Samhain Gatherings in Salem Tomorrow!

For those who may be unfamiliar with Samhain (pronounced Sow-en), the word in Gaelic means "summer's end" and is actually a sacred holy day for those who honor the earth centered religious tradition of Wicca. Some people in this faith community refer to themselves as Witches, not like noted in fairy tales, but as ancient healers and faith bound people. In Salem there is a moderate number of people of this faith.

So while many are celebrating the contemporary Halloween, others are observing the holiest day in their religious calendar. To not this, below are some of the observances we are aware of:

16th Annual Temple of Nine Wells Samhain Magick Circle
5:30pm - Gallows Hill Park
Join Rev. H.P. Richard Ravish GM and Rev. H.Ps. Gypsy Ravish WQ, the Priests & Priestesses of The Temple of Nine Wells, witches of all traditions & friends of the Craft at Gallows Hill Park for the largest citywide Samhain Circle as we turn the Wheel of the Year. Donations welcome. 978.745.8668 • tnw-salem.org

Witches' Commemorative Candlelight Samhain Walk
7:30pm - Gallows Hill Park
Witches walk on the holiest night of the Witches' Year from the Temple of Nine Wells Magick Circle at Gallows Hill Park to the heart of Salem and affirm the sacred nature of the Craft of the Wise. 978.745.8668 • tnw-salem.org

Salem's Witches present A Feast to the Spirits
8pm - 12am - The Lyseum
In honor of the Little Lost Ghost discovered at the Lyceum as seen on the Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters". An evening of ritual, delectable food, fun, and a time to honor the spirits around us. Tickets are limited. Cost $90 per person. Purchase at Crow Haven Corner. 978.745.8763 •  CrowHavenCorner.net

NEW RULES FOR HALLOWEEN IN SALEM!

City of Salem advises visitors to be safe, use common sense, and be prepared to leave at the end of the evening

The City of Salem is encouraging participants in Salem's Halloween night festivities to be safe and considerate during their celebration of all things haunted, spooky and bewitching.
Halloween night is filled with costume balls, festivals, dramatic presentations, ghost stories, walking tours, and parties. Visitors are advised to make reservations for tickets events early, as most will sell out.

The schedule of public events is as follows:

7:00-10:00 pm
Live music around town featuring the Undercover Band on Front Street and Grateful Ted on Hawthorne Boulevard;

10:30 pm
Halloween Finale presented by VDA Productions at Federal & Washington Streets, near the MBTA Commuter Rail station, followed by fireworks over the North River.

11:24 pm
Final train depart to North Station, Boston

11:26 pm
Final train departs to Newburyport

The MBTA has added additional train service for Halloween night, and will be adding a temporary loading platform that will enable northbound and southbound trains to service Salem depot simultaneously. Visit MBTA.com for the complete expanded schedule of services for Haunted Happenings.

Those planning to celebrate Halloween in Salem are reminded of the following:

• Omit any weapons – fake and real – from costumes, as they will be confiscated;

• Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated;

• Salem is a residential city – please be considerate of private property and downtown residents;

• The finale at 10:30 PM is the conclusion of the public Halloween celebration . Please note that the streets will be closed after the fireworks and in conjunction with the final trains departing Salem. The Police and Public Works Departments will be clearing all streets and sidewalks so visitors should be prepared to depart Salem following the closing ceremony;

• To make the most of the public Salem Halloween experience, people are encourage to arrive no later than 8:30 pm, and should plan to depart after the finale http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifat 10:50 pm.;

• From October 29 – November 1 citations for illegal behavior – including public drinking, vandalism, and littering – will have tripled fines, up to $300, associated with them.

The Halloween holiday attracts tens of thousands of costumed revelers to Salem to visit attractions and partake in the Fall festivities. While the vast majority of visitors enjoy their time here without incident, there are some that take advantage of this public gathering and end up causing harm to the area, themselves or others. Please know that the City strongly discourages disorderly behavior (such as drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism) and will penalize offenders to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally. Please help us maintain a fun and safe downtown environment on Halloween evening!

For complete information on Salem Haunted Happenings and Halloween night, please visit Salem.com and HauntedHappenings.org.

PARTIES ON HALLOWEEN WEEKEND IN SALEM!

Here are the parties this Halloween weekend that we have in our scheduling so far. Many have sold out or are close to selling out. Once everyone is filled to capacity there are many area restaurants and pubs that will be open also. So make reservations today!

October 30
The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead - 6:30pm - 10pm Hawthorne Hotel.
The Salem Witches honor the dead with a sumptuous dinner observed in silence as touching music plays. 800.595.4TIX • FestivalOfTheDead.com

October 31
Halloween Finale - Federal & Washington Streets
The 27th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings will conclude with an original sound and light show produced by VDA Productions, Inc., of Somerville, MA. The closing ceremony will combine music, light, and movement soaring into the night sky followed by a fireworks finale over the North River. The entire event will provide a exciting, unique conclusion to Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival and Halloween night. In addition to the finale, bands and DJs will be situated throughout the downtown on Halloween night, including the very popular Undercover Band on Front Street and Grateful Ted on Hawthorne Boulevard. All public music will end at 10:15, and audiences will be encouraged to venture toward the finale on Washington Street before leaving Salem via MBTA or private transportation at the conclusion of Salem Haunted Happenings and the Halloween Festivities, which will be at 11:00 PM. 978.741.3252 • HauntedHappenings.org

Celebrate Halloween at Crunchy Granola Baby! - 3pm - 5pm • 72 Washington St.
Throw on your best costume with your little ones and enjoy organic treats. 978.741.0800 • CrunchyGranolaBaby.com

Sixty2 on Wharf Halloween Cocktail Party - 7pm - 12pm • 62 Wharf St.
Join Sixty2 on Wharf for our very first Halloween cocktail party. Friday, October 31st. from 7pm to midnight for a night that will wake the dead. You will enjoy complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres and appetizers from our menu and creative halloween cocktails from our cash bar. We'll also be featuring live music by our very own bartender and local musician Derek Rando. Costumes are a must as well as 21+. Door prize will be given to the most spooktacular costume!! Space is limited so please call 978 744 0062 or stop by and reserve today! Cost is $35 per person. Tax not included
978-744-0062 • 62onwharf.com

The Hawthorne Hotel's Carn-Evil Creep Show Costume Ball - 8pm - 12am • Hawthorne Hotel
Three floors of entertainment, fun and food. Tickets are $90 per person. Live entertainment featuring the popular band "HUSH", DJ's, limited edition t-shirt, and photo. Costume contest with $1500 in cash prizes. Must be 21 years of age or older with proper ID at the door. Tickets can be purchased on our website or call. 978.744.4080 • HawthorneHotel.com

Salem's Witches present A Feast to the Spirits - 8pm - 12am • Lyceum Restaurant
In honor of the Little Lost Ghost discovered at the Lyceum as seen on the Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters". An evening of ritual, dhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifelectable food, fun, and a time to honor the spirits around us. Tickets are limited. Cost $90 per person. Purchase at Crow Haven Corner. 978.745.8763 • CrowHavenCorner.net

Halloween at Capt's Topsides - 8pm - 12am • 94 Wharf St.
Put on your best costume and join us for a party overlooking the haunted harbor of Salem. Music, costume prizes, great food included, cash bar. Cost: $50 advance/$60 at the door per person. Call for tickets & reservations. 978.741.0555 •

November 1
The Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball - 7:30pm - 12:30am • Hawthorne Hotel
18+ Join the Salem Witches with guests Fiona Horne, Wendy Rule, and Dragon Ritual Drummers for the event AOL rates among America's top Halloween parties! Free readings! $1,000 prize! 800.595.4TIX • FestivalOfTheDead.com

Scenes from Oktoberfest! Join us today!

Join us today for the last day of the Witch City Haunted Oktoberfest! Cover charge is $10 today and it includes entertainment and your first drink. Children are welcome throughout the day today when accompanied by their parents. Extra drink tickets and food are available for purchase. Bratwurst, lobster rolls, barbequed ribs, chowder and more! The Bavarian Hofbrau Band plays today with the last performance of Charmed and Dangerout for the weekend.

The day is gorgeous...come have some fun!

AVAILABLE LODGING FOR HAUNTED HAPPENINGS!

As we come into the final two weeks of Salem Haunted Happenings, lodging gets tighter in the region. At Destination Salem, the travel and tourism office for the city, alerts of room availablity from advertisers makes it possible for you to know where you can call at the last minute. From time to time we will post these.

Today we heard from these fine establishments. They are about 20-30 minutes from Salem near Gloucester. Call because these will move quickly.

TUCK INN B&B: 17 High St., Rockport
Bed and Breakfast
MIDWEEK: YES
WEEKENDS: YES
BLACKOUT: NONE
978-546-7260 / 800-789-7260
www.TuckInn.com

For the Inns, it is as follows:

THE INNS OF ROCKPORT: 25 Various locations throughout the town.
Inns, B&Bs, Motels, and Hotels
MIDWEEK: YES
WEEKENDS: YES
BLACKOUT: NONE
Various phones as noted on the website below
www.InnsOfRockport.com

SALEM PREPARES AN EXCITING HALLOWEEN FINALE!

Destination Salem and the City of Salem are promising a unique and exciting finale for Halloween revelers on October 31st.  The event, which is being sponsored and produced by VDA Productions out of Somerville, will provide revelers with an impressive sound and light show overhead that features giant shapes dancing overhead. 

This closing ceremony, which will combine music, light, and movement soaring into the night sky, will occur at the intersection of Federal and Washington Streets, will happen at 10:30 PM on Friday, October 31, and will be followed by a fireworks finale over the North River.  The entire event will provide a exciting, unique conclusion to Salem's Haunted Happenings festival and Halloween night.

"Salem residents have indicated an interest in seeing a more creative and artistic side of Halloween, and VDA brings that creativity to the table," says Destination Salem executive director Kate Fox, "They are putting together a unique, exciting finale that will appeal to all ages while providing the closing ceremonies we need on Halloween."
Bands and DJs will be situated throughout the downtown on Halloween night, including the very popular Undercover Band on Front Street and Grateful Ted on Hawthorne Boulevard.  All public music will end at 10:15, and audiences will be encouraged to venture toward the finale on Washington Street.
 
The MBTA has added additional trains for Halloween night to transport out of Salem.  The City of Salem and Destination Salem are working closely with the MBTA to communicate with potential passengers the importance of coming to Salem early and planning to be on the final trains out of Salem, which will be at 11:00 PM going inbound to North Station and 11:11 PM going northbound to Beverly.

People planning to attend Halloween in Salem are asked to remember that accessories to costumes that might look like a weapon or potentially endanger others are not permitted in the City and will be confiscated by police.

"With Halloween on a Friday night this year we are expecting very large numbers of people coming to Salem to celebrate what has become on of the biggest holidays in America," Says Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, "Enhanced police coverage will be in place, and Department of Public Services will be working overtime to ensure the City is the location of a safe, fun Halloween, and that residents will find clean, quiet streets on November 1st. Most importantly, we are encouraging anyone coming to Salem to take public transportation and to conclude their visit at the end of the closing ceremony. "

It is hoped that VDA Production's finale and the fireworks will be an annual component of Halloween, which will be on a Saturday in 2009.  The cost of the production is being sponsored by VDA Productions, Inc. and underwritten by revenue from Fiesta Shows' carnival on Derby Street.

Dig out the Lederhosen and Dirndls! Its time for Oktoberfest!!

The upcoming weekend it filled with many new events for Haunted Happenings!!! This year's Witch City Haunted Oktoberfest is bringing back old traditions from Salem's history with new twists in the middle of downtown Salem on Front Street. Opening festivities begin on Friday evening, October 24, 2008 and continue through October 26, 2008.

Beer will be provided by local, award-winning Ipswich Ale. Traditional German and New England fare, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. On Saturday and Sunday, children may attend under the supervision of their parents until 6 pm. Live entertainment will be provided all weekend. ID will be required.

Tickets can be purchased at Pamplemousse or online at WitchCityOktoberfest.com or at MKTix.com! Tickets will also be available at the door.

Schedule of events:

October 24, 7-10 p.m.
An Evening With Charmed & Dangerous
Tickets $25 per person. ID will be required.
Ticket includes first beer and the evening entertainment. This is a special performance with a Halloween and German cabaret performance of Charmed and Dangerous to kick the weekend off. The group is a blend of the comedy and cabaret bawdy beauties and hilarious hombres. No bone will be left un-tickled.

October 25, noon to 9 p.m.
Buddy Walker's Warszawiaki Orchestra and Charmed & Dangerous
Tickets $20 per person. ID will be required. Children free. Ticket includes first beer, entertainment and a gift for the first 1500 people for the day!
Buddy Walker and the Warszawiaki Orchestra is a well-known and established local group from Salem, Massachusetts, playing for the dancing pleasure throughout New England for over fifty years at dances, socials, weddings, and about any affair where good music is in demand since 1949. The Charmed and Dangerous group will also perform.


October 26, noon to 6 p.m.
The Bavarian Hofbrau Band and Charmed and Dangerous
Tickets $20 per person. Children free. Ticket includes first beer, entertainment and a gift for the first 1000 people for the day!
The Bavarian Hofbrau Band was founded over twenty years ago by a group of musicians from the North Shore of Boston playing good, solid German music. The Charmed and Dangerous group will also perform.

See you all this weekend on the dance floor!

TAKE A RIDE FOR A WITCHES-EYE VIEW OF SALEM!

On Saturday afternoon, October 25 from 10 am to 5 pm tethered hot-air balloon rides will take passengers aloft for a stunning view of the city from Washington Square. High-5 Ballooning of New Hampshire brings its "Smile High" balloon for a full afternoon of flights, open to both children and adults. (Weather Permitting!!) After many years, the glorious tradition of ballooning on the Salem Common returns, just in time for the Haunted Happenings weekend that will feature the City's first annual Oktoberfest and the Children's Costume Parade.

FAMILY FUN FEST ON THE SALEM COMMON!

This next weekend on Saturday Oct. 25 & Sunday Oct. 26, 2008 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
join the Salem Common Neighborhood Association on Salem Common for tons of Family fun!

The SCNA's "Family Fest" will feature a variety of activities and attractions, including pumpkin decoration, a kids' collaborative mural design, pony rides, music at the common bandstand, and scrumptious free samples from Rita's Water Ice of Salem. Monster Mini Golf of Danvers will also be on hand to reveal the spooky side of the putting green.

What a weekend!!!!!!!!!!! Here is to the next week!

This weekend was as busy as ever for Haunted Happenings! Harvest Fest had lines all the way down the pedestrian mall way before it was even time for the doors to open. Children from around town brought their decorated pumpkins to Salem Common for the first pumpkin decorating contest. Judges spent the morning today reviewing the creations. The youngest entry was from a creative 19 month old and ages went up from there!

The second largest pumpkin from the fair last weekend in Topsfield was on display and the smell of fried dough and hotdogs filled the air! Hockey players of all sizes were seen running around the Common helping buyers pick out just the ride pumpkin at their pumpkin sale.

The sounds of motorcyles breezed through the city mid afternoon as men and women raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association rode into town. It is always a site to see and the glimmering bikes lined the streets after the event was over. Congratulations to the organizers for this 2oth year.

Butterflies, princesses, superheroes, ghosts, and other transformed children graced the city with their fun filled faces.

Tomorrow the next big event opens for the season. The Carnival on Derby Street opens on October 20. Today folks from Fiesta Shows were seen setting up rides and booths getting ready to open. A giant merry-go-round, ferris wheel and much more await you to climb on board and have fun!

So come on up to Salem, Massachusetts! Discover the magic, fun and happenings of the biggest Halloween celebration in the world!

Mayor Driscoll speaks about Haunted Happenings!

Listen to Mayor Kim Driscoll speak about Salem Haunted Happenings on TV Diner with Billy Costa!

Kate Fox From Destination Salem on Haunted Happenings!

Listen to Kate Fox, Executive Director of Destination Salem speak about Salem Haunted Happenings on NECN's TV Diner with Billy Costa!

Motor Cycle Run for Muscular Dystrophy Association

On Sunday October 19th the annual Halloween motorcycle run to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be coming to Salem. The ride is expected to arrive in Salem sometime between 1:00pm and 1:30pm and will enter Salem on Lafayette St. from Marblehead. The ride will proceed down Lafayette St., right on Derby St., and right on Congress St. ending at Shetland Park. Derby St. between Lafayette and Congress St. will be closed during this time and extensive traffic delays are expected in all areas of the route. please adjust your travel plans accordingly, thank you.

Giant Pumpkins, Hay Maizes and a Decoration Contest...Oh My!

Visit Salem Common this weekend with your children for more fun! See an 1112 pound pumpkin. Run through the hay maize. Check out all of the beautiful decorated pumpkins!

We invite Salem's children to bring their pumpkins to the common to enter the contest all day Saturday and Sunday. Their pumpkins will be on display throughout the rest of Haunted Happenings.

On Sunday, this weekend, the decorated pumpkins will be judged by a panel of esteemed artists from the city and prizes will be awarded!http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

So come discover the magic of !!

Take the T to Salem!

No matter where you live in the Greater Boston areas there is apt to be a train heading to and from Boston to Salem! for the rest of this month extra trains have been added, as well as for Halloween Day and evening.

Also...parking is at a premium in Salem this time of year! The train arrives right in the middle of the downtown area within walking distance from EVERYTHING!

To find out more about taking visit the MBTA!

Harvest Fest, Winged Creatures and History!

As the harvest season descents upon us at the same time as Halloween, Salem is filled with celebrations of many kinds!

Friday through Sunday all of the historic presentations will be in full swing. History Alive brings two incredible shows. Cry Innocent is the story of Bridget Bishop with attendees voting her fate. This presentation is held at Old Town Hall. Spiritways: A Night in Besieged Salem Village at Pioneer Village is a full immersion through the village with the afflicted girls. This presentation can be scary for small children and children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent. Check the Featured Events section of the website for times.

At the House of the Seven Gables the Spirits of the Gables and Legacy of the Hanging Judge are running. These are stories about the Gables and the witchcraft hysteria.

For stories of the sea...Visit the Friendship on Derby Wharf in the evening hours for Chilling Tales by live performers. Visit SalemTheatre.com for more information.

For young people and families this weekend the Salem Maritime National HIstoric Site is hosting Skywalker the Golden Eagle and three of his fellow raptors. These beautiful creatures can be seen outdoors behind the Custom House. If the weather is bad the event will take place in St. Joseph's Hall. This is a free event and is limited to the first 75 people.

For adults there is Salem Harvest Fest in downtown on Essex Street at The Gathering. This is a tasting of fine beers, wine, and mead. There will be two tastings at 2 pm and 5:30 pm. Spaces fill quickly for this event! For more information go to SalemHarvestFest.com!

Food, Drink and Delicious Treats!

There are so many wonderful places to dine in Salem. For the past several years it is the restaurant scene here that has added greatly to the renaissance of the city. No matter what you want you will find it here.

For coffees, teas and sweet treats try one of our coffee and tea shops....Gulu Gulu Cafe near the Bewitched statue serves not only the usual coffee and tea selection but has a delightful selection of wines and beers in the evening hours. Coffee Time Bakeshop is a must stop on your way home! Pick up a wonderful cake, cookies, scones or fresh donuts.

Lots of people who come here want to know where to get good seafood. Wow...where can you not get good seafood! Almost every restaurant carries seafood of some kind. Lobster rolls seem to be widely requested. Capt's Waterfront, Finz and the Lobster Shanty have awesome and different renditions of this classic New England fare. Capt's and Finz along with Victoria Station also have great steaks. At Capt's you can enjoy freshly cooked food on a charcoal grill. On a warm fall afternoon also all three places have outdoor seating.

If you are looking for a good burger or lunch menu go to the pubs at the Hawthorne Hotel Tavern, The Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel or Victoria Station! Elegant evening dinners can be had at Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel or at Strega's on Lafayette Street.

For an evening cocktail...Salem has some great martini locations. Strega has received awards for their list of Halloween oriented martini's. Add to it the great gothic style atmosphere you can relax and watch the crowds walk by. And don't forget to stop by Pamplemousse for their free mead and wine tastings on the weekends.

If you know you are coming to town, look over our restaurant sponsors and sponsors of Destination Salem and make your reservations before you come here. Restaurants fill up quickly and waiting lines are common!

Take the Salem Ferry and the T from Boston!

With parking at a premium here in town this month it is highly suggested that travelers from Boston take the Salem Ferry or the T from North Station to Salem.

The Salem Ferry docks at the Boston Aquarium for pickups in Boston and drops folks in Salem at Blaney Wharf, two blocks from The House of the Seven Gables, CityView Trolley and Salem Trolley both pick up passengers at Blaney Wharf for a fee for transport to the downtown area while getting a delightful tour. These trolleys offer hop on and off service all day long once you purchase your tickets.

The T comes right into downtown Salem from North Station. Once in Salem Station, walk up the stairs and the city is there waiting for you to have fun!

Both options offer ease getting in and out of Salem and you get to save gas and the environment! A great solution for so many reason!

Ms. Firefly's School, Haunted Trolley Rides and Parties This Weekend!

This weekend for children is Ms. Firefly's School of Spirit Conjuration! Join Ms.Firefly in some delightful fun as she shows children how not to be afraid of the spirits and how to conquers fears of the unknown! This playful workshop for kids is fun and Ms. Firefly's delightful sense of humor makes it fun for all ages. Participants will make special masks, magic wands and enjoy a ice cream buffet, hot cocoa and cider as well as coffee for our adult friends who attend! Tickets can be purchase online at www.FestivalOfTheDead.com.

A new kind of trolley ride has come to town and it a fun addition to the lineup of things to do in Salem! Hop on Tales & Tombstones if you dare for a grave undertaking! This new evening trolley tour is run by CityView Trolley this October! Listen to eerie tales of Salem's past from costumed guides as you journey this spooky tour around town.

Tours depart nightly at 7 pm and 9 pm from the CityView Trolley offices at 131-2 Essex Street near the Salem Visitor Center. Visit Tales & Tombstones for more information. Children are welcome though portions may be scary.

This weekend also begins the party season here in the Witch City! The Retro Zombie Ball begins at 8 pm on Saturday evening, October 11 at Finz on Pickering Wharf. The event is sponsored by Festival of the Dead. Dance to music of the 70's and 80's and old zombie songs, watch the Zombie-a-Go-Go Dancers drink a Toxic-tini or Eyeball Highball! Cash prize for the most creative cringingly zombie costume! Party ends at 12:30 pm. Go to www.FestivalOfTheDead.com for information and tickets.

And don't forget the Bootiful Pets event on Salem Common on Sunday! The Official Cat of Salem will be chosen (must be a Salem resident cat!) Registration begins at 10 am for cats and noon for dogs.

It promises to be a bootiful weekend so come on up to Salem and discover the magic and the fun of the season! Visit us at HauntedHappenings.org for the full weekend's schedule!

More Fun Events for the weekend at Haunted Happenings!

Lots of new events at the last minute are showing up from our event sponsors and advertisers. As they show up we will put them on the blog area and in the daily calendar!

Saturday, October 11
Get in the mood for Halloween with ghostgirl, the New York Times’ top ten best seller written by local author Tonya Hurley as she makes an appearance at Cornerstone Books. The book is at the forefront of a growing sub-genre of Young Adult fiction—dubbed ‘’demento mori’’ by Publisher’s Weekly in their starred review of the book—about teens who cannot or will not die. Cornerstone Books is located on Lafayette Street near Engine House Pizza and the city's fire station.

Monday, October 13
Join KISS 108 and General Motors to win $200 in free gas and dozens of other prizes in the KISS 108 Fall Games on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall October 13th from 12 noon to 2 pm. Hear great music, pick up free gear, check out the newest in hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles from GM, and take play to win great prizes including a grand prize of $200 in free gas.

Columbus Day Weekend Celebrations and Fun!

          

This coming weekend will begin the full blown expression of Halloween in downtown Salem with the Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Biz Baz! 

Artisans and downtown retailers along with area non-profit groups will gather on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, along Hawthorne Boulevard down towards Pickering Wharf's Wharf Knots Event. the Picking Wharf Merchant Association will host on the Wharf it's own shopping extravaganza called Wharf Knots!  

Everything from arts, crafts, food, kettle corn ( for those of us who are freaks about it!) and so on will be available. Downtown Salem's merchants will throw open their doors for a shopping experience not to be missed! Everything from fine wines, kitchen wares, clothing, tattoo services, witchy wares, and so on will be available! Visit many of our fine Haunted Happenings retail sponsors such as Pamplemousse (free mead tastings this weekend!), The Trolley Depot, Wicked Goodz, Hex, Sophia's, Crunchy Granola Baby, The Broom Closet, The Goddess' Treasure Chest, Treasures Over Time, Harley Davidson, Remember Salem, Fool's Mansion, Witch Tees, Angelica's. Cornerstone Books and Crow Haven Corner can be found in the downtown area along with many other great stores!

On Pickering Wharf have lunch or dinner at some of our restaurant sponsors  such as Finz Not-So-Hip Seafood, Capt's Restaurant, Grill & Pub, 62 on the Wharf, Regatta Pub, and Victoria Station for delectable and delicious New England fare. For your shopping pleasure on Pickering Wharf visit Quint Essentials, Artemesia Botanicals, Nu Aeon and Pyramid Books along with  many other wonderful boutiques.

Add all of this to more wonderful museum shops and retail establishments than we can squeeze into this blog space with the fair type atmosphere and there is a full weekend waiting for your pleasure. Discover the magic of Salem as a shopping and dining destination unlike any other place in the world!

Haunted and Spooky Historical Presentations

This weekend begins many of the events and presentations around town. Every weekend from October 3 through November 1 you can visit three historical presentations presented by The House of the Seven Gables and Gordon College's History Alive!

Discover the many surprises in The House of the Seven Gables. Admission includes guided tours, gardens, and museum store. Continuous tours daily 9:30am–7:00pm. 115 Derby St. 978.744.0991 7gables.org

Call ahead of time and book your visit to two events The House of the Seven Gables is presenting in the evenings.

At Spirits of the Gables witness two families entangled by a curse in this presentation of The House of the Seven Gables acted in the mansion that inspired the story. In Legacy of the Hanging Judge experience scenes from the Witchcraft Hysteria are reenacted in this presentation acted in the rooms of Hawthorne’s Birthplace. Productions run October 10, 11, 12, 2008 7:30pm - 9:30pm and October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and November 1, 2008 7:15pm - 11:00pm. Both shows run continuously and are 35 minutes long. For reservations and tickets call 978.744.0991 7gables.org

History Alive! from Gordon College is presenting three historical reenactments. At Cry Innocent: the People Versus Bridget Bishop imagine it’s April 1692. Bridget Bishop is accused of witchcraft and you are on the jury! Each show is different: play your part in history! October 6 - 31. Multiple shows daily. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. Presented by History Alive!.

At Pioneer Village visit the Naumkeag/Salem of the 1630s. Tour the three acre, re-created village to learn about early customs and trades. Historically accurate costumed guides. Participatory activities. Nestled in Forest River Park next to the ocean & picnic grounds. Open for group and self guided tours.

Travel to Spiritways: A Night in Besieged Salem Village where History Alive! presents a terrifying night-time visit to the Salem of the infamous “afflicted girls”. Custom-written for Pioneer Village, Forest River Park, this is a full-immersion journey through village and woods. Children under thirteen only admitted with a parent or legal guardian. Not recommended for young children. Shuttle and combination tickets with Cry Innocent available. Saturday nights in October. Show times 7:13, 8:13, 9:13, 10:13 & 11:13pm

Combination tickets available with Cry Innocent, Spiritways and Pioneer Village (daytime) tours. 978.867.4767 www.gordon.edu/historyalive/productions

More Fabulous Fun Tonight!

Last night's parade was fun and continues to grow. Pirates, fairies, Wendy, Peter, Captain Hook, alligators and more wondered down the streets of Salem celebrating the opening of Salem Haunted Happenings. Area high school bands played the marching beats along with bands on floats from area restaurants.

Today and tonight the fun continues! From 3 pm until 10 pm today is Mayor's Night Out. This event is in partnership with Salem's attractions and museums welcomes Salem residents with ID free admission & free parking in the East India Mall garage after 4pm. Look for "Mayor's Night Out" sign on the door of participating businesses.

Also this evening at 5:30 pm is Trick or Treating with the Mayor for children in Salem! Meet at the East India Fountain. The groups will trick-or-treat on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall shops and inside the Museum Place Mall shops. Trick-or-Treat Bags provided. Costumes encouraged.

Tomorrow on Saturday, October 4 begins many of the other events in the city. Visit our daily event calendar at HauntedHappenings.org for detailed information on the hauntings and fun!

The Bewitching Time is Almost Here!

One more day until the kick off of the Grand Opening Parade for Salem's Haunted Happenings! As you can see from these images every body from the Mayor to business owners to children love the parade! More moms than I can imagine were heading on off to various stores today looking for the final touches or in some cases the perfect costume for their children to wear in the parade.

This year's theme is "Never, Neverland" so it will be fun to see the different ideas to celebrate the theme. There will be floats, marching bands from the area schools, haunted trolleys, and so much more to see. Remember to park your car and leave it because the streets will be closed for the fectivities. You can check the HauntedHappenings.org or Salem.com websites for specifics.

There are great spots to bring a chair and sit to watch the parade Thursday October 2, 2008 5:30-8:00 PM. Remember to look for those who are sitting so you don't stand in their way. Another great spot to sit will be at Rockafella's where the parade turns off of Washington Street on to Essex Street. Sit at their outdoor cafe for $25 you can enjoy a reserved seat in the premium area on the parade path and delicious appetizers from the complimentary appetizer bar. Their full tantalizing menu will also be available. Seating is limited so call for reservations 978-745-2411.

The parade begins at Shetland Park on Congress Street, looping down Derby Street, Washington Street, down Essex and ending at Salem Common.

We look forward to seeing many of you who live locally there! Let the hauntings begin!