SALEM, MA — A weekend of Salem 400+ events centered on the arrival of the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II and the return of the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival is set for next weekend.
The weekend begins July 31, at 1 p.m., when the public is invited to gather at Central Wharf, 160 Derby St., for a dockside welcome as the Pride of Baltimore II arrives in Salem Harbor. The welcome is free and open to the public. Commemorative mini-Salem 400+ flags will be available.
Later that day, Salem 400+ will host the Seaside Soirée at 5 p.m. aboard the Pride of Baltimore II. The ticketed cocktail fundraiser is described as a limited-capacity event with gourmet hors d'oeuvres by Ferreira Foods, two complimentary signature cocktails and a cash bar. Tickets are on sale through the Salem Chamber of Commerce registration page.
The Pride of Baltimore II was built and launched in Baltimore's Inner Harbor in 1988. It describes the vessel as a reproduction of the Baltimore Clippers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the ships known for their speed and their role as privateers during the War of 1812.
The celebration continues Saturday with the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival, presented by the City of Salem and Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Participants will assemble at the Salem State University O'Keefe Sports Complex before the parade travels down Lafayette and Derby streets and ends at Salem Maritime National Historical Park's Derby Wharf.
More than 60 community groups, local businesses and civic organizations are slated to take part.
"This weekend captures everything Salem 400+ is about - honoring our history while bringing the present community together to celebrate their beloved town," said Salem 400+ coordinator Virginia Cherol. "We have been planning this weekend for years, and it is going to be something really special."
The Salem Heritage Days Festival is scheduled to be underway at Salem Maritime National Historical Park starting at 11 a.m. Attendees will be able to board the Pride of Baltimore II, see more than 20 historical demonstrators and visit food trucks.
The 4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The ship is also scheduled to be open for public tours on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during regular Salem Maritime National Historical Park hours.
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