Historic Salem Celebrates July 4th

Images: Salem, Mass.

Salem will hold its Independence Day celebration at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf on Saturday, July 4th.

“There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in historic Salem,” said Mayor Driscoll in a statement. “Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the day visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for all of the festivities.”

“This year we are very excited to have a flyover by the 104th Fighter Wing from Barnes Air National Guard Unit,” Mayor Driscoll added.

The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard is located in Westfield, Massachusetts and proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth. Salem Common was the site of the first muster in 1637 and continues to host the annual National Guard muster to this day.

Free children’s activities begin at 4 p.m. with the opening of the Kids’ Space, where young ones can play games and get their faces painted. Food tents on site will also open at 4 p.m. with hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 5 p.m. with the band, LUX.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll and other local dignitaries will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Honor Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops. The National Anthem will be sung by the YMCA of the North Shore Glee Club Select, which includes singers Marena Anderson, Sam Bigus, Emma Lipinski, Chloe Panico, and Jacob Pini, directed by YMCA Music Director Samantha Gambaccini.

Immediately following opening ceremonies Maestro Dirk Hillyer and his orchestra will be offering another top-notch Pops experience.

“We don’t want to give the whole program away”, stated Dr. Hillyer, “But you can be assured that we have another year of great music selections from Carousel to The Prayer with special guest soloists Erin Smith, soprano, and Ben DiScipio, tenor. They will blow your socks off! Set your blanket down early to get a good spot!”

At 9:15 p.m., Salem will end its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

Transportation, Parking & Alternative Fireworks Viewing Areas

The Salem train station is just a short walk from Derby Wharf and the MBTA has scheduled trains to leave Salem outbound/northbound at10:46 p.m. and one outbound/southbound leaving at 10:39 p.m. so you will be able to enjoy the concert and the entire fireworks display. Parking is available at the MBTA station at a rate of $5 for the day. Attendees are strongly encouraged to take public transportation for the event. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is just a ten to fifteen minute walk through downtown Salem from the Salem MBTA station.

Also, the Museum Place Garage on New Liberty Street and the South Harbor Garage on Congress Street are available for parking at $5 for the day, with the proceeds being donated directly towards the July 4th celebration.

Overflow parking is available at Shetland Properties on Congress Street. Shetland Properties also offers a prime alternative fireworks viewing location, as does Salem’s Winter Island Park off of Fort Avenue.

There is limited handicap parking at Derby Wharf and in the Immaculate Conception parking lot on Hawthorne Boulevard, which is first-come first-serve, and there is a mobility impaired/wheelchair seating section reserved at the beginning of Derby Wharf, so attendees do not have to traverse the park’s terrain.

For more information check www.salem.com or call Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.