Category Archives: Halloween

November 12, 2018

Jerry’s Fright Fairs (Witch City Consignment, Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Events: October 13 and 28, 2018

Location: Witch City Consignment, 302 Essex St, Salem, MA

Highlights: art, memorabilia and other horror related items for sale

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The Witch City Consignment shop had two fairs: Freaks, Antiques And Uniques which was held October 13 and 14 and Jerry’s Fright Fairs which were held the last two weekends of the month.

The “boo-tique” specialized in art, dolls and masks among other types of horror related products.  There were two levels of vendors with dozens of artists at the shop.

Toni Gangi’s The Monkey Biz specializes in art with a twist.

Move over American Girl, Kat sells cute little dolls at Kats Creepy Creations.

There was lots of art by a variety of artists at the fair.

Oneail FX sells masks and effects for all of your Halloween needs.

The Witch City Consignment store also sold their own wares.  Everything from figurines and old magazines to holiday decorations (with a heavy emphasis on Halloween decorations of course).

The shop featured not only horror themed products.  There were also artifacts of a bygone era.

Sometimes you come across items that peak your interest, even if you wouldn’t want to buy them for your own use.  I always find things like these old photos to be so interesting.  I wonder where are these people now?  What were they really like and what is their story?

I had to take a close up of this Halloween decoration since my we had the very same decoration while I was growing up.  I wonder if it’s the same one.  It’s wonderful to think of how one random decoration can make you flush with nostalgia.

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Of course, during my visit to the fair there were lots of people and dogs in costume for Halloween.

Dogs were dressed up for the holiday as well!

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Sawyer, Super dog on the left, is an 11 year old Beagle.  Jack, dressed as Batman on the right, is a 10 year old Cavalier.

The appropriately named Lucifer is a 10 month old Siberian Husky.

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Astra is a 8 month old Samoyed.

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I met Faith, an 8 year old, Pitt Bull and American Bulldog mixed breed dog.

 

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, 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”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Robert Kolsky made Gothic Sailboat out of mixed media.

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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.

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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.

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Welcome Great Pumpkin is a digital photograph by Patricia Dunbar.

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Pat Chase made this encaustic work called Dark Beauties.

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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.

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Heather Meri Stewart made this acrylic painting called Monsanto.

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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_0784-2Splitting 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!

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

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

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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.

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

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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: , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 23, 2018

2018 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

By New England Nomad

pet Date Of Event: October 13, 2018

Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Derby Wharf, 160 Derby Street, Salem, MA

Highlights: dogs dressed in their “Howl-O-Ween” costumes

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Over 100 pets and their parents made their way to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Derby Wharf to show off their Halloween spirit!

The day started off rainy and a little raw.  But, after a half hour or so, the clouds began to diminish and the rain stopped and the weather was perfect for a pet parade.

Since there was such a large turnout, I was not able to get the names and breeds of all of the dogs.  But, I was able to get the names of the cute dogs below.

Tilda, a 14 year old Chihuahua from Salem, was dressed as Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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River is a dog from Boston.

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Eugene from Winthrop is the perfect Bat Dog!

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Look at those guns on Cooper from Malden, MA!

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Sweat Pea from Salem rocked an aviator’s costume.  Eat your heart out, Maverick.

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Oliver, the “Olliesaurus, is a (almost) 2 year old Great Pyrenees, Labrador, American Staffordshire mix.  You can find him on Instagram @ oliverbestdog

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It’s great to see pet parents get into the spirit of things and put on a costume as well. Maura Murphy, of Salem, MA, wore a flamingo costume while her puppy Cody wore a Jimmy Buffet costume.

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Sophia, a 1 and a half year old Australian Shepherd mix, and her dad dressed up as a rocket and astronaut.

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Teddy, in the box and his sibling, both from Chelmsford, MA, dressed up as Fenway Franks.

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Even though I was unable to get their names, I was able to photograph some of the other participants in the parade.  There were over 100 participants.  I did my best to photograph some of them and a few of their parents.

These two looked super!

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In a galaxy far, far away…on second thought it was in Salem, MA…

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They better “catch up” to that dog.

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Frankenstein brought his bride to the contest

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This dog is a natural Chewbacca look alike!

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I never knew Tom was such good friends with referees!

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Dogs weren’t the only pets at the pet parade.

Nova (on the left) is 2.5 years old.  Cosmo (the black rabbit on the right) is a 5 year old rabbit.  They are both Lionhead rabbits.  You can follow them on Instagram @boston_buns (be careful when you’re searching for that name!)

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Fuzzball is a 7 year old rabbit.

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Below is a video of the pet parade that went along Derby St, to the wharf and back to the park at the Maritime historical site.

15 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This king is Buster, a 7 year old Yorkie.

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

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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.

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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: , , , , , , , | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, parade, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 3, 2017

Halloween In Salem – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

Welcome to Part II of my photo blog post from my Halloween in Salem series.  If you want to view part I you can find it here.

There were so many amazing costumes from my visit to Salem on Halloween.  But, I have to say this was my favorite.

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What better day to get married than Halloween?  This couple got dressed up for their big day!  Congrats and best wishes to this lovely couple!

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During my day in Salem, the people continued to arrive in a variety of costumes from the cute to the scary to the down right bizarre.  But, it was Chucky that really put a scare into me.   He always scared the heck out of me!

Even though there were some duplicates in terms of the costumes (such as the Hocu Pocus costumes), they all had their own flair and style.

While it’s great photographing all of the people in their costumes during the daytime, things really get going during the evening.

Salem really does come alive at night during Halloween.  As people get out of work and begin to celebrate, the city comes to life.  Besides, Halloween really is best celebrated in the evening. Even the costumes seem to look cooler and more scary as the sun sets and the evening descends upon the city.

The city closes down many of the side streets at 4 p.m. and they close the garages from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. So, if you don’t leave by 7, you’re stuck there for a while!  It’s strange seeing the sity streets so desolate and walking down the usually busy streets.

There are bands that play well into the evening (the residents must love that) and the evening culminates with fireworks at 11:15.  I was long gone by then.

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So, it was another spooky and fun day full of surprises.  Until next year…maybe I’ll see you there then!

Lest I forget, there were so many beautiful dogs in Salem during Halloween.

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Freddy, a 7 year old Himalayan therapy dog, was tired from visiting patients earlier in the day.

Bubba is a 6 year old Mastiff and Doberman mix.

Romeo is a 14 week old Bernese Mountain dog.  He may look small now.  But, trust me, he’s not going to stay that size for long!

Galaxy is a 10 month old Pit Bull and American Bulldog mix

Bear is a 6 year old Siberian Husky and Border Collie mix.  His guardian said he is known as “The Dog Of Salem!”

Sophie is a 7 year old Black Russian Terrier.

Wilby is a 6 year old Sato dog from Puerto Rico.

 

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Halloween, 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.

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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.

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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: , , , , , , , , , , , | 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: , , , , , , , , , | 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.

 

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Frankenstein also has a rather elaborate display.

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

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Spider-Man helped this little girl shoot a web!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: , , , , , , , , | posted in costumes, dog, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 29, 2017

Halloween Decorations (Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Locations: Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA

Over the years, businesses and people have both embraced Halloween as being much more than just a day to pull pranks and dress up in crazy costumes.

Halloween has become a season rather than a day and there may be better place to experience the spirit of the Halloween season than in New England.

Below are just a few of the Halloween decorations I have seen in my travels in New England these past few weeks.

Every year during the Halloween season, the owner of this house on Derby St decorates his or her home.  The decorator also has a place to donate money to the Lion’s Club.

When I stopped by October 1st, there was only a few decorations up.

However, the next time I visited, the following week, there were a lot more decorations up.  This home is another staple of the Halloween season.  Frankly, it would feel weird walking past the home this time of the year without seeing the elaborate display.  The bugs really creep me out!

To see the display from last year, you can click on my blog post from last year.

There was a special visitor in the yard during my visit.  A neighbor was walking her cat in the yard.

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This house on Hawthorne Blvd always has some interesting decorations and nick knacks on it property.  This tree was decorated with a variety of bird feeders.

Many of the homes in Salem get into the Halloween spirit.  These are a few historic homes and private residences that were decorated for Halloween.

Many of the businesses in Salem decorate for the busiest season of the year.

Witch’s Brew Cafe (156 Derby St) decorates their windows each year with different popular horror characters.

Mercy Tavern (148 Derby St) also had some fun artwork on their windows.

Dave Engs Flowers ( 136 1/2 Derby St,) put some spooky statues on his building.

These customers at Rockafella’s (231 Essex St,) must have been waiting a very long time for a table.

Witch Tees ( 172 Essex Street Suite 127) had a very useful mirror.

The Purple Scorpion Body Piercing & Tattoo (140 Derby St) dressed up their shop for the holidays.

I am actually not sure if Fivehands Curiousity Shoppe dressed up their store storefront for the season or if it always looks like this.

So, contrary to some people’s opinion.  I am not a vampire.  The person that looked in the mirror before me, though!

You might expect people and businesses in Salem to decorate their homes and buildings.  But, Salem isn’t the only place people like to decorate.

Of course, it’s hard to pull over some places to take photos of decorations and it’s not usually worth it if you’re in a hurry.

But, I was able to pull over to the side of the ride on a quiet road in Kittery, Maine.

Cause nothing says “Happy Halloween” like creepy dolls that look like zombie children.

These creative “pumpkin people” were on display throughout Portsmouth, NH.I found these particular decorations on State St in Portsmouth.

At least they look very happy.

I also noticed this witch on a telephone pole in Salem, MA.  It’s one of my favorites but I think it’s up all year long.

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This lucky dog, Dolly, got carried around the mall!

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in decorations, Halloween, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, new hampshire, Salem, Uncategorized

October 28, 2017

Pumpkin Patch (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 21, 2017

Location: Salem Common, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Highlights: pumpkins decorated by kids in the Salem area

Tip:

  • The Pumpkin Patch will most likely be taken down this weekend

 

 

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When you ask people about the biggest attractions in Salem, especially this time of the year, you’re bound to hear responses like the Salem Witch Museum, the Essex Street Open Market and, of course, The House Of The Seven Gables.  Yet, sometimes it’s the little things that bring you the most joy.

I used to stop by this rather nondescript “pumpkin patch” for kicks to view the pumpkins decorated by students and children from the Salem area.

Now, it is more of a tradition.  A habit if you will.  What would Halloween be without this display?  I know one day it will not be set up and, while many people may not even notice, I’ll feel a twinge of disappointment.  But, for now, I’ll enjoy it while it’s still there.

Roughly 150 students participate in this annual contest.  The entries are sectioned off by grade or age level and winners are selected.  According to the news outlet Patch.com, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest is held every year and sponsored by the Salem Beautification Committee. Prize money is usually donated by Fiesta Shows.

It’s funny how some things that may seem inconsequential and even silly like this trailer full of pumpkins can have so much sentimental value to others.  It’s funny how little things can have so much meaning.

I thought these pumpkins looked pretty cool.

Do you have any favorites?

Of course, Salem is overflowing with dogs, particularly since we’ve had such a mild fall thus far.  Charley, a 4 year old T Cup Chihuahua, got into the spirit of the season with his bumble bee outfit.

He also had a toy that went with his outfit.

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4 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pumpkins, Salem, Uncategorized