The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join in a celebration of the Cape Ann License Plate as well as a 2015 Tourism Mixer at the Rockport Art Association on Thursday, October 22. Also this weekend is the Essex ClamFest on Saturday and the start of Dine Out Cape Ann on Sunday.  See below for more details…

The License Plate Celebration & Fall Tourism Wrap-Up Mixer will be held at the Rockport Art Association on October 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.  Read below for more details…

Essex ClamFest is this Saturday, October 24th. Please join us for a day of festivities including local vendors and a clam chowder competition! Click on the image below for more details.

This weekend, Sunday, October 25 is the start of Dine Out Cape Ann! Enjoy delicious Dine Out menus from restaurants throughout Cape Ann. Click on the image below for more details including a list of all participating restaurants and menus.

Register for the Mayoral Debate
On Tuesday, October 20, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will host a Mayoral Candidates Debate between the two finalists for Gloucester Mayor in the November 3 city elections, City Council President Paul McGeary and interim Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.

The debate will be held at The Elks at Bass Rocks on 101 Atlantic Road in Gloucester, MA from 7:30 to 9:00 am. This event will be open to Chamber members and the general public and will be moderated by Bob Gillis, Vice President of Cape Ann Savings Bank. The candidates will answer a number of questions on a range of topics and each candidate will have the opportunity pose a question to the other.

Tickets are $25.00 per person and include a light breakfast and attendance for the debate.

Pre-registration is highly recommended as this event is filling up quickly. To make a reservation, visit capeannchamber.com or call 978-283-1601.

The Chamber of Commerce is also holding a a Business After Hours event at Institution for Savings. There is no charge for this event.  All community members are invited.  Please RSVP HERE if you plan to join us.

The Chamber has some exciting events in October that are open to the community!

Online Auction
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is auctioning off a number of fun and unique items for you to bid on to and help support valuable Chamber services and programs. Visit the link below to bid on over 100 items. Check back often as items are being added frequently. biddingforgood.com/CapeAnnChamber

Mayoral Debate
The Debate will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 7:30 – 9:00 AM at The Elks at Bass Rocks. Admission is $25 per person and include coffee and a light breakfast. You can REGISTER HERE for the Mayoral Debate!

The 33rd Annual Essex ClamFest
The Essex ClamFest is an event hosted and co-ordinated by the Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. This is our 33rd year and has become the largest event held in Essex. We have grown from our beginning in the parking lot of Woodman’s Restaurant here in Essex, as far back as we can remember! We began as a way to showcase the Essex clam and now feature not only the clam but the famous clam chowders from all over Cape Ann and Ipswich. The highlight of the day is the Chowder Competition among area restaurants- theprize? Bragging rights for the year!

Entrants’ chowder is judged by a panel of locals and professional Judges, as well as a Popular vote by the people sampling the chowders.

Supplementing the Chowder event, is a variety of vendors – food, local arts and crafts people , all day entertainment, children’s activities , non-profits fundraising and information and Police and Fire Department Safety activities. The local Board of Health also runs a flu shop clinic on the grounds. From 1500 to 2000 people attend this event, which is being held on October 24, 2015, with a rain date of October 25th.

We hope to see you there!

Dine Out Cape Ann
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the new Dine Out Cape Ann. Cape Ann is throwing away the tired restaurant week model and taking a fresh approach aimed at highlighting the unique flavor of each participating restaurant. The two week event will take place October 25th – 29th and November 1st – 5th, 2015, in restaurants throughout Cape Ann. More information and a list of participating restaurants at capeannchamber.com/dine-out-cape-ann.