Kick off the season in festive Rockport style! Join us for Holiday Shopping Night and enjoy an evening of cheerful lights, local treasures, and holiday spirit. Start at Dock Square, where shoppers can pick up a free Christmas in Rockport tote bag filled with a list of participating businesses, special coupons valid all season long, and a bonus raffle ticket. As you explore Rockport’s charming shops, you’ll find festive treats and refreshments offered by many local retailers and be serenaded by strolling musicians bringing holiday magic to the streets. Every purchase at a participating store earns you an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three exciting prizes. End the evening at the after party and live raffle drawing at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant where the celebration continues with good company, great prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer!
Essex CLAMFEST returns on Saturday, OCTOBER 25th(RAIN OR SHINE!)
On Saturday, October 25, the 40th Annual Essex ClamFest and Clam Chowder Competition will return. This beloved fall event will feature over 40 Artist and Vendor booths, plus 15 Non-Profit Booths, a K-9 demonstration, Kids’ Activities, including the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, and Face Painting by Miss Wendy, live music, food vendors, Rockport Brewing Company, 90+ Cellars Wine Cellars and, of course, the ever-popular Clam Chowder Competition. The festival is free to attend and will take place at Shepard Memorial Park in Essex from 11 AM to 4 PM.
The clam chowder competition runs from Noon to 1 PM (or while supplies last). The cost is $15.00 for adults and $10 for children under 10 to enter the chowder tasting area. Over 1,000 people are expected to participate and taste the best of the best. Each chowder taster will have the opportunity to choose his or her favorite for the People’s Choice Award, while nine esteemed judges will vote to select the winner of the Judges’ Award. This year, there are eight competitors: 35 Beach (Manchester), Addison Gilbert Hospital/ Sodexo (Gloucester), Castle Manor Inn (Gloucester), CK Pearl (Essex), Seaport Grille (Gloucester), The Farm Bar & Grille (Essex), The James Restaurant (Essex), and Woodman’s (Essex).
Essex Clamfest is produced by the Essex Division of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. BankGloucester is our Presenting sponsor; Brookline Bank is our Gold sponsor; Applied Materials is our silver sponsor, and Hiltz Disposal is our supporting sponsor.
The rain Location for the festival is at the Essex Elementary School, on the same date.
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to present Manchester’s annual ‘Festival by the Sea’, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea and downtown businesses. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed, and Masconomo.
Over 90 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, and more. This family-friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, restaurants, food trucks, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN DEALS AT THE ‘SALE BY THE SEA’
While exploring the festival, don’t miss the ‘Sale by the Sea’ sidewalk sales featuring Manchester’s charming downtown retailers. Local boutiques and specialty shops will showcase unique treasures, coastal-inspired goods, and festival-exclusive discounts right on the sidewalks. The walkable downtown setting makes it easy to hop between festival activities and shopping, while the free shuttle service connects all locations for a full day of entertainment and discovery. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and take home a special piece of Manchester-by-the-Sea’s distinctive charm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THREE LOCATIONS
We are pleased to announce live music performances at three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. The music in Masco Park is sponsored by Kelly Auto.
Masco Bandstand Schedule:
10 AM: Livin’ on Luck
12 PM: Joe Wilkins and Friends
2 PM: Rob Banks and the Money Makers
Town Hall Park Schedule:
11 AM: Liam Anastasia-Murphy
12:15 PM: Pete Lindberg
1 PM: Matt Rich
2:15 PM: Brother Toaster
7 Summer Street:
11 AM to 2 PM: Acoustic guitarist Chris J. Carter
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School lower parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shuttle stops will be made at Masco Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library, and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 PM at Masco Park.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life!
We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:
Gold Sponsors: Applied Materials & Rite Window
Music Stage Sponsor: Kelly Automotive Group (Masco Bandstand)
Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service
Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, & Sullco, Inc.
Every year since 1981 the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Small Businesses to honor the achievements of our region’s small business entrepreneurs and their employees and to thank them for their contributions to the economic vitality and community life of the greater Cape Ann region. The Chamber is pleased to announce the 2025 Greater Cape Ann Small Business Persons of the Year.
This year’s honorees include Allan Houle, owner of Manchester Ace Hardware (Manchester-by-the-Sea); Kimberly Cameron Tibert, owner of Sand Castles & Wharf Rat Trading Co. (Rockport); Joe Ciolino, owner of The Weathervane (Gloucester); Natasha Taylor, Office Manager of the Essex Historical Society & Ship Building Museum (Essex); and Kerrie Bates, Director of ReCreation and Culture (Ipswich). Each small business person of the year will be honored throughout the weeks of June 2-13 via the Chamber’s social media, websites, and email communications. The honorees will also receive a special citation from their respective local government at their individual ceremony.
Friends, family members, and colleagues of all small business honorees are invited and encouraged to attend the individual receptions (all from 5-7 PM) to be held on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, June 3, for Allan Houle at Cala’s in Manchester-by -the-Sea; Wednesday, June 4, for Natasha Taylor at The James Pub, Essex; Thursday, June 5, for Kerrie Bates at True North Ale co., Ipswich; Monday, June 9, for Kimberly Cameron Tibert at The Emerson Inn, Rockport; Tuesday, June 10, for Joe Ciolino at Oak to Ember, Gloucester.
Please visit www.capeannchamber.com for more information on each of the 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year.
Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Magnolia Library & Community Center for our 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast.
This year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast features expert panelists exploring the critical role of Downtown Economic Vitality and how it drives our local economy. The conversation will explore how a thriving business district can fuel economic growth and the importance of strategic planning to balance economic development with the growing need for affordable housing. We will explore strategies for how local businesses and municipalities can collaborate to drive positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with local leaders committed to a prosperous future for Greater Cape Ann.
Panelists Include: Emmy Hahn – Program Coordinator of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Clark Ziegler – Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership
Facilitator: Representative Kristin Kassner – MA House of Representatives, 2nd Essex District
The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
Schedule:
7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Panel Discussion
8:40 AM: Q & A
Speaker Bios
Emmy Hahn: As the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Coordinator for the Executive Office Economic Development, Emmy Hahn is the state resource for technical assistance relating to all aspects of downtown/town center/commercial area revitalization. In addition to administrating the MDI Emmy is also the point of contact for communities interested in implementing a Business Improvement District and Parking Benefit District. In 2021, Emmy was also the Program Coordinator for the IDA Pinnacle award winning Local Rapid Recovery Program. The program was responsible for implementing $10 million worth of technical assistance of CARES funds in response to COVID-19. Recently Emmy was asked to oversee the MA Vacant Storefront Program and assisted with the redesign of the program.
Prior to working at DHCD, Emmy was the Project Manager for the Main Street Program in Lynn, MA and was the Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. in New Bedford, MA.
Clark Ziegler: Clark Ziegler is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, a public agency that finances affordable rental housing and home ownership, provides community technical assistance, and helps shape state housing policy. Under his leadership since 1990 MHP has delivered more than $7 billion in below-market financing for more than 58,000 housing units. Mr. Ziegler chairs the nonprofit Housing Partnership Fund, which is a national, federally-certified community development financial institution and an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Network. He also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). He previously served on the MBTA’s management team and spent six years in Washington where he was legislative assistant and chief of staff to Massachusetts Congressman Robert Drinan. Mr. Ziegler is a longtime Ipswich resident and served as chair and as a 15-year member of the town’s Finance Committee.
RepresentativeKristin Kassner: Kristin Kassner is the State Rep for the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Rowley, Newbury, Georgetown, and Topsfield precinct 1. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and son. As a planning professional with 20 years of local government experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people and their environments in her district and the Commonwealth.
Rep. Kassner has a BA in Urban Planning and Geography from Miami University of Ohio; a Master’s degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and completed the Supervisory Leadership Development Program from the University of Massachusetts. She was the Planning Director for the Town of Burlington, served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association and as Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Master Plan Committee. She is a member of the Associated Institute of Certified Planners, The Trustees, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Essex County Greenbelt, and Essex County Trails Association (ECTA).
Do you want a chance to win $10,000? Wouldn’t that come in handy for shopping this holiday season? Or perhaps you would love to get away from the cold weather and go on that “dream vacation” this winter.
A $10K Grand Prize is at stake – but you can’t win without buying a ticket! Get your ticket (or tickets) today for a chance to win big! $25,000 in cash prizes is set to be given away. Only 500 tickets will be sold and there are 12 chances to win!
You have until Wednesday at 3 PM to buy your tickets online at https://bit.ly/25KGame or by calling the Greater Cape Ann Chamber at 978-283-1601.
Make the night even more fun by getting into the Halloween Spirit and arriving in costume! Guests who come in costume will be eligible for additional prizes.
Don’t have your ticket yet? Visit https://bit.ly/25KGame or call the Chamber at 978-283-1601 to get your chance at a “Big Win!”
The drawing is this Wednesday, October 30 at the Gloucester Elks from 5 – 7 PM. You do not need to be present to win! Limited tickets may also be available for sale at The Elks of Gloucester on the night of the event.
Wednesday, November 6 | 3 – 6 PM | Beauport Hotel Gloucester
The Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber invites you to our ANNUAL BUSINESSWOMEN’S FALL EVENT featuring Kristina Crestin, Kristina Crestin Design & HGTV!
You are cordially invited to join us and Kristina Crestin at the Beauport Hotel for a fun and relaxing chat about her interior design journey. What has the road been like? Where will it take her next? Has she had flat tires along the way? A light dinner, networking, and drinks will be served as we dive into the true grit of this inspirational entrepreneur from New England.
Kristina Crestin’s passion for interior design is evidenced by her award-winning style. Kristina creates atmospheres infused with light and creativity with her signature styles; modern farmhouse, modern beach house, as well as her take on traditional.
Along with running her residential Interior Design Firm, Kristina has become a staple on a variety of HGTV series, including Farmhouse Fixer, Rock the Block, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, and 100 Day Hotel Challenge. Kristina was named HGTV Designer of the year in 2019.
Check out some of Kristina’s HGTV shows on hgtv.com and remember to bring your questions along. Space is limited – reserve your spot today at https://bit.ly/BWC-FallEvent.
Friday, September 20 | 11 AM – 7 PM Shopping: 11 AM – 6 PM Networking: 5:30 – 7 PM
Join us for the second annual Main Street Meet-Up: A Gloucester Business Tour sponsored by the Businesswomen’s Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. All are invited to join in!
Put on your power-walking shoes and prepare to explore some of Gloucester’s finest retail businesses, right here on Main (and adjacent) Streets! You can pick up your Passport and Raffle Tickets at Shore Nutrition or the Chamber of Commerce office. Plan to visit the participating businesses on your Passport to get stamped and enter raffle drawings at each location. When you are finished, please join us as early as 5 PM at The Cut for networking until 7 PM. *Don’t forget to turn in your Passports for additional Grand Prize Drawings to be held at 6:15 PM. (You do not have to be present to win!)
Shops will be open from 11 AM to 6 PM for all Passport holders, with on-street networking, owners waiting to meet YOU, and a chance to win a raffle prize in every store! All proceeds benefit the Businesswomen’s Opportunity Fund in honor of Carolyn M. O’Connor
You are invited to Cake Ann in Gloucester for coffee, pastries, and “a side of sustainability” to learn how businesses like yours can save on energy costs and consumption. “Bright Ideas for Your Bottom Line: Energy Efficiency Made Easy” is the second of a three-part speaker series about sustainable business practices. This session features Energy Source and Mass Save for Small Business and is supported by TownGreen and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Energy Source is a comprehensive energy efficiency and electrification provider partnering with local utilities to implement the Mass Save Program. Join presenter Crystal Hamlin, Program Manager at Energy Source, to learn about their turn-key process to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy costs, allowing you to focus on your business. An overview of the Mass Save Small Business Program, such as no-cost assessments and utility incentives, will also be provided. The presentation will include brief case studies of participants over the last year, with a first-hand account by Denise Raimo of Annisquam Auto. You will also learn about limited-time enhanced incentives being offered. A Q & A session will follow the presentation.
Get your tickets now for the 2nd Annual Blackburn Brew Fest on Saturday, September 21 at Stage Fort Park. Advance tickets are $50 per person (at-the-door purchase price is $60). Designated Driver tickets are also available at $10. Brews, hard ciders, food trucks, music, and games, all in beautiful Stage Fort Park overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Cape Ann Community 