It’s official! Spooky season has come to Salem, MA!
To usher in the Halloween season, Salem, MA, recently held their 42nd Haunted Happenings Grand Parade! But, even before the parade began, there was plenty to photograph. The sun set just as the parade was getting underway providing some beautiful photo opportunities.
It wasn’t just the parade marchers who got dressed up for the event! These spectators were also dressed up!
A variety of aliens, dinosaurs, pirates and an assortment of other ghoulish characters marched or drove in the festive event!
The theme of the parade this year was “Our Time On Earth.” and some parade floats had decoration reflecting this theme.
Parade participants spend a lot of time and effort preparing their floats for the parade. Some of these floats and vehicles were weeks or months in the making. These vehicles and floats of all kinds, some with interesting passengers, were decorated for the event.
But, not all of the participants were in vehicles or floats. Some of the characters walked or used other modes of transportation to get around.
You may have noticed some Halloween pails in some of the photos. During the parade, some of the people marching in the parade would pass out candy or just give high fives!
As if all that wasn’t enough below is some video from the parade!
Location: Salem Commons , North Washington Square, Salem, MA (35 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Universally Accessible: Yes
Summary: Salem Commons transformed into the days of the 1920s for a very special event.
It was a swinging good time last weekend at Salem Commons.
For the past 6 years, the Salem community Neighborhood Association has hosted the Vintage Lawn Party. The party included dancing, antique cars, music and vendors selling all things vintage.
On my way to the event, I noticed this sky writer. Only in Salem!
While dressing up for the event is not required, it is encouraged and appreciated! Many people came dressed up in their best vintage wear! In fact, it seems like each year more guests decide to don their best attire. I used some special settings such as black and white and sepia to give some of the photos an old timey feel.
Annie and the Fur Traders kept the people dancing with their swinging sounds.
And, of course, there was dancing.
If dancing isn’t your thing, there were some cool cars to check out. In previous years, there was only one or two cars at the party. But, over time as word about the party spread, more and more cars began to show up. I love the curves, shape and sleekness of the cars.
This 1966 Excalibur has a special connection to Salem. It was the very same car used in the Bewitched episodes filmed in Salem, MA. The owner of the vehicle, “Sid” posed with his car.
Below is a photo of the very same car from the Bewitched episode filmed in 1970.
There were also lawn games for everyone to enjoy. Although it may seem like a new sensation, cornhole has existed since the 1880s in different forms.
Croquet, another game that has been around since the 1800s, was also a popular game played by both the young and old.
This 5 year old is quite the croquet prodigy.
There were a number of merchants selling everything from clothing, art ceramics and everything in between.
After a long day of partying and dancing, this pooch was all partied out!
Summary: For the past 2 years, Facone has been holding dancing events along the Greenway.
They were dancing on the Greenway this summer. Specifically, the Dancing on the Greenway, a series of dancing events along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, took center stage every Tuesday during the summer months.
The event attracted dancers of all capabilities and a few curious onlookers.
The best part of the event was watching everyone just having fun. It didn’t matter if they were good dancers, not so good or somewhere in the middle.
Each dancing event featured a different type of dancing. The theme of the dancing event during my visit was Scottish Ceilidh. Pronounced as kay-lee, Ceilidh is a gaelic word meaning gathering or party. And the dance event seemed more like a gathering and party. While technique and style were a bonus, it was really all about having fun and learning about this Scottish Ceilidh dance genre. A dance instructor and experienced Scottish dancers helped lead the dancers during this event.
Some of the music for these dance events the summer were recordings played on a sound system. But, I made sure to stop by while there was a live band performing. Susie Petrov, Stephen Thomforde and Marnen Laibow-Koser provided the music for the event I attended.
AS darkness fell upon the Greenway, the lights of the city lit up the dance area.
In yet another sign that summer is indeed winding down, the final Dancing on the Greenway event is Tuesday, August 27. But, they may be back again next year! So, don’t forget to stop by next summer! Just don’t forget to bring your dance shoes!
Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour and 30 minutes southwest of Boston, MA)
Hours: Hours and days of operation vary depending on the time of the year
Cost: $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (age 55+), and $15 for youth (ages 4-17). There is a $3 discount if you purchase tickets online. Military families also receive discounts.
Parking: Free parking is provided at the village
Summary: Hundreds of historical reenactors gathered at Old Sturbridge Village to recreate the Revolutionary War era.
The largest military re-enactment in New England, Redcoats and Rebels, made its annual appearance at Old Sturbridge Village earlier this month. From cooking demonstrations to the highlight of the event; the battle reenactment, the historical village depicted life in the colonial era. Many of the reenactors showed off their culinary chops and craft making skills.
One of the delicacies served up at the encampment was egg pie (yum). And, it is still considered a popular dish in some parts. The big meal of the day, however, was a turkey dinner with all the fixings.
Horses played an integral part of life during this time and there were many people riding or caring for their horses. I found it heartwarming to see the care and effort they put into caring for these animals.
Some of the items on display were toys from that era. I don’t know about you. But, I’d rather play with my phone!
Tents and soldiers could be found throughout the encampment.
Some of the weapons from that era were also on display. I especially appreciated the fine detail incorporated in these weapons.
Music also played a big part at the event.
These drummers had a unique type of drumming. Not only did they bang on their drums, they also banged their sticks together.
I noticed these musicians practicing before a musical event.
Doctor Newman, with the assistance of a fellow reenactor, explained the process of amputation during the Revolutionary War era. The average amputation at that time took 2 minutes and were done without any anesthesia. And, since liquor thins blood, they could not even take a few sips of whisky to help dull the pain.
For someone with such a gruesome job, Dr. Newman was a rather jovial sort.
The tools of the surgeon were shoddy. The white object that looks like a mitten was used to wrap the area where the amputation took place. It was a grim reminder of the cost of war that we should never forget.
There were many re-enactors I was fortunate enough to photograph at the event.
But, the re-enactors weren’t the only people who dressed up for the event. These visitors also dressed up in their best Colonial era attire.
Finally, after a busy day photographing the re-enactors, it was time for the Redcoats and Rebels battle to begin!
The battle was a realistic reenactment of the Revolutionary War.
As you can see by some of the soldiers in the photo below, the cannons did make a very loud noise.
The British proved to be a formidable opponent.
But, in the end, the Rebels were able to keep them at bay and eventually the Redcoats retreated.
Both armies made sure to not leave their wounded behind.
As I was leaving, I passed by the “Field Of Flags.” Each flag represents a person who had died serving their country. It was a moving display to never forget those who have sacrificed for their country.
During one weekend in July, fifteen sand sculptors from all over the world showed off what they can do with sand at Revere Beach Sand Sculpture Festival.
To celebrate the 20th annual festival, there were sculptures of, of course, cake.
This sculpture incorporated themes and elements of previous sand sculptures at the event, and, of course, some of the sponsors.
While there were sculptors from all over the world at the event, there were also some familiar faces there. If you go to the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic or read my posts about that festival, some of the names of the sculptors from this competition may sound familiar. In fact, 4 of the participants in the Revere Sand Sculpture Festival also participated in the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic.
The 3 day festival, which includes entertainment acts, food stations and carnival rides, took place from Fri, July 19 until Sunday, July 21. The awards were presented Saturday evening. Speaking of awards, I am going to list the sculptures with the award winning sand sculptures first.
1st Place & Sculptor’s Choice – “Blend In” by Jobi Bouchard (Canada)
2nd Place – “Untitled” by Slavian Borecki (Poland)
3rd Place – “Dinner” by Susanne Ruseler (The Netherlands)
4th Place – “Barn Swallow, Swallow Barn” by Bouke Atema
5th Place – “Fish Fantasy” by Karen Fralich
The remaining sand sculptures that did not win any awards but were still very impressive are listed below.
“Pray” by Matsu Yoshi (Japan)
“Reflower” by Abe Waterman (Canada)
“Embrace Your Shadows To See Wholeness” by Hanneke Supply (Belgium)
“Say More” by Morgan Rudluff (California)
“Phoenix Rising” by Bruce Philips (California)
“Cat Burglar” by Patrick Harsch (Florida)
“Dice Of Destiny” by Greg Grady (New Hampshire)
“The Special Selfie” by Ndricim (Jimmy) Bejko
“A Butterfly’s Playground” by Deb Barret-Cutulle (Saugus, MA)
“Space Child” by Jeroen Advocaat (The Netherlands)
While all of the sculptures were great, everyone usually has a favorite. For what it’s worth, “The Cat Burglar” won me over. Which sculpture is your favorite?
Summary: Boston City Hall Plaza hosted a family friendly, free celebration of Boston native Donna Summer and all things disco!
Disco lives on! At least for one night Boston, MA!
For the past 10 years, Boston has kept Donna’s legacy alive with their Donna Summer Disco Party, A native of Boston, MA, Donna Summer, a 5 time Grammy winner and inductee in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the city.
The event included dancing, roller skating and, of course, music!
People came to the party dressed to impress!
Some of the accessories from their outfits lit up! This nice lady showed off her earrings. Yes, they change colors!
And this tierra lit up!
People even got dressed up to go roller skating! (more roller skating photos later)
Hundreds of people attended the event which made for a crowded dance floor. But, people still found a way to get their groove on!
And, of course, what would a dance party be without a “Love Train?”
The event, which took place between 5 and pm provided some great lighting, I especially like how the setting sun shone off people’s hair.
There was also hula hooping and jump rope for people to enjoy!
The highlight of the evening was the roller skating, especially for the photo opportunities! I try to catch people in their natural state. But, everyone seems to want to smile whenever they see a camera!
The event was pet friendly and I saw quite a few different pets at the disco party.
From left to right is Millie and Walter
And from left to right are Bandit Amadeus and Whitey Bulger. Walter is giving them some serious side eye!
The event was topped off with a musical performance by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O’Mega Red.
It was really fun and refreshing to see so many people come together and have fun while expressing themselves freely.
If you missed the event, don’t worry! The Donna Summer Disco Party is an annual event! So, I’ll see you next year. Just don’t forget to bring your roller skates!
Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St, Salem, MA
It’s 1774 in Salem, MA. The British military governor of Massachusetts General Thomas Gage moved the state General Court and capital of Massachusetts from Boston to Salem. This was done for a variety of reasons but stemmed from something having to do with tea.
After the little dustup also known as the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament, in an effort to punish Massachusetts colonists, passed the Coercive Acts (aka as the Intolerable Acts by the colonists). These acts were not just “coercive”. They were also divisive. While some Salem colonists supported them, others not so much. So, things were somewhat contentious. Sounds familiar.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of this historic decision, the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and a variety of historical actors held a 2 day event to educate and entertain guests.
The day started with a mass at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on St Peter’s St. Since this was 1774, the mass and messages were slightly different from things you might hear today at a religious ceremony.
The pastor railed against “speaking out against the government” and for loyalty to the crown.
From exclaiming “Huzzah” when the Governor was announced to dressing to the nines, the congregation was eager to show their respect to the crown. Respect for the crown was the common theme of the sermon and mass. In fact, when the donation plate was brought to each person the collector said the money would go to the government. Not to those in need but rather the government.
People at the ceremony were dressed in their Sunday Bests.
General Thomas Gage (on the right in the photo below) and a fellow officer sat in a pew specially designated for him.
Tributes to the king and the crown could be found inside the church.
After the mass, the event continued onto the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby St. This particular flag included symbols for Scotland who were part of the British empire.
At the encampment, actors displayed what life was like in Salem, MA, during 1744. From knitting their own uniforms to cook and starting fires, life was certainly much different 250 years ago.
The British Encampment event was family friendly. In fact, they even had some rifles (wooden toy rifles) for people of all ages to enjoy.
And, some real rifles used by the historical actors.
There were also historical experts who showed off some of the foods, fashion and medicine that were common for that time.
The food in these photos were common for most meals during 1774.
And, after eating all that food. Tea was a common beverage.
Fashion was another big part of Salem in 1774. This hat was considered not only very fashionable but very expensive for its time.
Knitting was a big part of life in Salem in 1774.
Musicians kept the guests entertained with music from that era.
I don’t want to give it all away. But, the Coercive Acts didn’t go over very well and something happened a year later. But, that’s a topic for another day!
Summary: 16 art exhibits are located throughout downtown Boston.
While this winter weather may have been a difficult one for many of us, there was a bright spot in the downtown Boston area. The walkable art exhibit known as Winteractive brought some color and fun to what can be a dreary and frigid Boston winter.
The exhibits, which were inspired by the winter art festivals in Quebec, Canada, are located throughout the downtown Boston area. However, they are mainly located near Downtown Crossing train station, City Hall Plaza and High Street as well as Summer St. near the South Station train station. You can view the locations on this map. While it is possible to walk to all of the exhibits, it may be a good idea to use public transportation or rideshare services to view some of the exhibits off the beaten path.
As you will see, some of the exhibits are interactive. Whenever possible, I got some friendly people to help use the interactive devices for filming. I am listing these exhibits in the order of their locations. Eleven exhibits are are located in or near the Downtown Crossing area. Two more are located in or near City Hall Plaza and the last 2 are located in the Financial District on or near Summer St. Consult the map on the attached link above if you plan on visiting these exhibits.
Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters
1 Franklin St
Mathias Gmachl (United Kingdom)
Steel structure on base
As you emerge from the Downtown Crossing train station, the first exhibit you will see ifs Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters. This exhibit in the shape of a whale is meant to ask us to consider our everyday activities on nature and the environment and to make us be more aware of its fragility. The exhibit not only lights up. It also makes sounds that you can only hear if you’re very close to it.
The artist Mathias Gmachl said he wanted to create a space for people to discuss the future of our planet.
The next 5 works of art were all completed by the same artist; Mark Jenkins. These are all listed below. Mark uses common household or personal items such as tape, wigs, fabrics, fishing rods (yes fishing rods) and rope among other items in his work. Although there is not ,more information available for all of these exhibits, I have included some info when I can find it. Since some of the exhibits relied on their lighting to add to their artistic value, I only went either at night or just before night time. I did like how the sunset or pre sunset light reflected on some of the installations.
Fisherman (Untitled #1)
Summer St at Chauncy St
It is not fish, but love, this person is trying to catch. Good luck, there!
The Swing (Untitled # 2)
Winter St at Tremont St
Woman Suspended (Untitled #3)
Temple Pl
*this exhibit is temporarily unavailable
Stairwalker (Untitled # 4)
31 Bromfield St
Clothesline (Untitled #5)
9 West St (the site of the outdoor lot at Brattle Book Shop)
Blissful Rendezvous
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
Kezna Dalz
Vinyl digital print
This exhibit was meant to show the commonalities between the Boston and Quebec provinces by including the flora and fauna of both locations and using Boston as its backdrop. You may notice some of the more notable landmarks and things common in Massachusetts and New England such as lobsters, deer and colorful flowers.
There are also 5 “play feature” exhibits made by LeMonde Studio. They make sounds, light up or do some other fun things based on user interaction.
Light Lane Bikes
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
I tried to get someone to ride these bikes so I could display the way the lights change but I had no takers. The colored lines on the bikes light up and moved as people pedal. That’s it!
Guitar Slide
City Hall Plaza
As the name suggests, there is a slide on the neck of this guitar
Music Box
High Street Place Entrance
Photo Frame
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
I was able to persuade someone to crank the lever on the device next to the frame and light up this picture frame!
Bird House
Hyatt Regency, One Avenue De Lafayette
This is another interactive exhibit. You simply crank the lever on the box and the bird makes some interesting sounds!
“End Game” (Nagg & Nell)
Max Streicher
Recycled vinyl signs, fans, steel cable
This was certainly my, and many other people’s, favorite exhibit. There were always a group of people stopping by to photograph it whenever I passed by the area. However, the back story of the characters in this exhibit is pretty grim. The inflatable heads are based on characters in the play by Irish novelist Samuel Beckett; End Game. In this play, the characters Nell and Nagg are forced to live out their lives in a dumpster after losing their legs. Yikes.
The mythical unicorn stands behind a frosted glass display. This was a tricky photo to take. I wanted to photograph it at night to show off the light in the display. Yet, the display did tend to reflect the glare from the street lights and lights from the storefronts. In retrospect, I should have photographed it from the other side.
Island Of Warmth
125 Summer St
ATOMIC3
Steel and light elements
Two hundred and twenty bulbs light up intermittently on this visual, musical and luminous display. The Island of Warmth is a tribute to Montreal’s festive tradition. But, despite the name, it’s not going to keep you warm. So, don’t try to warm up by it!
Territories 2.0
175 Federal St
Olivier Roberge
Steel, polycarbonate, paint, miniature models, LED lighting
Described as a “true narrative microcosm”, this walk in exhibit is a diorama which depicts a natural environment that has been abundantly transformed by human intervention and climate change.
Although it’s more like Springactive at this point, this exhibit is a must see if you’re in the Boston area! But, don’t wait. The displays will only be up until April 15!
Summary: The family friendly Irish Festival at Patriot Place included Irish step dancers, musical acts, face painting and many people dressed in their best Irish themed attire!
Everyone was Irish at the Irish Festival at Patriot Place!
Music, dancing and colorful costumes were in abundance last weekend at the 13th annual Irish Festival at Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA.
The festival included Irish musical acts such as Fenian Sons. I especially like how the musician in the background made sure he got in the photo!
But, the highlight of the Irish Festival for most of visitors were the Irish Step Dancers. The festival featured dancers the Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish Dance, Greene-O’Leary School of Irish Dance, Keane O’Brien Academy of Irish Dance and Harney Academy of Irish Dance.
The lighting at the event was challenging. But, at least at the beginning of the event, the lighting gave some great color and highlights to the dancers. I especially like how the rays of sun hit off the dancer’s hair.
The pure joy and concentration the dancers expressed was great to see and photograph.
The acrobatics, twirls and other dance moves were very impressive.
The dancers gave the event quite a kick. The Rockettes have nothing on them!
In between the dancing schools performances, some of the visitors took to the dance floor.
There were also special guests at the event such as Blades, the official mascot of the Boston Bruins.
And Nauset, named after the popular beach in Orleans, MA, also made an appearance.
Perhaps the most fun part of the event to photograph were the visitors. Some of the visitors dressed up for the event. While others decided to wear fancy headwear and get their faces painted!
Although I didn’t partake, there were many restaurants and bars to rest and fuel up at during the event. However, I don’t know if corned beef was on their menus.
Date Of Event: February 10, 2024 (event is held annually the weekend of or before Valentine’s Day)
Location: Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast from Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: There are 2 main parking garages and several other parking lots and metered parking available throughout the city. See below for parking information in Salem, MA.
Summary: 26 ice sculptures were placed throughout Salem, MA for the Salem’s So Sweet annual event.
Love and a little bit of ice was in the air in Salem, MA, last month. In celebration of the Salem’s So Sweet event, held each year around Valentine’s Day, 28 ice sculptures were unveiled for the Salem’s So Sweet annual event.
Due to the mild temperatures and some clumsy pedestrians, some of the ice sculptures did not fare well . But, of the 28 ice sculptures only only two sculptures were completely demolished.
I am listing the sculptures numerically as they are listed on the map for the event (which is attached in the link at the top). I stayed the entire day so I could photograph the ice sculptures before and after they were lighted. Looking through the photos, I am glad I photographed the ice sculptures before they were lighted because they did melt considerably throughout the day.
Each time I post photos of these events, a feeling of nostalgia sweeps over me and it makes me miss and want to visit Salem. So, posting these photos, although at times time consuming, can actually be fun.
1 Blackcraft Coffee – this ice sculpture was not available
2 One Piece Flag
3 Crystal Snowflake
4 Viking. A lot of people came by to take their photo in the opening of the Viking sculpture. Fun fact: the name of the sports teams for Salem State College is The Vikings.
5 Moon
6 Salem Loves Architecture.
7 Dog (only one of those dogs is a sculpture). Banks, a 3 year old Cream Golden Retriever, was nice enough to pose for the photo on the left.
8 Gummy Bear
9 Keith Haring, Untitled with Heart and Two Figures
10 Coraline
11 Witch. One of the things I appreciate about the Salem’s So Sweet event, and really any event in Salem, is they always keep a Halloween or historical element to their sculptures or other art. Because, as I and other notables have said, “it’s always Halloween in Salem.”
12 Camera
13 Candy Picture Frame. The sculpture has “It’s not the chocolate that matters, it’s the people you share it with” written on the banner. I agree wholeheartedly! As an added treat, Charlie stopped by the sculpture for a few photos!
14 Dragon. It’s the year of the Dragon (technically the Wood Dragon) and the Peabody Essex Museum, which is where this sculpture was located, held a Lunar New Year Festival earlier that day (which I attended). So, this was a particularly appropriate sculpture.
The Lunar New Year Festival at PEM (Peabody Essex Museum – isn’t weird I wrote it out anyway – why didn’t I just type Peabody Essex Museum in the first place?) was wonderful. But I didn’t get too many great photos (except for the back of the person’s head in front of me). I did, however, get this photo from the event.
15 Cat – The Witch House (aka the Jonathan Corwin House). They always have a cat sculpture here. But, it’s shape, type and posture of the cat does change. But, like some of the other places on the list, they have always placed a similar sculpture at their location ever since I’ve been photographing the event.
16 Crystal Ball. This crystal ball had melted quite a bit by the time I got to photograph it. But, I think I saw an eye in the sculpture if you look close and enlarge the photo.
17 World. This sculpture, sponsored by the Journeymasters, is much like the sculpture outside the Witch Bouse in that it is usually in the shape of a globe and only varies slightly over the years I have been lucky enough to photograph it. Like some of the other sculptures on this list, the lights for this sculpture changed colors
18 Lobster, This sculpture located outside of Turner’s Seafood is another sculpture that keeps a certain theme each year. It usually bears a resemblance to a lobster or some other seafood fare.
19 Skull.
20 Curly Girl. This sculpture always makes me smile. Located outside of Curly Girl Candy Shop, the Curly Girl sculpture changed some funky colors!
21 Fairy. It may be hard to see since this sculpture did melt quite a bit. But it looks like a fairy may be playing a harp.
22 Gayle The Snail. I think I was driving behind this sculpture on the way to the event.
23 Whale Tail
24 Cauldron
25 Anchor – this sculpture was not available.
26 Rocking Horse
27 Fall In Love With Salem
28 Bakery
There was also this bonus ice sculpture located outside Re-find which wasn’t part of the official Salem So Sweet ice sculpture event.
I also enjoyed the tasteful decor of the windows at Re-find and some of the other stores in Salem.
At the visitor center, guests could write their own valentine’s and post them for all to see. It was good to see people getting into the spirit of the event!
I now know whenever I go to Salem I’m not just photographing the event or display that is my main purpose of going there. There are always interesting things to photograph in Salem. Besides the ice sculptures, there were also light displays, decorations and even an interesting guest at the event.
This house on Derby St is always decorated for the various holidays and other special days throughout the year and I always make sure to stop by to see the new decorations. However, this photography session was different than my usual shoots. While taking photographs behind the fence at the residence, the owner and decorator of the display invited me on to the property to get a closer look and take some photos. So, I was able to get some photos of things most people don’t get to see, at least not up close. Again, like some of the ice sculptures, I appreciate the nods to Halloween and the darker side of things, especially during this romantic time of the year.
The pumpkins at Stardust kept with the Halloween theme seen throughout the city.
There was also some new art at The Point section of Salem.
And, of course it is Salem, so people don’t wait until October to dress up for Halloween.
Lastly, there was one special visitor at the event. Lucifer, the official cat of Salem, took in the sculptures.
New England Nomad 