August CACC Update from Susan & Ken
August brings us into peak visitor and summertime fun season! A quick look back at July – it continued to be a mixed weather month, but that did not deter our visitors as most of the area’s beaches, attractions, restaurants and accommodations were at capacity. Two of our signature July events were adjusted due to C19 concerns: the first Block Party is cancelled and the August and September ones are on! And the Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction is postponed to the Fall. We focused our efforts on in-person networking events including one at Misselwood Events at Endicott College and Woodman’s and The Essex Room’s Tidewater Tent in Essex, several Ribbon Cuttings and seminars including one featuring our Regional Grant Program offering pandemic support services.
As we head into August, we are in full summertime events mode. Gloucester’s Downtown Association brings us the 62nd annual edition of the Sidewalk Bazaar August 5 – 7, and festival season kicks off in Manchester with Festival by the Sea on Saturday, August 7, featuring almost 100 artisans and downtown participating shops, music and food. August 14 features our first Block Party as we close Main Street and welcome musicians, street performers and more, The Gloucester Blues Festival is on the same day, now in its 10th Year. Rockport Illuminations is August 13 – 15 with fireworks on Saturday the 14th. The third weekend, August 21 & 22, showcases the largest event on Cape Ann, Gloucester’s Waterfront Festival, with 150 artisans, music, many food options and kids activities – fun for the whole family! And we end the summer with the finale of our 2nd Block Party on Friday September 3, to coincide with the iconic Schooner Festival over Labor Day weekend.
Our Cape Ann Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the award of eight grants to local non-profits, totaling $15,000. See the winners at our Love Cape Ann Website, and show your love and pride of Cape Ann every day by ordering your plate today, it is only $40 every other year: lovecapeann.com.
Our Cape Ann Family continues to grow as we put the final touches on the agreement with Ipswich, welcoming the newest town to what will soon be called the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Much more to come on this historic merger!
Cape Ann’s vibrant business community plays an important role in what makes this area a special place to live, work and play. Together we are making great things happen, building on our strong heritage to imagine and create a bright future.
