Highlights: Aspiring and casual artists painting and drawing works of art
Once known exclusively for the tragic Salem Witch Trials and tales of haunted attractions, Salem, MA, has become a hub of artistic and creative expression. The “Art In The Park” event held last weekend (April 9) at Lappin Park (also known as the park with the Bewitched statue) is proof of this.
This was the first “Art In The Park” event and it was such a success another event has been planned for May (details of the upcoming event can be found near the end of this post). The idea came to a school teacher who resides in Salem, MA. And, the Salem Collective of Arts And Musicians (SCAM) ran with the idea.
Gary, one of the organizers of the event, told me, it was great seeing people from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds getting together to bond over art.
From novices to skilled artists, all were welcome to participate. This family’s work of art was aptly called, “Family.”
This work of art was a collaborative effort with at least 3 or 4 people taking turns working on it.
This work of art was created by the creator of the event, John.
Another Art In The Park event is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 at Lappin Park in Salem, MA , at 11 a.m. Minimal materials will be provided. For more details, check out their Facebook page:Art In The Park.
Below are some photos of the exterior of the SCAM building on Essex St
Although they weren’t interested in painting, I saw a lot of dogs in Salem enjoying the beautiful Salem weather.
Bella is a 2 year old rescue from Alabama. Although her exact breed is not known, her mom thinks she probably has some Lab in her. Either way, she cute’s as a button!
Nora is a 5 year old Chihuahua. Don’t you just love those ears!
As an fyi, the Salem garage (at least the one on New Liberty St where the Museum Plaza is) no longer has attendees in their parking garage. They have automated their pay system. Gone are the friendly faces that greeted you as you entered and left the garage.
Although it seems like a minor change and for the better for some, I’ll actually miss having a person taking my money and wishing me a good day instead of paying a lifeless machine. It’s funny how such a small and seemingly innocuous change can bother me so. I suppose it’s also a sign that things are changing (and I suspect there will be many more changes coming to Salem). Or, it could just be another sign the machines are taking over!
Dates Of Event: February 10-12, 2017 – usually the second weekend in February of each year (photos taken February 11)
Locations: Throughout the city of Salem
Hours:Visible 24 hours a day, until they melt
Cost: Free
Parking:Metered street parking is available and there are two big parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St
The Downtown Garage (New Liberty St) costs $0.75 per hour.
The Waterfront Garage (Congress St) costs $0.25 per hour.
Both garages operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday and from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.
Public Transportation: The MBTA’s Commuter Rail has a stop which deposits its passengers right at Washington St. $15 for a round trip ticket from North Station (fares vary depending upon where you leave from and where you are going)
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, but some roads and sidewalks are not shoveled well
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: 26 Ice Sculptures scattered throughout the city of Salem, many sculptures are lit up at night, some shops and businesses offer discounts as part of the event
Proving once again they are not exclusively a Fall destination, Salem Massachusetts has outdone itself with a sweet display of ice sculptures.
Widely known for their Halloween festivities, Salem has been trying to make their city a year round attraction for some time. In fact, this weekend’s festivities were the 15th annual “Salem’s So Sweet” event.
The Salem’s So Sweet festivities began Friday night, February 10, with a chocolate and wine tasting at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas ($30 tickets). Yum!
The sculptures look so much better when they are illuminated. This was only the second year they illuminated the sculptures (at 5 p.m.) and not all of them were illuminated during my visit. I was able to photograph all of the sculptures (except for the Han Solo sculpture which was not completed when I visited) and I photographed almost half off the illuminated sculptures.
The illuminated sculptures look better the later and darker it gets. So, I stayed as late as I could to capture the beauty of the lighting against the dark background. I also thought the holiday lights (still up in February) and of course the snow gave the photos a nice touch.
Since we had some inclement weather and the roads were snowy and icy, I elected to take the train into Salem. It took a little longer than driving (not taking into account any accidents that may occur) but the transfers can be a hassle, especially having to cross the street from Park Street to get the train at North Station.
In any event, the train ride is comfortable and there are some pretty views along the way.
The 26 ice sculptures (25 not including the missing sculpture) are scattered around Salem although many of them are located in about a mile or two mile radius (on Essex, Washington and Hawthorn streets/boulevard). The trickiest part is trying to get to the sculptures that are located on the outskirts (such as Bridge St and Derby St. A trolley was planned to transport visitors to each of the sculptures but due to the inclement weather that plan was scrapped this year.
It’s a great activity for families and I saw quite a few parents and children looking for each sculpture and excitedly checking the sculpture off their list. The children especially seemed to like hunting for each one. Each sculpture is clearly marked and pretty easy to find if you use the map. The Visitor Center also has bigger maps than the one on the web site and they are of course very helpful.
While they are generally located near each other by number, sometimes it’s easier to map out your own route and find them on your own regardless of the number of the sculpture which is what I did. I have included photos of the sculptures lit up as well if I was able to see them illuminated. They look so much better when they are lit up!
The first set of photographs were located at or near Lappin Park, near the Bewitched Statue. The first ice sculpture is Globe, sponsored by The Journeymasters
Han Solo is the second sculpture on their list. Unfortunately, Han’s Falcon got stuck in traffic so his sculpture was not available to be photographed.
As if you haven’t seen enough of them yet, the third sculpture is a snowflake sponsored by Laura Lanes Skin Care.
Some of the lighted sculptures changed colors like this one sponsored by Salem State University; Opening of Sophia Gordon Center.
Accross from Lappin Park, on Washington St, is the ice sculpture at Rockafella’s. The Rockafella’s Ice Bar is like a frozen patio. The cold weather and icy bar didn’t stop them from grilling and enjoying the fresh air. At least you didn’t have to worry about your beer getting warm.
Farther down Washington St is Champagne sponsored by Adriaatic Restaurant & Bar.
Sponsored by Creative Salem, Hawthorne Hotel and Retonica and located on Front St is the ice sculpture Reflections. This one was cool because you could stand behind the sculpture and act as though you are the reflection.
Next to the Reflections sculpture is Cinderella’s Carriage, also on Front St,sponsored by Maria’s Sweet Somethings. From a distance, if you look at a certain angle, you can almost see some driving the carriage with a top hat on. Go on, let me know if you see it too.
The next ice sculpture on the list is Fish sponsored by Koto and located on Washington St.
The next ice sculpture is Lobster Love located at Turner’s Seafood on Church St. This sculpture also changes colors when illuminated.
This sculpture is located by the Salem Cinema. It is called Salem Film Fest 2017.
On St Peter St at Bit Bar is Arcade.
The next group of sculptures are all located on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and one on Central St which is an alley off the pedestrian mall walkway.
Green Tara, sponsored by Coon’s Card and Gift Shop, Penelope’s Pet Boutique and Tibet’s Art & Healing.
On the other side of the walkway, very close to Tara is Bella The Goat sponsored by Bella Research Group. Bella’s sculpture also changed colors while it was lit.
Off Essex St on Central St is the Steampunk Heart ice sculpture.
The next two sculptures are both back on Essex St Pedestrian Mall. This ice sculpture is located in front of the Peabody Essex Museum. It is called Red Stiletto with Honda Engine and it was sculpted by David Crow.
On the other side of the walkway in front of the Museum Mall Place and very close to the red stiletto sculpture is the Winnie The Pooh ice sculpture. Winnie doesn’t look very happy!
The next sculptures are located on Hawthorne Blvd and Essex St. Sweet Jane’s Sweet Savings is located on Hawthorne Blvd.
Queen Of Hearts is located across the street on Essex St.
The following ice sculptures are located on or off Derby and New Derby St. Mug is located at the Notch Brewery and Tap Room.
These two sculptures are located at the Waterfront Hotel and Regata Ice Bar. t first glance, it looks like one sculpture but they are actually two separate sculptures.
Across the street from the Waterfron Hotel is the Rumson’s Rum ice sculpture.
Candy is located in front of the House Of The Seven Gables and, aptly, across the street from Ye Olde Pepper Company (America’s oldest candy company). Yes, those are real candies. No, I did not eat any of them.
From Derby St, you would have to backtrack towards N. Washington St, near the Salem Commons to find Ruby Slippers located at the Salem Witch Museum. And, yes, I agree.
The next ice sculpture is a little bit of a walk. Bakery is located in the parking lot of Coffee Time Bake Shop (96 Bridge St). In fact, you may want to drive to this sculpture.
And, yes, of course, there were lots of dogs in Salem checking out the sculptures.
Emmett is a 4 year old Cockapoo. Look at those cute shoes!
Mattie is 7 years old. She was bundled up for the cold weather! She is also very well trained.
All of the dogs in Salem were prepared for the cold weather. These dogs had some beautiful sweaters on keeping them both warm and fashionable.
I am not sure how long the sculptures are being displayed. Between our erratic weather and hooligans who seem to get their kicks smashing ice art, I would suggest going soon to check them out before they’re gone!
Below is a video of the Bella The Goat ice sculpture changes colors.
Although Salem is known for the witch hysteria of 1692 and the commercialism that is largely based on this tragic part of their history, Salem has so much more. It really is a shame that is what people focus on. In fact with such programs as Creative Salem and the Salem Beautification Committee – who created this art program, Salem has seen a resurgence of the arts and entertainment that has always been a part of the city.
One of the exhibits recently in Salem is the Lady Of Salem figureheads located throughout the city. The nautical inspired art is meant to celebrate Salem’s rich maritime history. These figureheads are meant to closely resemble the decorated ornaments that used to be attached the front of ships.
While some artists have created more than one figureheads, they were mostly created by different artists.
Unfortunately, not all of the figureheads are on Essex St (the last in the group of photos below is on Derby St and one is inside the Salem Old Town Hall) and some have been either vandalized or removed for some other reason. Also, many of the figureheads almost seem hidden and very hard to find without the help of the map, and, even then, I still had a hard time finding them all. Add in the massive crowds this weekend and it made it very difficult to find them all. In fact, I only found about half of them. It does seem like a fun activity to do with your family.
The Lady Of Salem art display began in June of 2013 and they are brought out periodically. This past year it was on display frpm Juen until October. The figureheads are beautifully crafted and, if you look at them closely enough, you can imagine seeing them on the front of a ship, bobbing up and down.
Salem is an old city and some of the streets are cobble stone or not in the best condition. While Essex St is pedestrian friendly, some of the sidewalks in the city, such as Derby St where one of the figureheads is located, can be hard to navigaate.
Figureheads on ships have an interesting background. Figureheads on ships were all different in design and name, but they do have many similarities, particularly in their significance. Figureheads were said to embody the spirit of their ship. They were believed to placate the gods of the sea and ensure a safe voyage. Almost every prow had a carved figurehead on them. The figureheads replaced heads of animals and, at times, people that used to be placed at the front of ships in the hopes of looking out ahead for the ship’ss safety. Eventually, eyes were painted on the ships and then figureheads became the standard decorative piece. It was the best choice by far.
The figureheads vary in some respects. While they are all shapely females (it must be lonely off at sea), some are scarier than others while others seem more wholesome. There’s even a KISS-like figurehead (you’ll get this when you see them below). All of the figureheads were either sponsored by or loacted near local businesses which would explain why some figureheads have some unusual artwork on them, such as the phrase “I heart pizza.” I am not sure sea-faring people of that day even knew pizza was a thing.
The figureheads are not scheduled to be on display any longer (although I haven’t been there to confirm this). But, I am sure they will most likely be on display again in the future. They were, for a limited time, on display in the Peabody Essex Museum in Sale, MA (also on Essex St). The link at the top of the post has photos of all of the figureheads.
The figureheads below were all displayed on Essext St. during my visit.
Artist: Nick Papadimitriou.
Artist: Jean Pare
Artist: Alicia Irick Cohen
Artists: Mr. Bleckley’s 5th grade art students (Bates Elementary School, Salem MA)
Seeing people in costumes and uniforms in Salem during the month of October is not unusual. However, the people in uniform at Salem Common this past October were dressed up for a very different purpose.
The Providence Grays, a vintage baseball club honoring the original pro baseball team of the same name, were playing their rivals the Brooklyn Atlantics on a crisp fall afternoon.
The Grays became the National League’s newest addition to major league baseball in 1878 when they adopted gray flannel instead of white for their home uniforms and consequently became known as the ‘Grays.’ They would remain in the league until they folded in 1885. During that time frame they won two tiles (in 1879 and 1884),
This isn’t your modern day. Players wear wool uniforms. They don’t wear gloves. And the rules were very different.
One of the rules that is starkly differently from today’s rules is that if you fielded a hit ball after one bounce, the batter was out. Of course, this rule does not exist today and if it did exist today a lot of batters would make many more outs. Another rule that no longer exists is that batters were given 3 balls to earn a walk rather than the 4 balls which is the rule in today’s Major League Baseball. Also, the pitcher pitched from a scant 50 feet away from home plate and there was no mound. In today’s mlb, the pitching mound is 60 feet and 6 inches away from home plate and, although it may vary, the mound is not supposed to be higher than 10 inches above home plate.
Unlike their somewhat drab uniforms, the Providence Grays have a very exciting past. For instance, they were the first team to integrate.
If you asked people who was the first professional black baseball player in major league baseball was many people would say Jackie Robinson, Many people would be wrong. According to Tim Norton , the founder and president of the Providence Grays. The first black American baseball player played for a professional baseball team played for the Providence Grays. William Edward White played as a substitute in one professional baseball game for the Providence Grays of the National League, on June 21, 1879.
Some fans, like the fans of the newly crowned World Series champs Chicago Cubs, are known for throwing home runs balls back onto the field if the opposing team hits a home run to express their dismay at the other team’s good fortune. The fans at Providence Gray games did the same. But for a very different reason.
At the time the team was formed in 1878, the league was still very green and not very profitable. The fans were asked to throw the balls back so they could be re-used.
The players also didn’t wear gloves. So, they pitched underhanded and would often lob the ball as it is easier to catch barehanded that way.
I’m full of all sorts of fun facts today, aren’t I?
On the day I saw them, the Providence Grays split their double header against the Brooklyn Atlantics (aka the Atlantic Baseball Club of New York). The Providence Grays are in the gray uniforms while the Atlantics donned white shirts and black pants.
I thought this resembled a baseball card.
Looking at the players in their floppy socks and uniforms that resemble loose fitting pajamas, I couldn’t help thinking about the characters on “Field Of Dreams.”
The foliage gave a good backdrop to the field.
The teams do take these games seriously and we saw some good baseball.
If you missed them this year, don’t worry. The Grays and other teamss have been playing in Sallem Commons for about 10 years. Check their web site and Salem’s web site for future game dates.
Freya, an 18 month Great Dane (weighing in at 130 lbs already), also enjoyed the game.
Parking: Parking is always difficult In salem during the Halloween season. Tourists and travelers are urged to take public transportation. Streets are also shut down during the day which makes parking even more difficult.
Handiscap Accessible: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes
Where else would anyone want to be on Halloween than Salem, MA?
Known world wide for its tragic history of the Salem Witch trials, Salem, MA, has turned a tragedy into a money maker. Each year, tens of thousands of people flock to Salem during October to get a taste of the spooky side of the city. But, as the photos below show, it’s not all witches and scares in Salem, although there were a lot of witches there duringmy visit!
For kicks, I took the train in to Salem. Normally, I prefer to drive. But, the workers at the visitors center stressed to me that it is better to drive. I like having my own vehicle because I can leave whenever I want to, I don’t have to wait for the scheduled trains and since I live very closse to Salem the drive is easily under one hour under normal circumstances. I timed my travel times and it takes a little longer going by train (about half an hour longer). I had to make two train transfers so that added to the travel time. Plus, I left during the day while everyone else would be at work or school. So, the driving and lack of parking wouldn’t have affected me as much since I left during in the morning. In the future, I would probably never go by train again but it may be useful for people coming from longer distances within Massachusetts.
Salem is a beautiful city and it was no different on Halloween. Salem was very festive for the big day. Many homes, businesses and other buildings were decorated.
Of course, there were lots of people dressed up for Halloween. The most common costumes were Donald Trump, witches, Mike Myers and, somewhat surprisingly, Jason.
Of course, what would the wicked witch be without her flying monkeys?
What’s great about the costumes is that people from all backgrounds, ages and sizes get dressed up and enjoyy the day!
Of course, the couples, friends and family that dressed up looked great.
The rest of the dressed up visitors were just as scary, pretty and funny. The costumes were very creative and, at times, kind of scary!
And what would a trip to Salem be without dogs? There were so many dogs dressed up for their big day!
Jazzmine proved that witches hats aren’t just for humans.
Sophie was a devilish dog!
Roxie the rufferee, a 2 and a half year old pittbull, lab, terrier mix, was very excited to be in Salem!
Zao “the man”, a 5 year old Brussels Griffon in a banana costume, posed like a pro . I think this is his Pinterest page:
Dodger, a golden retriever, proved you don’t have to wear a costume to look cute!
And some of the other dogs I saw in Salem…
Not all of the cute animals in Salem were dogs, though. Hamlet was in Salem to drum up support for Question 3 (a law that would expand the sizes of cages animals are kept in at farms and other places where they store livestock)
There were also street performers at Salem. This card magician, Darren Yong, attracted a lot of crowds.
Parking: Very limited during Halloween but you can find lots of parking at the New Liberty and Congress St parking garages and there is metered parkign available as well after Halloween season.
Handicapped Accessible: Salem’s streets are handicapped accessible and most buildings are as well.
October is full of scares and excitement in Salem, MA. And this year was no different. I saw so many cool, funny and, yes at times scary, people, pets and other things this year in Salem. Since I saw so many interesting things in Salem, I am breaking up my posts into several posts so I don’t go overboard with my images in each post since they can take a very long time to download, especially on mobile devices. And, believe it or not, there are so many interesting things in Salem all year round (not just during Halloween) but particularly during the fall. From the street performers, the, in some cases, elaborate decorations and the historical aspects of the city, tthere are so many things to post about. I will post the highlights from my Halloween day visit very soon.
Today’s post focuses mostly on the costumed people and the pets of Salem. I still have many more photos of costumed people that I will post soon. But, for the sake of time and space I am including these photos in chronological order from the earliest to the most recent. There were quite a few politicians at Salem (Donald and Hillary were even seen together). Poor Bernie was by himself and could only shrug his shoulders and say “Sure” when I asked for a photograph.
Some of the costumes are self explanatory, others not so much. I’ll help where I can.
The three women with sticks and shades on are the three blind mice. In the second to last row of photographs next to Jason and his monster friend are the 80s candy “Nerds.” In the bottom row to the left are the cat and “crazy cat lady.”
Throughout my visits to Salem this past month I saw so many cute dogs. Whether in costume or au naturel, they all looked very cute!
Lulu is an 8 year old Australian Sheepdog. I love the different colored ears and the way she looks likes she is smiling in the second photo.
What a wonderful pose Bella struck for me! The 1 year old Havanese (yes I had to look it up too) looks cute in her Stegosaurus costume.
Honey got into the festivities with her black and orange collar.
Eva is a 2 and a half year old mixed breed rescue dog. Another happy dog in the city.
Fenway is a 5 year old Papipoo (Papillon Poodle mix). He also has his own Facebook page at Fenway’s Aventures as well as an Instagran account @FenwaysAdventures a Twitter account @FenwayPuppy as well as a Snapchat account: @TheFenwayPuppy. He’s got more socal media accounts than I do!
Unfortunately, I when I washed my pants the list of dogs and their ages and breeds were still in my pants pocket and my memory isn’t what it used to be. So, I apologize for not remembering all of these beautiful dogs’ names.
It is also important to remember what Salem is largely known for by the public, besides the fun and scary stuff. Each year, descendants and others honor the victims of the witch hysteria that unexpectedly put Salem on the map for fun and friendly tourism. At the Salem Witch Trials Memorial on Liberty St, roses are placed on each victim’s granite stone memorials during the week of Halloween. Passerbys and those with a connection to the victim, through blood or otherwise, often leave notes, cards, flowers and other items as well. Coins are a common item left behind by tourists and others sympathetic to the victims of this dark time.
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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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Location: Essex St, Salem, MA (alternatively Salem Commons, North Washington Square, Salem, MA)
Hours: usually late morning, early afternoon (I saw him at around 1 o’clock) *His last show is Monday, Halloween*
Parking: There are several parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St and off street parking (go early to ensure you get a spot if you want to see Bubble Man before Halloween)
Cost: Free, tips are apprreciated
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs like bubbles too!
Handicap Accessible: Yes, the streets in Salem are handicap accessible
Not everything in Salem this time of year is scary or gory. It is both unexpected and refreshing to see such a fun and heartwarming spectacle.
It’s great seeing such family friendly, good clean fun (literally), especially when there are ghosts, goblins and an assortment of other macabre characters doing their best to scare the visitors of Salem. Scares are not for everyone. But, everyone loves the bubbles, old and young alike, because as Bob says, “there ain’t love like bubble love.”
Tall Bob was first inspired by watching someone at Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California, about two years ago. The man he saw had made a bubble “as big as a bus”, according to Bobby. Since watching that, he was hooked. He poured over books and researched the art of bubble making. He even made his own bubble wand.
Tall Bob The Bubble Man (aka Bobby Carr) uses a very different type of bubble wand. His wand consists of two wood sticks connected by 4 ropes with one rope intersecting the other 4 ropes and a ball at the bottom of the ropes. This allows him to create some huge bubbles.
And Tall Bob The Bubble Man does not shortchange his audience. He is often out performing 8 or more hours, weather permitting, with the occasional break.
The Bubble Man did have to change his venue from the pedestrian walkway on Essex St to Salem Commons because people had complained the soap and water had made the walkway slippery. But, when I went to visit there he was at his original venue. He has also performed at Artist Row on Derby Square off Essex St and Lappin Park at the end of Essex Street.
The best part is watching the children react to the bubbles and try to touch and burst them.
But, hurry, Halloween of 2016 will be Tall Bob’s last show. Ever. He is moving to California this winter and hanging up his bubble sticks for good. I will be there for his monumental last show. See you there!
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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.
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.
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.
We also saw a family of bulldogs on the way to the event.
Hours: The website for Salem Willows shows their hours as being daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. but you can get in to the park before 11. We got their just before 10 and there was already some people there. I think the hours are the hours of operation for the restaurants and other businesses in that area.
Cost: Free
Parking: There are about 60 metered parking spots. The meters cost 25 cents an hour. There is also about 50 additional free parking spots in a nearby lot and off street parking is available.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: Family friendly, arcades, restaurants, willow trees, harbor, scenic walking path, grassy areas to grill, relax and for kids to play, jetty, place to rent surfboards and other aquatic sporting goods
As I entered Salem Willows I couldn’t help but think of my childhood of carnivals and traveling shows. My friends and I would be so excited when the fair came to town. Now, the fair is always in town. In these days of sit down eateries and chain restaurants, it was refreshing. If you d go, try the slushies or get a cone at Cappy’s!
Salem Willows has changed so much since its original opening in 1880. Willows Pavilion which featured a skating rink and restaurant dominated the landscape. Now, the area where the takeout food vendors are located still keeps the name of “on the line”. But, the restaurants are much different. In place of the sit down, grand restaurants stand take out vendors and ice cream shops.
There is also a stage for bands and other entertainers to perform. Named after former Salem resident and veteran, the Robert F Hayes Band Stand holds a summer concert series every year as well as holding other events.
But, there is so much more to Salem Willows than nostalgic stroll past the smell of flour dough and the buzzing and ringing from the vendors and arcades. Salem Willows is also, as the name would suggest, known for all of the willow trees planted to offer shade and beauty to the area.
The mostly shady loop around the bay and back too the parking area is an easy half mile walk. Along the way there are benches to sit on and a jetty to fish off or just enjoy the views. The views from the bay were very pretty. A variety of flowers and scenic views frame the busy blue waterway.
There was a lot of activity on and in the water at Salem Willows. That is a man swimming in the last photos
There is also a place to rent surf/paddle/body boards and other watercraft and flotation devices.
Salem’s love of art is evident even in the most unlikely places. These trash cans and rocks displayed some of the street art of Salem. I especially like the art on the rocks. Each block has a different symbol of the area painted on them.
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Salem Willows is a great place to bring your dog for a short walk. Dixie, a 4 year old Maltese, was enjoying the seasonal weather and cool breeze when she stopped to pose for photos for me.
Aye Matey! Lady is a 10 year old Chihuahua.
New England Nomad 