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.

In an initiative to support Gloucester small businesses, Mayor Greg Verga has launched the Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program and released application guidelines.

The City of Gloucester’s Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program is intended to assist commercial property owners or tenants in eligible buildings improve their storefront signage, awning, and/or sign related lighting.  The purpose of the program is to improve the visual quality of the city’s retail business districts and to enhance the districts as a place to visit, shop and work.

“The City of Gloucester Retail Signage Improvement Grant program provides support to our local small businesses as they prepare for a busy summer and road ahead. We are grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for their continued support of Gloucester’s small businesses,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga.

The target locations for this grant program are the retail business districts, neighborhood business districts, village, and extensive business districts located in Downtown Gloucester, Magnolia, Lanesville and Rocky Neck. All signage improvements must comply with the City of Gloucester’s Sign Ordinance.

The City of Gloucester is working with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the application process.  Applicants can download an application on the Chamber’s website capeannchamber.com, or pick up a copy from the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce office located at 24 Harbor Loop in Gloucester. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply no later than Friday, June 17, 2022.

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Gloucester on this important grant program and helping the selected businesses better promote their business through improved signage,” said Ken Riehl, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. “This grant opportunity will help revitalize the city’s business districts, encouraging visitors and residents alike to shop and do business locally which is something the Chamber strongly believes in and supports.”

If businesses have questions regarding the Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program or would like additional information, please contact the Project Manager, Olivia Perez-O’Dess by email at olivia@capeannchamber.com.

The City of Gloucester Retail Signage Improvement Grant Program is funded by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development.

Celebrate the warm weather this weekend by gathering up your family and friends to attend the first annual WellFest, A Greater Cape Ann Community Wellness Fair. You can expect a diverse range of vendors in the health and wellness sector along with live entertainment courtesy of DJ Mark, and a special menu at Bliss Bites Cafe. The event will take place outside, at the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA’s outdoor turf area. Soak up the sunshine and head to WellFest this Sunday, May 15 from 11am – 2pm!

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Health and Wellness Group is proud to announce their first annual WellFest, a Greater Cape Ann Community Wellness Fair on Sunday, May 15 from 11am to 2pm at the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA.  WellFest is an event that will showcase the Cape Ann region’s broad range of health and wellness services. From yoga and massage to general health resources and youth development, this event will provide something for people of all ages. In collaboration with WellFest, the Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive from 10am to 3pm. 

The event is free, open to people of all ages, and will be easily accessible. Mark your calendars, and gather up your friends and family for a beautiful Spring Sunday at WellFest! A Greater Cape Ann Community Wellness Fair. To learn more about WellFest visit capeannchamber.com.

Learn more and register by visiting: https://business.capeannchamber.com/events/details/next-gen-virtual-meetup-20721?calendarMonth=2021-04-01