August brings us into peak visitor and summertime fun season! A quick look back at July – whew it was HOT and DRY – a BIG month for our visitors and locals to enjoy all that the region has to offer with amazing beaches, activities of all types, dining, shopping and accommodations. Our first Block Party was a smashing success with several thousand people on the street, and it was terrific to see the families and kids enjoying the street performers, local music and food. We also led several fun ribbon cuttings and networking events including at the Manchester Historical Museum, aka Trask House, and learned of their exciting new exhibit, “Manchester 1772!”, highlighting various aspects of life 250 years ago. Our regional pandemic relief grant work continued, and the Cape Ann Works program is in full swing with an impactful new job connections website and about 50 international students here on a J1 Visa Program supporting our local businesses.
As we head into August, we are in full summertime events mode. Gloucester’s Downtown Association brings us the 63rd annual edition of the Sidewalk Bazaar August 4 – 6, and festival season kicks off in Manchester with Festival by the Sea on Saturday, August 6, featuring more than 100 artisans and downtown participating shops, music and food. Our second Block Party is on August 13 as we again close Main Street and welcome musicians, street performers and more. The Gloucester Blues Festival is on the same day, now in its 11th Year, see the line-up here: Gloucester Blues Festival; as is Rockport’s fireworks. The third weekend, August 20 & 21, 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 3rd Block Party on Friday September 2, to coincide with the iconic Schooner Festival over Labor Day weekend.
Our Cape Ann Community Foundation has just completed its presentation of a record ten grants to local non-profits, totaling $19,000 this year, and $90,000 over the past six years…all from the proceeds of the Cape Ann License Plate. 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.
Greater 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 have it all and are making great things happen.
