Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Spring Fling in Salem!


SALEM MA TO HOST ROMAN GALA
The Ides of March: not a good time for Julius Caesar, but in Salem, it is a time to adorn a toga, grab a goblet and celebrate the return of Spring!

On March 21st, Salem Massachusetts will host the second annual Spring Fling: A Garden of Earthly Delights sponsored by Magic Hat at Old Town Hall in the heart of this beautiful, historic seaport. The Festival, which is fashioned after the Bacchanalia - a religious festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus - will kick New Englanders out of a long hibernation and jumpstart Spring by indulging in the finest wines, craft beers and mouth watering food from North Shore restauranteurs.

Historically, the Bacchanalia was held in mid-March and priests and priestesses adorned with garlands of ivy would carry wine, honey, and cakes throughout Rome, celebrating and expressing themselves freely through music and pleasure.

This modern day version - Spring Fling - will feature a tasting of over 50 fine wines and international and local craft beers. The event, sponsored by Magic Hat, also features local breweries Ipswich, Cape Ann, Harpoon and Cody Brewing. Wine professionals will be on hand with an assortment of vino from the US, Europe, South Africa, South America and Down Under. Truly a party fit for Bacchus!

Salem Restaurants such as The Old Spot, Finz, Sixty2 on Wharf, Rockafellas, Cafe Grazziani, The Lobster Shanty, The Upper Crust Pizzeria, Gulu Gulu, AJ King and more will tickle and tantalize your palate with delectable culinary delights! North Shore Artists will be offering an eclectic variety of art to please your eye and warm your home! Local favorite, Machine 475 will be performing live and free chair massages will be provided by Living Well.

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the "Garden of Earthly Delights." Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Roman attire is encouraged! Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on March 21st from 1 - 4pm at Old Town Hall on the Pedestrian Mall in Salem, MA.

ECONOMIC CRISIS? CALL DIONYSUS! Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available at pmousse.com, localwineevents.com or by calling 978-745-2900.

Salem Spring Fling is presented by Magic Hat, Pamplemousse (Purveyor of Fine Wines, Beer, Kitchen and Homegoods) The Picklepot (A New England Craft Gallery, Gift Store and More!), The Salem Art Association and the Salem Restaurant Group.

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