July 4th in Salem

Salem does great things to celebrate Independence Day. And every year it seems to get better!

This year, the celebration begins at 9:00 AM on Salem Common when the Salem Common Neighborhood Association will host a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The public is invited to attend and celebrate the 232nd birthday of this document that changed the history of the world!

Salem Celebrates the Fourth in the evening beginning at 4:00 PM at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Here's the schedule:

4:00 PM - Kids' Space opens with free activities including a DJ, games, crafts, and face painting. (Did I mention free?) Mix 98.5 will be giving away free ice cream - while supplies last -at 5:00 PM.

5:00 PM - Sandra Lee Live in Concert at the Main Stage.

7:15 PM - POPS! Concert featuring The Hillyer Festival Orchestra.

8:10 PM - Military flyover by the Barnes Air National Guard 104th Fighter Wing Unit.

8:15 PM - Intermission performance from Grease by Salem State College Summer Theatre.

9:15 PM - Fireworks Extravaganza! over Salem Harbor accompanied by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra.

Pack a picnic and bring your blankets and chairs - or buy your meal at the site. Food vendors will be on hand selling crowd-pleasers like hot dogs, popcorn, cold drinks, and desserts.

(It's a true family event - hence my pictures of Conductor Dirk Hillyer interacting with some of the children from the audience!)

These events are made possible by contributions from the Greater Salem community, especially Skyrocket Sponsors Dominion Salem Harbor Station and Target. Thanks to the sponsors who allow for this incredible annual event to continue each year.