half year old dog. Her mom isn’t sure of her breed. She is a rescue from Puerto Rico.

There were so many cute dogs at the pet parade. I was unable to get all of their names and breeds but I was able to photograph a lot of them.

There were actually a few very brave cats dressed as Dr Seuss characters at the parade.

The SalemSaurus T Rex also showed up with his own dog.

Even if they weren’t dressed in a costume, they were still cute. Lucy, a 14 year old Chow and Golden mix, just came by to hang out and watch the other dogs.