Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Summer Community Events on Cape Ann
Brought to you by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Aerial View of Watefront Festival | Coastal Exposure
We Have Exciting News

We are excited to announce two important staffing changes. Olivia Perez-O’Dess, formally Director of Member Services has taken a new role as Director of Community Relations. Taking over Member Services for Olivia is new hire, Sam Bevins. Sam comes to us as a Cape Ann local, and recent graduate from the University of Maine.

Please welcome Olivia and Sam to their new positions, and do not hesitate to reach out to either of them with anything that we may do to better serve you and our Greater Cape Ann Community
Meet Our Newest Chamber Family
Team Member

Director of Events, Sara Bowen, introduced her son Frederick "Freddy" Bowen to the Cape Ann Chamber team last week. Freddy is not a fan of sleeping but sure looks cute keeping his doting parents awake at night! Sara is healthy, happy, and looks forward to coming back in October to lead the Chamber's events.
CEO and President August Update

August brings us into peak visitor and summertime fun season! A quick look back at July – it continued to be a mixed weather month, but that did not deter our visitors as most of the area’s beaches, attractions, restaurants and accommodations were at capacity.
August Love Cape Ann Podcast

Cape Ann Chamber CEO Ken Riehl, 2021 Chamber Board President Susan Gould Coviello, and Block Party Manager Emily Douglass discuss the Chamber's upcoming community and networking events for the month of August.
Tourism Council August Report

July is a particularly busy time for businesses serving the visitor community, but that didn’t stop the Chamber Tourism Council from gathering on July 16 to discuss the current season and the months ahead.
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Government Affairs Council
August Report

In the council's July 13 meeting, a wide range of topics was discussed, starting with the Governor’s recent proposal to expand the state’s annual sales tax holiday weekend and the need to clarify that the Cape Ann Chamber is a locally governed and independent business association and is not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Cape Ann Regional Grant Continues to Support All Local Businesses

The Cape Ann Regional Grant continues to support and celebrate all local businesses, reminding residents that all they need is here on Cape Ann. Take a look at our efforts to date and those still to come.
  • We’re offering free workshops, with local experts, focused on the needs of small business owners.
  • Our Cape Ann online business directory, free and open to all Cape Ann businesses, is in development
  • A robust marketing campaign has already seen the filming of new promotional videos for all four Cape Ann communities
Did You Know That Our FREE Cape Ann Gift Check Program Sells Over $75K Worth of Gift Checks a Year?

The Cape Ann Gift Check program encourages our community to shop locally and keeps our dollars on Cape Ann. With Back-to-School season ahead, we encourage you to purchase these checks as a terrific gift for teachers, students and faculty members. The Cape Ann Gift Check also makes a wonderful birthday gift as they can be redeemed at over 250 local businesses. To view our current list of participants and for instructions on how to accept a Cape Ann Gift Check, please click here.
Stop by the Chamber and Pick Up the 2021 Editions of Our Premier Publications!
 
Every year the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce publishes three premier publications. The Cape Ann Guide & Directory and the Rockport and Cape Ann Visitor Maps. Our 2021 editions and are our best yet! We are in full distribution mode - please stop by the Chamber to pick up more, or we are happy to deliver. It is an essential element of our mission to promote you as our members and to promote our Cape Ann community through these three pieces, and every day at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.  
Cape Ann Regional Grant Free Business Workshop: Agile Small
Business Operations
Wednesday, August 4 | 8 - 9:30 AM

The Cape Ann Regional Grant Program presents the second in a series of free workshops tailored to meet the needs of Cape Ann’s small businesses . All Cape Ann business owners and their staff are invited to attend Agile Small Business Operations on Wednesday, August 4. This workshop will run from 8am-9:30am and will be offered in-person at the Cape Ann Chamber’s conference room, or via zoom . In-person attendance is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please visit Cape Ann Regional Grant program webpage or contact the Cape Ann Regional Grant Manager at anne@capeannchamber.com or call 978-283-1601.
Coffee & Connections
Virtual Networking Event Including an Update on the Cape Ann Regional Grant
Thursday, August 5 | 9 - 10 AM

Start the month off right and join us for a morning of coffee and connections! We will continue holding these via zoom so that anyone may join us from anywhere. Meet new people, expand your business connections and stay in touch with friends and colleagues.  

*Anne Williams, Grant Manager, will provide an update on the progress made by the steering committee for the Cape Ann Regional Grant. The grant will support all Cape Ann businesses and was awarded to the four Cape Ann communities and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrating The Weathervane's 30 Year Anniversary
Thursday, August 5 | 5 - 5:30 PM
Please join us as we celebrate The Weathervane's 30th anniversary of business. The Weathervane is located on Main Street in Gloucester and has been a local favorite for residents and visitors alike to purchase souvenirs, shirts and jackets, holiday cards, gifts and so much more!
Festival & Sale By The Sea
Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea
Saturday, August 7 | 10 AM - 6 PM
 
Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with Cape Ann in the summertime: Art, Music & Food! Booths will be spread throughout downtown Manchester. Your senses will be inspired by the beautiful art, extraordinary live music and the aromas of delicious, local foods. Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Applied Materials and Kelly Auto.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Soft Reopening of iartcolony
Friday, August 13 | 4 - 6:30 PM

Cape Ann Chamber members are invited to the grand soft reopening of iartcolony's gallery in Rockport. We will also be celebrating the unveiling of iartcolony's new signage (and potentially the single most significant signage to ever be revealed on Cape Ann thus far). The ribbon cutting will take place promptly at 5:03 pm. The evening will also include a rare tour through the working studio of gallery owners Jill and Bob.
Gloucester Block Party
Main Street
Saturday, August 14 | 6 - 10 PM
 
Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, al fresco dining, non-profits, food vendors and more! Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Rockport Mortgage Corporation and Beth Israel Lahey Health / Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Purchase Your Ticket Before We Sell Out
Annual Businesswomen's Sunset Sail
Thursday, August 19 | 5 - 8:30 PM
 
Join us for our Annual Businesswomen's Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adventure!
Enjoy a fun evening with area Businesswomen- network, light dinner, and bring your own beverage. Thank you to Cape Ann Savings Bank for sponsoring this event. 
40th Annual Gloucester
Waterfront Festival
August 21 & 22 | 9 AM - 6 PM

The historic Stage Fort Park along Gloucester Harbor will blossom into color, flavor and music for the 40th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival. The event will feature over 175 artisans. Bring the entire family for a day of food, live music, and fun! Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Engel & Volkers and NRG Home.
Business After Hours at Hammond Castle
Wednesday, August 25 | 5 - 7 PM

Please join us for an evening of networking with Cape Ann business leaders, in-person. Meet our members and build your business relationships and contacts. You will enjoy scenic views of the Gloucester Harbor while you take in the history of the beautiful Hammond Castle Museum.
Multi-Chamber Networking Event at Misselwood Events at Endicott College

We kicked off July in Beverly at Misselwood Events at Endicott College. We joined several other Chambers, their members, and the Misselwood Events staff for a night of drinks, mingling, great conversation, and the celebration of being in-person once again.
Next Gen Summer Mixer at Gloucester Stage Company's New Outdoor Beer & Wine Garden

The Cape Ann Young Professionals group, Next Gen, held its first in-person event since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. The group caught up, made new connections and learned about the exciting upcoming events happening right here on Cape Ann.
Endicott Entrepreneurial Training Series: Essentials of Succession Planning and Management by Rich Weissman

In the last seminar of a three-part series with Endicott College, Rich Weissman led an informative presentation on the importance of succession planning, especially for family businesses where leadership and responsibility will be passed on to the next generation.
Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting at The Essex Room's New Tidewater Tent

Our second in-person Business After Hours was hosted by The Essex Room, located under their new outdoor event tent. The evening was a success as we gathered with our members, enjoyed specialty cocktails, reconnected with old friends and colleagues, and learned more about the amazing success Woodman's and The Essex Room have had over the last year.
Annisquam Village Players
 50 Leonard Street | Gloucester

Cape Ann Coups Magazine
Based in Gloucester
(781) 258-8270

Coldwell Banker - Christina Maria Guibas
40 Beach Street, Suite 104|Manchester-by-the-Sea
(617) 309-7357

Lanes Coven Theater Co.
Lanes Cove | Gloucester
(978) 697-9146

Red Barn Architecture
8-10 Martin Street, Unit 4 | Essex
(978) 890-7254

Slow River Studio
101 Martin Street | Essex
(978) 491-1272
The Greater Cape Ann Community Collaborative (GCACC) Offers Regular Vaccination Clinics Throughout the Area

The GCACC serves the 4 Cape Ann communities, including Boxford, Ipswich, Hamilton, Middleton, Topsfield and Wenham. Vaccines are free to all Massachusetts residents age 12 and above. Identification and health insurance is not required. Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last at each clinic.
Lisa Bonneville of Bonneville Designs Wants Businesses to Know that Building Ventilation Helps the Spread of COVID-19

Understanding the tools to improve building ventilation for indoor air quality is an important COVID-19 prevention strategy that can reduce the number of virus particles in the air. Along with other preventive strategies, including wearing a well-fitting, multi-layered mask, bringing fresh outdoor air into a building helps keep virus particles from concentrating inside.
Onsite COVID Vaccinations for Businesses and Employees Available for FREE at Conley's Drug Store - Ipswich
 
There is no cost to the business and no out of pocket cost to the recipient. Conley's Drug Store can offer either the Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 12+) or the Johnson&Johnson (Age 18+). Conley's has informational forms in multiple languages and can have translation service when needed. They are flexible and can arrange a visit any-time that is convenient to the business or employee whether that is early morning, during the day or late at night. Conley's Drug Store in Ipswich also takes walk-ins for COVID vaccinations with no appointment Monday-Friday 10 AM-5:30 PM. Masks and PPE are also available, and Conley's can give a special discount to Cape Ann Chamber members.
 
Please reach out to conleysds@hotmail.com for more information or to schedule a business visit.
Complimentary Wine Tastings are Back at Savour Wine & Cheese

The return of Savour's complimentary wine tastings have returned. Wine expert, Gary Ballard of MS Walker, will be pouring an exciting lineup of very special wines, 5 bottles that may be new to your palette. And as before, the tasting is elevated by customers using Savour's imported Riedel stemware.
Upcoming Lobster Bakes and Cabaret's at The Emerson Inn in Rockport

Now under new ownership, The Emerson Inn has an exciting calendar of upcoming events for the month of August. Some of the events include Sunday Lobster Bakes and a 70's Nostalgia Cabaret. The Parlor Bar at the Inn is also open daily 5 - 10 PM and 11 AM - 11 PM on weekends.
Jazz Concert Series
Presented by the Manship Artists Residency + Studios

The series begins on August 7, when jazz singer Shawnn Montiero will perform a tribute to the legendary vocalist Carmen McRae. On August 14 and 15, the famed Martha’s Vineyard jazz duo of John Alaimo and Michael Tinus will take the stage. The following weekend, on August 21 and 22, Manship is thrilled to welcome singer, actress, and storyteller April Armstrong. And finally, the series concludes on August 28 and 29 with the Afro-Cuban jazz stylings of Stan Strickland.
Taste Gloucester Foodie Tour
Tuesdays | 11:30 AM - 2 PM
 
Book a Tuesday tour with Cape Ann Foodie Tours! Guests will make their way on foot through downtown Gloucester, sampling food from family-owned establishments. Along the way, your dynamic tour guide will provide the backdrop to this 400-year-old city with great stories and interesting facts about the oldest working seaport in America. Enjoy tales of the arts and artists, the city's fabric and its people, and anecdotes enmeshed with the sea surrounding our remarkable island community
Folly Cove Fine Art Past Masters Show
Tuesday, August 3 - Friday, August 27
 
Folly Cove Fine Art is proud to present a collection of the past masters of the Cape Ann School. Works by Harrison Cady, Anthony Thieme, Gifford Beal, Gordon Hope Grant, Emile Gruppe, Aldro Hibbard, William Lester Stevens, and Frederick Mulhaupt will be available for purchase, along with many more. These works will be exhibited for sale in their main gallery at 41 Main Street through the month of August. 
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays 
Presents Rico Barr Swing Dance
Tuesday, August 3 | 7:30 - 9 PM

Every Tuesday night a different musician or band will show up for music and dancing under the stars. The event will begin at 7:30 and end at 9 PM on the Riverwalk.
Gloucester Harbor History Sail aboard the Schooner Ardelle
Wednesday, August 4 | 6 - 8 PM

Join the Schooner Ardelle crew aboard for an evening of sea stories and relaxation as they explore the history of Gloucester's iconic working waterfront with local historian and author Justin Demetri.
Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar
Thursday, August 5 - Saturday, August 7
 
The annual Sidewalk Bazaar takes place on Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Vendors, street food, live music, and children’s activities. Artists, Crafters, Food Vendors, Non-Profits, Kids Activities & Entertainers from near and far join Gloucester merchants and restaurants on the street for a fun and festive three days. The Sidewalk Bazaar is a Gloucester tradition that shouldn’t be missed. 
Cape Ann Farmers Market
At Harbor Loop
Thursdays | 3 - 6:30 PM
 
The Cape Ann Farmers Market will take place on Thursdays until October 14. The Cape Ann Farmers Market provides consumers with fresh, nutrient-rich food produced with environmentally benign methods and delivered with a smaller carbon footprint. Buying from local producers keeps food dollars in the local economy.  
Culture Splash
Thursday Nights in Gloucester
Now - August 26 | 4 - 8 PM
 
Rocky Neck Cultural District and Harbortown Cultural District are co-hosting Gloucester's Culture Splash featuring art exhibitions, live musical performances, store extended hours, cultural events and more! CATA will be providing free trolley rides allowing folks to hop off and hop on throughout the route at specific locations. Harbor Tours is providing a water shuttle from one cultural district to the other.  
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House Evening Tours
Thursdays in August

Celebrate Culture Splash in Gloucester with an early evening tour of Beauport. Visit the summer home of Henry Sleeper, one of America’s first professional interior designers. The tours are held at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm.
Cape Ann Museum Presents
Courtyard Concert: Wood & Bone
Thursday, August 5 | 5:30 - 7 PM

Cape Ann Museum is offering free concerts this Summer as part of Culture Splash. The Courtyard Concerts feature local and regional musicians whose music ranges from salsa to sea shanties, bluegrass to jazz, and reggae to folk. The August 5 event will feature Wood & Bone,
Country Night Featuring Scarlett Drive
at Misselwood Events
Thursday, August 5 | 6 - 9 PM
 
Country Night featuring Scarlett Drive will make you get up out of your lawn chair and dance with the best of them. Celebrate the final weeks of summer with Scarlett Drive —2018’s New England Music Awards Country Act of the Year! Live music, ocean views, and cold drinks make for a perfect summer evening. Bring your friends and listen to the best outside by the water. 
Rendering of the Memorial by Pamela Hersch of Hersch Visuals
with LuminArtz
20th Anniversary Celebration of the Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Memorial 
Thursday, August 5 | 7:30 PM
 
The evening celebration includes Attorney General Maura Healey, Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association President Angela Sanfilippo, Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, and LuminArtz Executive Director Lyn Burke, whose Gloucester-based non-profit is producing this event. After the celebration and speakers, the Memorial lighting art installation will be fully visible, and a soundscape featuring stories of the fishermen's wives will create an immersive experience. Additionally, an animated light art projection will illuminate a portion of the Cape Ann Museum's downtown campus.
Friday Music Series with Gloucester Meetinghouse Green Featuring
What Time is it, Mr. Fox?
Concert to Benefit the North Shore
Health Project
Friday, August 6 | 6 - 8 PM
 
Led by the gender-defying voice of 3rian King, the ensemble delivers their own brand smoky cabaret, neo-soul and acoustic noir, sounding something like Tom Waits and Amy Winehouse performing in a French cafe. 
Eric Lu, Piano at Shalin Liu
Performance Center
Limited Seating Available
Friday, August 6 | 5 & 8 PM
 
A recent recipient of a coveted Avery Fisher Grant, pianist Eric Lu became the first American to win the Leeds International Piano Competition since Murray Perahia in 1972. A Massachusetts native, he performs Chopin’s Nocturne in C minor and one of Schubert’s last piano sonatas.

To view more performances coming up at Rockport Music's Shalin Liu Performance Center, visit their calendar of events  
Fireworks Sail with the Thomas E. Lannon
From Gloucester Harbor to Salem
Friday, August 6 | 6:30 PM
 
Sail from Gloucester Harbor to Salem for The Heritage Days Festival Fireworks. Book online at schooner.org. The sail will be approximately 5 hours so be sure to bring a snack, sandwich, or stop by a local restaurant for some take-out. Beverages will be available for sale throughout the sail. 
Blackburn Challenge
Saturday, August 7
 
A 20+ mile open water circumnavigation of Cape Ann, open to all seaworthy oar or paddle-powered craft. 
Young Legends Street Hockey
Summer Shoot-Out
Saturday, August 7 | 9 AM - 5 PM
 
The tournament is open for individuals aged 18+ and will be held at the O’Maley Rink in Gloucester. Teams are guaranteed 3 round robin games and play-offs. The tournament is a one day event and team entry fee is $240.00. All proceeds will be going towards the rink development project at Stage Fort Park. 
Rockport Farmers Market
Saturdays | 10 AM - 1 PM
 
The Rockport Farmers Market will take place Saturdays until October 16. The market provides fresh surprises with its roster of vendors offering small-batch, locally-produced food at each week’s outdoor market, taking place in the heart of downtown Rockport. Produce and locally-grown and farm-made products can be purchased on-site. Just stop by, follow their protocols, and buy fresh food directly from farmers and food producers. 
Folly Cove Fine Art Plein Air Invitational
Monday, August 9 - Friday, August 13

A celebration of plein air painting will be held with many of Folly Cove Fine Art's artists and friends joining together to paint, meet old friends and make new ones. This is a non-competitive event, organized by the gallery to thank the artists for their perseverance and passion, and to celebrate the first year as a gallery.
The Annisquam Village Players Present: Nothing to Hyde
August 11 - 14 | 7:30 PM
 
This will be an outdoor performance, located at the Annisquam Village Players (AVP) newly transformed outdoor medical laboratory in the schoolyard adjacent to the Village Hall. The musical comedy, Nothing to Hyde was written by AVP's beloved co-director Mary Curtis, in 1979, and produced twice with great critical acclaim in Dover, MA where Mary formerly lived and was director of their community theater. 
Cape Ann Museum: Sunset Sails
on the Schooner Lannon
Wednesday, August 11 | 6 - 8 PM

Art, ocean, and light combine during the Cape Ann Museum’s Sunset Sails on the Schooner “Thomas E. Lannon.” The program includes a two-hour sail, light refreshments, a chance to watercolor paint, and sea-worthy content about the cultural history of Cape Ann.
Ken Knowles Fine Art Presents:
9th Annual Fireworks Painting and Illumination Weekend Kick-Off Reception
Thursday, August 12 | 5 - 8 PM

Stop by Ken Knowles’s new gallery to celebrate the kick-off of illumination weekend in Rockport. Buy a raffle ticket for the annual fireworks painting to help support Rockport fireworks. This will be a catered reception by Vinwood Catered and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Rockport Fireworks Fund.
Friday Music Series with Gloucester Meetinghouse Green Featuring
Mari Martin
Concert to Benefit HAWC
Friday, August 13 | 6 - 8 PM

Mari Martin has been entertaining audiences from Massachusetts to California with her compelling voice and signature stage presence for over 20 years. Mari’s influences run the gamut of popular music…from the Beatles to Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones to Billie Holiday
Rockport Illuminations Weekend
Friday, August 13 - Sunday, August 15

Visit Rockport for a weekend-long celebration of Lobstas and Lights, celebrating the history and importance of lobstering in this seaside community. Rockport Fireworks will take place on Saturday, August 14 at approximately 9 PM. Also on Saturday, August 14, The Rockport Rotary Club will present “Brews ‘n Burgers” at the American Legion Bandstand at Back Beach from 4 to 8 PM.
Gloucester Blues Festival
Saturday, August 14

The annual event brings blues lovers from far and wide to Gloucester, Massachusetts.
World-class blues will reverberate through the park with some of the nation’s finest performers playing from the Gloucester Blues stage. The event will have a beer and wine garden and outstanding food and craft vendors.
Medieval Arms & Armor at Hammond Castle Museum
Saturday, August 14 | 10 - 11 AM

Join Hammond Castle Museum Curatorial Director, John Leysath, as he walks us through the world of medieval arms and armor. This presentation will delve into the history, engineering, and use of armor.
Posting an event on our community calendar is a great way to gain exposure and promote your business's upcoming events. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and post yours today by logging into your account!
 
*Contact Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance
Office Manager Position Available Immediately for The Gloucester Adventure

The Office Manager is responsible for the organization and coordination of office operations and procedures. This position supports the work of and reports to the Director of Development and Communications and the Board of Directors. Starting at 20 hours per week there is potential for growth to full-time with increased responsibility in tourism and retail management.
Roy Moore's Fish Shack Restaurant in Rockport is Looking to Add to Their Team

Positions available include hosts, servers, and line cooks. Applicants must be friendly, motivated, reliable and willing to work in a team environment. Spring and Fall availability required.


Please apply by visiting the restaurant at 21 Dock Square, Rockport or by emailing Charlene at charleneporterfs@gmail.com
Fisheries Molecular Biology/Genomics Position Available at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
 
GMGI has a full-time position for a Research Associate who will play an important role in contributing to our fisheries research programs. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in molecular biology/ecology applied to fisheries questions and knowledge of common molecular laboratory techniques and data analysis.
Payne|Bouchier Fine Builders is Seeking Skilled Carpenter
 
High end residential contractor seeking skilled carpenter for work in Boston and surrounding suburbs. Ability to lead and motivate others. Interact professionally with project manager, colleagues and clients. 
Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists
 
Exhibit your work in the gallery and enjoy being among artists where you'll find a positive, creative, and collaborative environment.
Posting a Shop Our Member deal is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today by logging into your account!
 
*Contact Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance
We would like to extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.

If you are interested in promoting with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Ken Riehl at ken@capeannchamber.com
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce capeannchamber.com