SALEM, MA – The Salem 400+, the city’s quadricentennial initiative, invites the community to a milestone weekend of maritime history, festivity, and civic pride as the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II sails into Salem Harbor. The next day Salem 400+ is calling on the community to come out in force for return of the beloved Heritage Days Parade on Saturday, August 1, in honor of the city’s quadricentennial. Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the route, cheer on marchers, snap photos for the Historic Salem Inc. Salem 400+ photo contest and stick around afterward for the Heritage Days Festival at Salem Maritime National Historical Park.
Public Dockside Welcome for the Pride of Baltimore II
On Friday, July 31 at 1:00 p.m., the Salem Community is invited to gather at Central Wharf (160 Derby Street) as the historic tall ship Pride of Baltimore II makes her arrival into Salem. This free, family-friendly welcome kicks off a special weekend of Salem 400+ and America’s 250th programming, with Mayor Pangallo and other dignitaries on hand to greet the ship’s crew. Commemorative mini-Salem 400+ flags will be available as mementoes of the occasion.
Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II
On Friday July 31st at 5:00 p.m., Salem 400+ will host the Seaside Soirée, a ticketed cocktail fundraiser aboard the Pride of Baltimore II. This limited-capacity event invites guests to enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Ferreira Foods, two complimentary signature cocktails, and a cash bar, all while taking in the ocean breeze on the deck of one of the East Coast’s most storied replica vessels. Built and launched in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in 1988, Pride II faithfully reproduces the sharp-built Baltimore Clippers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries — the fast, sleek ships that made their name as privateers during the War of 1812. Tickets are on sale now and going fast, secure yours today https://salem-chamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/26518.
A Parade Worth Celebrating
Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade on Saturday August 1st, is shaping up to be a real throwback to the parade’s heyday in the 1990s, with over 70 organizations signed up to march — including several marching bands and the Aleppo Shriners — alongside community groups, local businesses, and civic organizations. “We are delighted with the turnout of parade participants, but now it is up to everyone else!” said parade organizer, Virginia Cherol. “We can’t have a parade marching down empty streets, we want everyone needs to come out and cheer for our community!”
The parade steps off from the Salem State University O’Keefe Sports Complex, 225 Canal St., and marches all the way up Lafayette Street, turning right onto Derby Street and ending at Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, bring the family, and claim a spot along the route (Lafayette Street or Derby Street) the more people cheering from the curb, the bigger this celebration.
Spectators are encouraged to bring a camera or phone and capture the day — from the marchers and bands to the crowds cheering them on — and submit their favorite shots to the Historic Salem Inc. Salem 400+ photo contest. The photo contest is open until August 15, entries can be submitted online, at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfelHqhujUCYL9Tze3bkBX7FMn9GMFsUdwXpHT0_h_DbCiUlw/viewform. It’s a fun way for the community to help tell the story of Salem’s 400th celebration, one photo at a time.
Once the last marchers reach Salem Maritime, the celebration continues with the Salem Heritage Days Festival in celebration of Salem’s 400th and America’s 250th anniversary which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The beloved 4th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta launches at 1:00 p.m., where homemade cardboard vessels take to the water for a delightful community competition. Attendees can step aboard the visiting tall ship Pride of Baltimore, learn from historic artisans, explore a variety of food trucks, and so much more!.
“The Heritage Days Parade has always been about bringing this community together, and it was our great pleasure to bring this beloved tradition back for Salem’s Quadricentennial,” said Dominick Pangallo, Mayor. “We want every corner of Salem represented on that sidewalk — cheering, waving, taking pictures, and celebrating everything that makes this city special. Then come on down to Derby Wharf and keep the celebration going with us.” The Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival is a partnership between Salem Maritime National Historical Park and the City of Salem.
Weekend Summary
- Friday, July 31, 1:00 p.m. — Public Dockside Welcome for the Pride of Baltimore II (free to the public)
- Friday, July 31, evening — Seaside Soirée aboard the Pride of Baltimore II (ticketed)
- Saturday, August 1 — Heritage Days Parade, assembling at Salem State University O’Keefe Sports Complex, ending at Derby Wharf. Nearly 70 organizations marching, including bands and the Shriners. Free and open to the public — come cheer and take photos for the Salem 400+ photo contest!
- Saturday, August 1, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Heritage Days Festival at Salem Maritime National Historical Park, featuring the Cardboard Boat Regatta at 1:00 p.m. (free, open to the public)
- Sunday, August 2, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Pride of Baltimore II open for free public tours
About Salem 400+
Salem 400+ is the City of Salem’s quadricentennial celebration, marking 400 years of Salem’s history under the theme “Salem through the ages” — honoring the city’s past, present, and future. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit Salem400.org
