This time of year, all of Cape Ann is preparing for the summer season, and that’s especially true for the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council. At our June 17 meeting, the Council shared some early summer updates and looked ahead to the remainder of the season, as well as fall, winter and even 2023.
The group reported a busy start to the summer – for both our motels and inns and long-term home rentals. We are seeing a return of Canadian visitors, as well as those from overseas, and more weddings and family gatherings. There is also much optimism for the summer, with strong advance bookings and a busy schedule of activities across Cape Ann, beginning with the return of the St. Peter’s Fiesta in June. Other summer events include Independence Day Weekend celebrations, block parties, Festival by the Sea, the Waterfront Festival, and the Schooner Festival on Labor Day Weekend.
The Council also discussed all that there is to look forward to in the September and October, including the first-ever Blackburn Brewfest (September 17), Sails & Trails (September 16-25), and Cape Ann Plein Air (October 1-9).
The group discussed the many new and returning restaurant options – yet another encouraging sign for the seasons ahead.
A challenge facing many in the tourist-based economy is finding staff to support their businesses, and the Council reviewed the progress being made with Cape Ann Works, an effort focused on encouraging foreign students to work here during the summer months and supporting them with transportation, housing and “works perks”.
Finally, the group turned its attention toward the fall, holiday and even 2023 seasons, discussing plans to gather more information of future events and activities across Cape Ann, with a goal of sharing these details with the many summer visitors we expect.
We will continue our discussion of these and other tourism happenings in upcoming monthly meetings. If you’d like to join us for these Tourism Council meetings – held the third Friday of each month at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices – please email me at tsapienza@gmail.com
Tony Sapienza
Co-owner, Blue Shutters Beachside Inn
Chair, Tourism Council
