2nd Annual Essex Antiques Appraisal Night will feature several locally acclaimed antique dealers ready to appraise your treasures while you enjoy a fabulous array of hors d'oeuvres, food stations, and desserts from Periwinkles Restaurant.

Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of these
exciting "Essex Getaways for Two":

• A two night stay in a local B& B or riverside motel, including a river cruise with Essex River Cruises & Charters, dinner for two at an Essex restaurant, and gift certificates from local antique and specialty shops.

• A two night stay in a local B& B or riverside motel, including a kayak trip from Essex River Basin Adventures (ERBA), dinner for two at an Essex restaurant, and gift certificates from local antique and specialty shops.

Appraisers include:

• 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

Do you have an old banjo clock, Chinese tea pot, or 17th century Whatsit? Bring it down to Periwinkles for an appraisal and enjoy this unique evening with neighbors and friends.

$20 donation includes Food and Appraisal. Cash bar.
Proceeds to benefit the Essex Merchants Group. For more info, call 978-768-7039.

Businesses interested in supporting this local fundraiser are welcom 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.

21st 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”.

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 7th 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

Essex Youth Triathalon - “Just Tri!” Swim, bike and run. Second 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 or visit http://www.essexma.org/Pages/EssexMA_Health/Youth%20Triathlon%202010

Sunday, August 8th The Gloucester Fisherman's Triathalon
Adult Triathalon. For more information, visit www.gloucesterfishermantri.com

The 17th 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 two stages and include Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, Celtic, Ragtime, Cajun/Zydeco and Americana Roots music. Dance party featuring the Boogaloo Swamis from 7 - 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 visit www.essexmusicfestival.com

Frame Up! in the Basin - Celebrating the Birth of a Schooner - Harold Burnham will have a keel signing and start to raise the first several frames of a new schooner. Join us for steam bending plank demonstrations, trunnel making, use of our Frame Up! exhibit, and unveiling of a new exhibit! Enjoy ribs from The Farm Bar and Grille, chowder from Woodman's, hot dogs, and Ipswich Ale.

For more information visit www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org

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

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 to be announced

Call 978-768-3632 for more information or purchase tickets online at: http://www.historicnewengland.org

Mums the Word Festival - In the 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 will be mums everywhere throughout the fall, so the town is ablaze with color.

7th Annual Wine Reception and Silent Auction - Join us for a sampling of wines, new and unusual beers, and, this year, Champagnes! Hosted by Chebacco Market of Essex, the evening also features appetizers from Chebacco Market and gourmet desserts by Mary Ann McCormack of Lark Fine Foods of Essex. Dave Delorey, Len Burgess and Tony Schettino who teach the museum’s photography courses, will be exhibiting their lovely and unusual photographs. Music will be by harpist Carol McIntyre. Come and bring a friend for a fun evening of tasting and bidding!

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 -

Health and Wellness Fair - The Essex Board of Health is sponsoring our 3rd Health Fair held in conjunction with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Clam Festival. 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 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 Lion’s Club projects and charities. For entry or sponsorship information please email turkeytrot@essexmalions.com or visit www.essexmalions.com/turkeytrot.html

Essex Holiday Festival -