Enjoy ocean views and sample local craft brews on September 17^th at historic Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. The Blackburn Brew Fest is presented by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and NEXT GEN Young Professionals to celebrate the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary. Benefiting the Cape Ann Community Foundation, the brew fest is on Saturday, September 17th, 2022 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The event will feature craft beer, cider, kombucha and seltzer from 30 breweries, eats from local food trucks, and live music from local reggae-rock infused good time jam band Over the Bridge.

“We are so excited to bring the Blackburn Brew Fest to life in scenic Stage Fort park with so many great breweries, food trucks and Over the Bridge,” said Caitlin Pszenny, President of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Next Gen chair and co-owner of Cape Ann Lanes/Laneside Pub & Brewery. “Next Gen has been planning the brew fest for a few years, but it was delayed by the pandemic. We look forward to a fun-filled day and are grateful for the support from the amazing Chamber team, the NEXT GEN committee and our brew fest leads Chris Griffith of Gloucester Stage and Charlie Powers of Burgin, Platner & Co. Insurance Agency.”

Next Gen Cape Ann fosters connections and business relationships between young professionals, providing support and inspiration to the next generation of Greater Cape Ann business and community leaders. As President during the 100th anniversary, Pszenny saw this as a perfect way to highlight Next Gen and celebrate being 100 years young.

Food trucks will include 5 Star Phresh Phood, Meat & Sweet Foods, Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana and The Lobster Roller.

Tickets to the event and a list of participating breweries can be found on our website blackburnbrewfest.com

Next Gen and the Chamber wish to acknowledge and thank the many business sponsors for their support in helping to make the first annual Blackburn Brew Fest possible.

The Big Combo: Sept 4th & 8th @ 7:00, Sept 9th @ 8:00

The Black Book: Sept 7th @ 7:00, Sept 9th @ 6:00

The Red Shoes: Sept 10th @ 4:30, Sept 11th & 14th @ 7:00

The Tales of Hoffmann: Sept 11th @ 4:30, Sept 10th & 15th @ 7:00

Photo submission deadline extended to Monday, September 19, 2022

A 12-month Gloucester photo raffle calendar will be sold through the Gloucester Rotary that includes a raffle ticket. A winning number will be chosen each week in 2023. All profits from the calendar sales will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s efforts to raise money to support the many community and international activities in which the group is involved. More information: https://gloucesterrotary.org/

Save the date, Tuesday, September 13 for the first meeting of the new season. Our guest speaker will be Rosemary Malfi, the Pollinator Network Coordinator for NOFA Mass (Northeast Organic Farming Association). The Massachusetts Pollinator Network is a statewide initiative to connect and support the growing number of communities, organizations, growers, and researchers working to protect pollinators and native plant communities across the Commonwealth. The evening’s topic will be

Supporting Pollinator Health At Home.

The Seaside Garden Club is a group of fun, active, civic-minded and hands-on gardeners. We welcome all types of gardeners from beginners to experienced… there is always something to learn and share. We invite you to become a member of our club and enjoy our monthly programs which feature interesting guest speakers and creative workshops.

We meet on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month, September through June, at the Manchester Community Center, located at 40 Harbor Point, Manchester-by-the-Sea. Social time begins with light refreshments at 7:00 pm, followed by the program at 7:30 pm.

Annual membership is $30, make checks payable to The Seaside Garden Club, PO Box 94, Manchester, 01944. Guests are welcome to the September meeting for free. Subsequently, there is a $5 fee for guests.

Get ready for the biggest and best Gloucester Main Street Block Party on Friday, September 2 from 6 to 10 pm to kick off Gloucester Schooner Festival & Labor Day Weekend! Kilted Colin, Bosoma School of Dance, Captain Jack, and Mary Poppins will be entertaining the crowds along with six musical acts on three separate stages. Six food vendors will be serving up delicious dishes along with several Main Street restaurants. Visit with your favorite non-profits and merchants, play some games, get your face painted, make some jewelry, and hold a snake or two! Guaranteed to be fun for the whole family and a great way to kick off Labor Day and Schooner Festival weekend!