Stories and Service at the Border at the Sawyer Free Library
Local educator and poet Heidi Wakeman traveled to the Arizona-Mexico border in April 2024, where she collaborated with activists from New England, Arizona, and Mexico to learn about and assist people involved in the immigration story. The Sawyer Free Libraryis pleased to welcome Heidi on Thursday, August 1, at 5:30 pm as she shares her experiences and insights through stories and slides about this complex situation, which many consider one of the most important issues of the 2024 presidential election. Heidi’s talk will be conducted in English. Registration is not required. The event will take place at 21 Main Street. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Responding to consumer feedback for increased accessibility, visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided tours during extended hours every Thursday night in July, August, and September, offering a unique opportunity to explore the Museum’s historic marvels in a more intimate setting. This initiative aims to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, providing enriched experiences for all guests interested in delving into the rich history and architectural beauty of the Hammond Castle Museum.
Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Children ages 5 -12: $10, Little ones 4 and under are free with reservation. Hammond Castle Museum Members enjoy complimentary admission to these evening Guided and Self-Guided Tours!
These specialty tours, held in dimmed light with visitors holding electric candles, explore the Museum’s occult history and the Spiritualist movement. Highlights include John Hays Hammond Jr.’s supernatural experiments with a Faraday Cage and Irene Fenton Hammond’s astrological writings. This 55-minute guided tour, set against the dramatic gothic-inspired architecture and nighttime ambiance, provides a unique, informative experience. Electronic candles are provided for optional use.
Candlelight & Spiritualism Tours are offered every Thursday evening:
July, August, and September at 8 pm.
October at 6, 7, 8 & 9 pm.
Admission: $25 Not recommended for children under 13. Member savings apply.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MANCHESTER’S FESTIVAL-BY-THE-SEA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to be presenting Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, a Cape Ann Classic, in partnership with the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM in three Manchester-by-the-Sea town parks: Town Hall, Reed and Masconomo. Over 100 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, shopping and sidewalk sales by local retailers, restaurants, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team! We are also very pleased to announce that there will be live music in 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 and a schedule and listing of performers (11 AM to 4 PM) will be posted on the day of the event. The music Stage at Town Hall is sponsored by The Cut (11 AM to 3 PM) with performers to be announced and the 7 Summer St. lot will feature John Jerome with other outdoor retail vendors from 12 – 2 PM.
A free shuttle service, sponsored by Beauport Ambulance, will run between the High School upper 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.
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:
Presenting Co-Sponsors: M&T Bank and Harbor’s Point Condo Association Gold Sponsor: Applied Materials Music Stage Sponsors: Kelly Auto (Masco Bandstand) & The Cut (Town Hall Park) Shuttle Sponsor: Beauport Ambulance Service Supporting Sponsors: Cape Ann Savings Bank, Manchester-Essex Rotary Club & Sullco, Inc.
Join us for a magical morning of stories by the sea! Spread out on our ocean-facing lawn for an unforgettable experience that is perfect for little princes and princesses, this event combines the wonder of storytelling with the beauty of our castle grounds. We’ll have plenty of bubbles, snacks, and music too! We encourage little ones to dress up in their favorite crown, gown, or anything else that makes them happy!]
If you wish to tour the Museum after this program, ticket holders may purchase Self-Guided Tour tickets in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount. Little ones 4 and under enjoy FREE admission to guided and self-guided tours!
Tickets for this event are $10 for adults, Kids 8 and under are $5. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today for a storybook adventure your child will treasure!
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hammond Castle Museum and hone your artistic skills with our upcoming sketch classes with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! This two-hour session includes a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils and an eraser. We encourage you to bring a folding chair and sunscreen as this program is outdoors.
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well. Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for these sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be concerned less about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!
Attendees who wish to tour Hammond Castle Museum after this class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 3:00 p.m. on the day of this class. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, and acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Classes are $25 each. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply.
As a part of its exciting summer reading program, Read, Renew, Repeat, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting Magician Mike Bent Eco-Magic Show on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 am.
Children and their families will be wowed by the environmental-themed magic show with magic, comedy and fun! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home.
This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. No registration is needed.
This summer’s reading program, titled “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” offers a diverse and enriching experience for the entire community. By focusing on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness. Through engaging activities, interactive workshops, reading challenges, and more, participants will learn about the critical role of conservation in maintaining the health and vitality of our planet. For more information on Summer at Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.
This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.
Gloucester’s Summer Block Parties have become a Cape Ann Classic, and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber is excited to be presenting three Block Parties this summer in partnership with the City of Gloucester. The first one will be Saturday, July 13th from 6 PM to 10 PM on Main Street. Party-goers will enjoy fun dining options, live outdoor entertainment and street performers for a family-friendly night on the town. The Block Parties offer local shopping, restaurants, food trucks and non-stop fun!
The following is the schedule of Music & Performers for the July 13th Block Party:
MUSIC:
East End Stage (Stage Sponsor: BankGloucester)
6:00-7:30 PM TheGloucester Student Band
7:30-9:00 PM The Dogtown Cats
Center Stage (Stage Sponsor: Cape Ann Savings Bank)
6:00-8:00 PM Jim & Tonic (Jazz Band)
8:00-10:00 PM Bill Gleason
West End Stage (Stage Sponsor: Institution for Savings)
6:00-8:00 PM Carlos Barberi with mediterranean Sounds
8:00-10:00 PM Tony Frontiero
STREET PERFORMERS: Intersection of Hancock & Main
6:15-7:00 PM: Tobin Renwick from The Red Trouser Show
7:10-7:45 PM: Cape Ann School of Dance
8:00-8:45 PM: Tobin Renwick from The Red Trouser Show
*Also on the street will be: Face Painting by Miss Wendy, ‘The Balloonitik’ with her fun balloon art for the kids, and a bucket drummer.
FOOD VENDORS
5 Star Phresh Phood
Crepe du Jour
Kanaka Poke
Meat and Sweet Foods
Newburyport Crab Cake Co
The Lobster Roller Rockport Kitchen
Three Gingers Jerky
Topsfield Bakeshop Inc.
BUSINESSES
A&A Services (sponsor)
Attorney Amy L. Connors
Cape Ann Olive Oil
Castaways Vintage Cafe
Edward B Beattie Auctioneers
Fireflies Boutique
Mari Bergeron Pottery
Mark Adrian Shoes
Masshole Biscuit Co.
Pat D’s Photos
Phoenix Nest
Pop Gallery
Sample This
Sea Coastal Arts
Shore Nutrition
Sweats of New England
That’s The Tea Boutique
The Bookstore of Gloucester
The Cut
The Willow Witch
Village Silversmith
NON-PROFITS
Action Inc.
Adam Needs Beads
Calvary Chapel Baptist Church
Cape Ann Pride
Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
City of Gloucester-MA Save Energy
Community Church of East Gloucester
Essex County Habitat for Humanity
FOSTER MA
Gloucester Education Foundation
Gloucester High School DECA
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
Gloucester Stage Company
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Housing4All Gloucester
Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative
Lupis Foundation of America
North Shore Arts Association
North Shore Bible Church
North Shore Health Project
Rocky Neck Art Colony
Schooner Adventure
Seaside Sustainability, Inc.
Spaulding Outpatient Center Cape Ann
St John’s Episcopal Church
Town Green Inc.
The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the City of Gloucester, Supporting Partner, many business sponsors, and main street merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Block Parties possible. A listing of the sponsors is provided below:
Stage Sponsors: BankGloucester; Cape Ann Savings Bank; Institution for Savings
Gold Sponsors:Addison Gilbert Hospital; Applied Materials; Beauport Hospitality; The Building Center; and Endicott College
Silver Sponsors: A&A Services, Cape Ann YMCA, Chase Bank, and Ebenezer Tax and Services
The Second Block Party will be on Saturday, August 10th. The Third Block Party will be on Friday, August 30th.
Step into a world of enchantment and join Sleeping Beauty for an unforgettable royal celebration at the historic Hammond Castle!
Begin your adventure by crossing the red carpet-lined drawbridge, reminiscent of Aurora’s own castle, leading you into the grand entrance. Descend the spiral stairs to the majestic Great Hall, where the festivities will unfold like pages from a storybook.
Gather around as Princess Aurora captivates your little one with enchanting tales of her adventures, and sing along to beloved tunes as she brings magic to life with her beautiful voice. Bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments with the Princess, and don’t miss the chance to snap photos on the red carpet. Watch your little ones show off their favorite princess or royal cosplay as they strut down the red carpet, celebrating the magic of make-believe. Weather permitting, we will end the evening with a bubble party on our seaside lawn! This event promises to be a dream come true for both children and adults alike!
Ideal for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. Includes: Cupcakes and a beverage for little ones and coffee/tea for adults.
The Museum will not be open for tours at the time of this program. Attendees who wish to tour the Museum on the day of this program are entitled to a 20% discount on self-guided tours. Admission may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 3:00 p.m. Little ones four and under are entitled to free admission for Museum Tours.
🐟 The Backyard Growcery is located at Burnham’s Field, an urban park near Gloucester’s thriving waterfront, and features small-scale North Shore farmers, bakers, a seafood vendor, an artisanal pizza maker, and more, throughout the season.
The Backyard Growcery accepts SNAP and Senior Coupons. Burnham’s Field is accessible via CATA bus. It is located near the Sheedy Park stop on the Gloucester Crossing & Business Express Loop.
Stay tuned for a calendar of free food-growing, gardening, and art workshops taking place at the Growcery that are designed to bring our community together. The Backyard Growcery also features a Community Resources area where visitors can access essential services and learn more about innovative nonprofit organizations making an impact on Cape Ann.
Cape Ann Community 