Wow, what an incredibly beautiful summer – it is not often we wish for rain – where did it go?! The cooler air is rolling in, the humidity is rolling out, and Summer 2022 on greater Cape Ann is fast fading as fond memories. The dry weather was a boon for our hospitality businesses and the summer events were huge this year with tens of thousands of locals and visitors enjoying our Block Parties, Festival by the Sea and Waterfront Festival.
We are excited to present the last Summer Block Party this Friday, September 2, coinciding with the culminating summertime event, Schooner Festival weekend – an iconic highlight for the region. Then it is into Fall we go. This September is as packed as August. After the Block Party we are excited to present what we hope to be an annual event The Blackburn Brew Fest, featuring 30 brewers, food trucks and music on September 17 at Stage Fort Park – this will be the largest of its kind on the North Shore. Led by our Next Gen. Cape Ann young professionals, and in celebration of the Chamber’s 100 Year Young anniversary, tickets are on sale and limited to 1,000 attendees so get yours today! The next week on September 21 from 5 – 7 PM at 4 School House Road, we are planning a BIG Business After Hours featuring three businesses at Gloucester Crossing – Cape Ann Savings Bank new branch, the YMCA and Halyard Apartments. Then we end the month with our major fundraiser of the year, the Love Greater Cape Ann Fundraising Auction, on September 29 at Cruiseport. We will have exotic trips including to South Africa and Tuscany, fun local adventures and many wonderful items from local businesses. Proceeds support all that we do as a non-profit in promoting our business community and the region as a visitor destination, advocating for our members with state and local officials, and supporting our community with many large events and through our work with the schools.
A quick preview of October shows no slow down in our work with the Essex Clamfest – back this year after a two year hiatus from the pandemic, our BIG $25,000 Game and Businesswomen’s Fall Luncheon. Also, Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA) 2022, now in its sixth year, is full steam ahead the week of October 1 – 9. Thirty six artists from around the country (including several locals) have been juried-in to paint our incredibly beautiful region…much more on that next month. And yes, the Holiday season is not far away, as we have already kicked-off planning for Santa’s arrival on Cape Ann, with associated fun community festivities and important business / economic events including Shop Small Saturday.
More on our priorities of Regional Promotion, Strengthening Our Businesses, and Supporting Our Community. We are preparing to start our 2022 publications cycle (see the new advertising contracts herein) and the Fall wrap-up / close-down of our summer visitation services. We are also planning for our Fall Cape Ann Caucus where we meet with all local and state elected officials and public safety, education and business leaders to discuss issues and opportunities affecting our region; and for the kick-off of our Business Education Collaborative with our annual Focus on Education Roundtable, again bringing together all state and local elected officials and education and business leaders to specifically progress regional education priorities.
Don’t forget that all Cape Ann Plates are easily available online on the Registry of Motor Vehicles site. Just click the following link and follow the instructions or order your Cape Ann plate, and your plates will be delivered to you in a few days – no trip to the Registry required! Cape Ann License Plate. It is only $40 every other year, and our Community Foundation has granted $90,000 to local non-profits and schools.
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
