OUR 2012 ESSEX EVENTS CALENDAR IS COMING SOON!
2011 events listed below:

Mug-Ups with Schooner Ardelle - Join the Essex Shipbuilding Museum and
Burnham Boatbuilding Saturday, February 19th, for our first of three monthly Mug-up events. Our neighbor and 11th generation shipwright Harold Burnham and his crew have begun the planking stage on the schooner Ardelle. When finished, the Ardelle will be a 55 foot pinky schooner, reminiscent of Cape Ann's seaworthy fishing vessels of the early to mid 19th century. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in local history, sailing or woodworking to get a builder's eye view of wooden shipbuilding.

Coffee, tea and cocoa will be provided. After a brief introduction to the story of Essex shipbuilding, guided tours will visit the Burnham shipyard where Ardelle is under construction. Harold Burnham and the Museum's guides will explain to visitors what is happening at that moment as well as answering visitor questions.

Admission $7

Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Fun for the little ones! This year, the Manchester Essex Rotary Club will be running the annual hunt in Memorial Park (behind Town Hall on Martin Street/Route 22). The Club will team up with other volunteers from the community. Free!

4th Annual Happy-as-a-Clam 1 mi. Fun Run and 5K - brought to you by the Essex PTO. First 100 Happy-as-a-Clam runners or walkers to register win a free 2011 custom designed t-shirt!

Wellness Fair: 5 - 7 pm (behind the school or in gym, depending on weather)
Family 1 mile Fun Run/Walk: 5:30 pm
5K Road Race: 6 pm

Register now: www.essexpto.com

Entry Fee: Pre-registration $20 (non-refundable) • Day of Race $25
Family Fun Run: Individuals: $5 or $15 including a t-shirt.
Families of 4 or more: $20 (t-shirt not included but may be purchased for $12 each).
Kids 12 and under will be entered into a raffle for prizes.

Businesses interested in supporting this local fundraiser are welcome to contribute a small donation, gift certificate or raffle prize. Or come and play golf as a way of supporting our cause. For more info, go to www.woodmanscholarship.org or call 978-865-6834.

Essex River Race is a 5.5+ mile open water event from the Essex River at Route 133 in Essex, out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back. Participants row or paddle small boats through one of the most scenic tidal areas in New England. The Essex River Race is open to all seaworthy human-powered rowing and paddle boats. Serious racers are allowed and encouraged, within the guidelines of safety and sportsmanship, to push one another to their limits. Casually oriented participants are equally welcome, and may cover the course in a more relaxed fashion. No rain date. There is always an event. For more information visit www.blackburnchallenge.com/Essex.html

Essex Memorial Day Parade - Don’t miss the small town charm of a Memorial Day Parade in Essex. The parade begins at 9 am and progresses to the Town Cemetery for a military rifle salute to our country’s war veterans and then up Main Street to the Causeway Bridge. Town officials lead the parade followed by members of the school band and various athletic organizations. Norman Rockwell couldn’t have painted a better picture than our parade coming down Main Street.

3rd Annual Essex Antiques Appraisal Night - Did you ever wonder what that old clock of yours was worth? Or that bunch of coins in your dresser drawer? The Essex Merchants Group and the Essex Elementary School PTO are joining forces in this rare opportunity to have questions answered about your antiques, meet your friends and neighbors for an evening of camaraderie, sample a fine selection of food, experience a wine tasting and support two great local organizations.

Dig out your Old Coins, Paintings, Rugs, Furniture (bring pictures), Silver, Jewelry, Maps, Prints, Post Cards, Photos, China, Glassware, Textiles, Historic Items...
What's it all worth? We'll tell you!

Consult with Essex Antique Appraisers:

Vinnie Caravella ~ All Prints and Maps
Robert Coviello ~ Main Street Antiques
Ed Howard ~ Howard's Flying Dragon Antiques
David Neligan ~ David Neligan Antiques
Michael Bider ~ Michael Bider Antiques

Donation $15.00 per person / $25.00 per couple to Benefit the Essex Merchants Group and the Essex Elementary School PTO. Donation includes Appraisal, Food, Fun and a Wine Tasting compliments of Sara Maziarz of Commonwealth Wines. Cash Bar.

22nd Annual Art in the Barn Exhibit and Sale - For one weekend every June, the barns at the Cox Reservation are transformed with color and form as paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, monoprints, ceramics and pottery, and sculpture in wood and iron adorn the walls, window sills, tables, stairs and every nook and cranny of our rustic barns. Come see the diverse work of over 150 talented artists from throughout the region, inspired by the natural landscapes and light that have drawn artists to Cape Ann and Essex County for decades. You are welcome you to come find that special piece of artwork that completes your living space, seek out a special gift for a family member or friend, or simply come to browse. Last year approximately 3,500 visitors viewed the show.

Hours
Friday 9:30 am - 4 pm with Wine and Cheese Reception 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

For more information visit www.ecga.org/Events/aib.html

Essex River Day is an idea that has been evolving for many years. Often when boaters are out on the River you hear the same question over and over again, "Wouldn't it be great if everyone in Essex could experience the beauty of the River?" The concept for the event is simple. Those who have a boat offer a neighborly boat ride to those in town who may not have a boat and don't have ready access to appreciating the wonders of the Essex River. This simple thought has grown into a full day of events culminating that evening with a softball game, a cook out, music and a bonfire at Memorial Park. This event kicks off “Summer in Essex” with a sunset cruise Friday evening (first come, first served), courtesy of Essex River Cruises! Call 978-768-6981 to reserve your spot on the cruise.

Click here for a flyer of the day's schedule!

Throughout the day, host captains and boat owning families will be taking guests down river. The Harbormaster/Chief of Police maintains a list of host captains and boat owners who are willing to take people for a ride. Please email psilva@essexma.org or call the Harbormaster at the non-emergency telephone number 978-768-6511 if you have available space on your boat or if you would like to be matched with a host captain and crew for a ride. Once you have been matched, decide with your host family what you would like to do...a ride down river, spend time at the beach, etc.

Faery Festival - Underwood Photography is holding its 8th Annual Faery Festival in Essex. Activities include: story-telling by Jape, faery crafts, faery tea party and faery portraits. The event is free but all donations and a percentage of proceeds from the faery portraits go to support the Cape Ann Habitat for Humanity. Last year over 150 children and parents came through during the day. For more information contact Tom Underwood at 978-768-7472. www.underwoodphoto.com

Essex Bay Sailing Club's Summer Sailing Program - The Essex Bay Sailing Club, a non-profit club founded in 2000, reaches out to teach sailing to youngsters in the area surrounding Essex Bay. The goal of the club is to develop sailors who enjoy a strong knowlege of sailing while also learning to appreciate, and protect the beautiful resources of the Essex River. The Club offers beginner to advanced level sailing lessons for children aged 8 and up in Escape Captivas and International 420s. Children may enroll in 4 or 8 week sessions on a first come, first served basis.

For more information and to register online, go to www.essexbaysailingclub.org

Launch of the Schooner Ardelle - Join 11th generation shipwright Harold Burnham and his crew for the launch of the schooner Ardelle. Ardelle, a 55 foot pinky schooner is reminiscent of Cape Ann's seaworthy fishing vessels of the early to mid 19th century. It is currently being built at Harold Burnham's shipyard, adjacent to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum.

Come down to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum Shipyard at 3 pm:
- Munch on food from our grill
- Have some chowder from Woodman's of Essex
- Sip on beverages - both non-alcholic and alcholic
- Tap your toes to music
-Buy pictures from Dan Tobyne, official photographer of the building of the Schooner Ardelle
- Look at small exhibit of prior launches (pretty and not so pretty)
-Talk to our knowledgeable staff and volunteers about the history of shipbuilding in Essex, and why the Ardelle is being launched the way she is.

Mark your calendars and join us for a wonderful time!

Essex Youth Triathalon - “Just Tri!” Swim, bike and run. Third annual event by Essex Board of Health (BOH) for Cape Ann youth of all abilities, ages 5-15 to encourage activity and healthy habits. Free training and education sessions will be offered to registered participants. Be a part of this event...volunteers and donations needed to make this event a success! For more information, call BOH 978-768-7614.

Sunday, August 7th The Gloucester Fisherman's Triathalon
Adult Triathalon. For more information, visit www.gloucesterfishermantri.com

The 18th Annual Essex Music Festival - features a collection of the area’s finest acoustic performers in a family oriented venue. An eclectic mix of genres perform on multiple stages and include Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, Celtic, Ragtime, Cajun/Zydeco and Americana Roots music. Cajun Dance party with Ralph Tufo and the Squeezebox Stompers from 8 - 10 pm. Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy the Grove's natural beauty and turn-of-the-century architecture on a bluff overlooking Chebacco Lake.

Hosted by Old Cold Tater. Thanks to our sponsors including the Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Woodman's of Essex, and the many performers and volunteers who make it all happen. Net proceeds go the restoration of Centennial Grove.

Call 508-284-5916 or for more details and a list of performers visit www.essexmusicfestival.com

Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria - The Herrmann family, breeders and trainers of the famed Lipizzan horse for over three hundred years, demonstrate the highest levels of horsemanship in three shows. The stallions of the Herrmann line are among the last horses capable of executing the "Airs Above the Ground" maneuvers. These dramatic leaps and plunges were developed as aggressive battle maneuvers in the sixteenth century, and are now among the most beautiful displays of equine grace and strength. The shows run for ninety minutes. Please bring your own seating and bug spray. Snacks and souvenirs are available.

Show Times: Friday 5 pm • Saturday and Sunday 2 pm

Advanced tickets available at www.HistoricNewEngland.org/Lipizzans
or call 978-768-3632 for more information.

Salty Dog Day - Newfoundlands from the Newfoundland Club of New England will be doing water rescue demonstrations, and carting. There will be agility and obedience demonstrations, music, food (hot dogs, of course), vendors for all things canine, face painting, and more. Fun for the whole family, including our four legged friends!

For more information visit www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org

Mums the Word Festival - This fall, the town comes alive with nearly 5,000 potted and planted mums adorning the roadways and doorsteps of the shops and homes in Essex. The Essex Merchants Group, the Essex Enhancement Committee, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, as well as local businesses, citizens, and organizations all pitch in to make this impressive, colorful fall event happen. There are mums everywhere throughout the fall, so the town is ablaze with color!

Businesses and residents are welcome to stop by Main Street Antiques at 44 Main Street beginning Tuesday, September 20th to purchase locally grown mums for $4.00 each.

For more information, call Bob Coviello 978-768-7039

10th Annual Wine Reception and Silent Auction - Sample a variety of wine, and craft beer new to the market for holiday hosting and gift giving. Chebacco Market and some key wine wholesalers will be cooperating to bring their well known wine expertise to this event. Adding to the ambiance of this lovely evening with your new or favorite friends, Carol McIntyre will be playing selections on the harp.

There will be a selection of tasty appetizers and cheeses. As you sip and savor, peruse the beautiful photo exhibit by North Shore photographers Dave Delorey, Len Burgess and Tony Schettino, bid on the baskets in the Silent Auction, or await your luck to see if you have won a door prize of wine from Chebacco Market or a family membership to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. Join us for an evening of fun and bidding and support the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. For more info call 978-768-7541 or visit www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org/detailsofournextevents27.html#wine

Admission: $20 members of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum / $25 nonmembers

Pumpkin Festival - Come enjoy hay wagon rides, pumpkin carving and decorating, pie-eating contests, cider pressing, crafts and games. Choose your jack-o-lantern from our pumpkin patch and enjoy hot mulled apple cider and homemade pumpkin pie. The historic Cogswell's Grant house will also be open for tours. For more information visit www.historicnewengland.org/visit/homes/cogswell.htm or call 978-768-3632.

$6 adults, $4 children, members of Historic New England FREE.

Essex ClamFest - The Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 28th annual Essex ClamFest in October from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm in Memorial Park in Essex. The highlight of the day will be the Clam Chowder Tasting, a competition that pits area restaurants against one another to determine who serves the best clam chowder on Cape Ann. Ten local restaurants are expected to serve up their favorite chowder recipes starting at 12:00 noon and ending about 2:00 pm.

Health and Wellness Fair - The Essex Board of Health is sponsoring our 4th Health Fair held in conjunction with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Essex ClamFest. Our goal is to offer education, information, and entertainment for the whole family on health and wellness topics of importance. All Health Fair activities and information are free! Bring your family and friends and enjoy the day, get health screenings and gather important information! For more information or to volunteer to help, call the BOH at 978 768-7614 or email boh@essexma.org.

Essex Pride Week - Essex Pride is back! It's time to celebrate our town and everything that makes it great! Let's kick off Essex Pride Week the good old fashioned way: with Pride Awards and dance!

Come to the Essex Room at Woodman's on Saturday, November 12th at 7 pm to celebrate with friends and family, recognize past Essex Pride recipients and honor the 2011 winners. There will be snacks at 7 pm, as well as a cash bar. Awards will be announced at 8 pm, followed by dancing to music by the Johnny Ray Band until 11PM. This is an event not to be missed!

Tickets are $20 per person. Sponsor a table of ten for $180, a $20 savings.

The Woodman Scholarship Committee is also selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $20 each. The winner will be drawn that evening and the cash prize may be as high as $10,000!

The 2011 Essex Pride Dance is sponsored by The Woodman Scholarship Committee and the Essex Merchants Group. The Essex Pride Committee is grateful for their generosity.

So, put on your dancing shoes and join the rest of the town for what is bound to be the best kickoff to Essex Pride Week ever! Don't miss out: buy your tickets today! Tickets are on sale at The Village Market, The First National Bank of Ipswich, Highwave Hair Design and the clambake office at Woodman's. Please fill out your nomination slip at the same time.

For more information please call 978-837-8273 or email scoviell@hotmail.com

The week's activities include Church Holiday Fairs, the Essex Firemen's Spaghetti Supper, and Turkey Trot Road Race. More details below. Please join us!

Essex Church Fairs - The warmth of an old country church fair brings the town alive on a cold, winter’s day when all three of Essex’s downtown churches hold their annual Christmas Fair. Gift bargains, homemade food and hot beverages, as well as, a friendly handshake or pat on the back are part of the day’s fair. A dollar goes a long way at this event.

Essex Firemen's Spaghetti Supper - The town’s volunteer firefighters put out quite a spread of homemade spaghetti and meatballs accompanied by salad, beverage and whip cream covered ginger bread for dessert. Donations are accepted.

Turket Trot Road Race - This challenging 8K course is a US Track and Field sanctioned event, as well as, an 8K “Fun Walk” over the same course, both ending at Woodman's of Essex with complimentary chowder for all participants. Proceeds benefit Essex Lion’s Club projects and charities. Free Race T-shirt for first 200 paid registrations! For entry or sponsorship information please email info@essexmalions.com or visit www.essexmalions.com/turkeytrot.html

Essex Holiday Festival - The first weekend of December is set aside in anticipation of this very special time of year…the giving and sharing of holiday spirit in Essex. We start Thursday evening with a solemn special ceremony, the lighting of our Memory Tree, where we honor our lost loved ones. The town’s children’s bell choir performs in the background.