Interim Director’s & President’s Update – August 2025

August 5, 2025

August is here, and we want to take a moment to look back on a truly special July in Greater
Cape Ann—and share what’s still to come in what’s shaping up to be a jam-packed end to
summer.

One of the biggest highlights was our first Gloucester Block Party of the season on July 12.
It was an incredible night. Downtown was absolutely buzzing—live music, street
performers, great food, and a huge crowd that stayed right until the very end. The support
from our sponsors, non-profits and businesses was amazing, and it really showed what we
can do when we come together as a community. You could feel the energy all evening long.
In Ipswich, Downtown Tuesdays got off to a great start. It’s such a simple but meaningful
way to spend a summer evening—live music in the heart of town, a bite to eat with friends
or family, and a chance to just slow down and enjoy the moment. Huge thanks to our
sponsors for helping bring this new tradition to life.

We also had some terrific networking events last month. The Businesswomen’s Committee
hosted a lovely mixer at the Sargent House Museum, and Business After Hours at Rockport
Brewing was relaxed, fun, and well-attended—just the kind of setting we love for member
connections.

And already this month, we’ve had Festival by the Sea in Manchester-by-the-Sea, held
Saturday, August 2. This event is a bit of a hidden gem. The artists and vendors are
fantastic, the music adds such a nice vibe, and the setting—right in the heart of
downtown—makes it all the more special. Manchester really knows how to put on a show,
and the festival adds so much to the charm of the town.

There’s still plenty ahead this month. The second Gloucester Block Party is coming up on
Saturday, August 9, and we’ll close out the season with one more on Friday, August 29—right
at the start of Labor Day weekend. That same weekend is SchoonerFest, so it’s one of the
most exciting times to be on Cape Ann. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it.
Downtown Tuesdays continue every week through the end of the month, so if you haven’t
made it yet, there’s still time. And don’t forget the Waterfront Festival, coming up August 16
and 17 at Stage Fort Park. This is one of our largest events of the year, drawing thousands of
visitors to enjoy arts, crafts, food, and music in one of the most beautiful spots on the
North Shore.

We’ll also host Business After Hours at Florianna in Ipswich (formerly the Hellenic Center)
on Wednesday, August 20. If you haven’t seen the newly renovated venue yet, this is a
perfect chance to check it out and connect with fellow Chamber members.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support and show up for these events—whether
you’re attending, volunteering, sponsoring, or just cheering us on from the sidelines. Every
bit of involvement helps strengthen our community and reminds us what makes Greater
Cape Ann such a great place to live and work.

Respectfully,
Jim Brown, President, GCACC Board of Directors
Sam Bevins, Interim Director, Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce