Salem Celebrates the Fourth!

The 9th Annual Pops Concert & Fireworks Celebration promise festive family fun!

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is pleased to announce that Salem's 4th of July celebration is fully funded and plans are set for a full day of events at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf. This event has proven to be a tremendous success, drawing crowds numbering 40,000 to 50,000 people.

Salem's residential and business community has come together to ensure the continuation of this event. Mayor Driscoll stated, "We are fortunate to have residents and a business community that generously supports this annual event. I’d like to express a special thank you to TARGET and Dominion Salem Harbor Station for stepping up to the plate and being our lead sponsors, as well as Salem Five, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, and all of our other business sponsors who donate so much to make July 4th a special day for our residents and visitors. July 4th costs almost $60,000 and is funded entirely with private funds. Without the generosity of our business community, this event would not be possible."

"At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Thomas Leach, Salem store manager. "We’re proud to partner with the City of Salem as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work."

N. Malia Griffin, Dominion Community Affairs Spokesperson stated, "Dominion Salem Harbor Station is once again pleased to partner with the City of Salem to ensure that this annual celebration continues."

The pre-concert festivities at Derby Wharf will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the opening of Kids' Space, where DJ Doug Parker keeps the youngsters entertained with dancing, games, contests and prizes. Children can get their faces painted, play games and do some arts & crafts free from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. provided by TARGET, The Salem YMCA, The Gathering, and The MeetingHouse Church. Food vending tents open at 4:00 p.m., so there will be plenty of hot dogs, French fries, and fried dough.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., appearing in front of main stage will be Sandra Lee Live in Concert, sponsored by Crosby's Market Place. Ms. Lee has performed in local entertainment hot spots throughout the greater Boston area, Rhode Island and New Hampshire over the past twelve years. She is a truly talented singer and a must see! So come down early and pick your spot on the lawn to enjoy the day.

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll will lead the opening ceremonies, which begin at 7:15 p.m., accompanied by Salem Veteran Color Guard Units and Salem Boy Scout troops. The City is working with the United States Air Force to coordinate a military flyover during the event.

The crowd will then be entertained with a two-hour “Pops” concert performed by the 40-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra (HFO). The HFO has become a widely acclaimed Pops orchestra in the greater Boston area. Dr. Dirk Hillyer's, the orchestra's conductor, extensive Pops background makes him the perfect showman for bringing out the best of this year’s theme: Heroes present and past, including Indian Jones, Superman, and even Mack the Knife. Spicing up the show will be the beautiful soprano voice of Laura Harbert who will be featured in familiar melodies by Gershwin, Dvorak, and Lowe.

During intermission we have a special treat. Members of the Salem State College Summer Theatre cast of 'Footloose' will perform. Summer Theatre is the professional arm of the Salem State College Theatre Department and the cast is a fantastic group of talented actors that perform in front of sold-out crowds during the summer.

At 9:15 p.m. the award-winning Atlas PyroVision Productions will shoot a spectacular fireworks display right above our heads from Derby Wharf with live accompaniment by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra.

Part of the allure of this celebration is its setting. The first National Historic Site in the National Parks system, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures, including; the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked; and, Derby Wharf, which was used by America's first millionaire Elias Hasket Derby, who made his fortune from this port of call. Looking out at historic Salem harbor with hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700's sailing vessel, the Friendship, serving as a backdrop, Independence Day is truly felt as you are surrounded by the history that helped us to become an independent nation.

Other July 4th Event in Salem: Reading of the Declaration of Independence

For those of you that are early risers, or visitors that would like to spend the day in historic Salem, Massachusetts, join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll on Salem Common at 9:00 a.m. for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Dressed in period garb, National Park Service Ranger Merrill Kohlhofer with his articulate and powerful voice will recite the words of this historic document. The program also includes the National Anthem being performed by Miles Hartfelder, Salem High School (SHS) sophomore, who played the lead role in this year's SHS musical "Urinetown" and Salem songstress Maureen Dalton will lead the crowd in singing America the Beautiful accompanied by Salem's own Robert Kendall on the keyboard.

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, commented, "Salem residents Hannah Diozzi and Roberta Clement started this wonderful event last year and it was very well received. I am confident it will soon become one of Salem's long standing-traditions."

July 4th is the perfect day to spend in historic Salem. Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the rest of the morning and afternoon visiting our historic sites and attractions, dining at one of our many restaurants and then wander down to Derby Wharf for a spectacular concert and fireworks.

For general inquiries regarding the event, please call Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595 x5676.

Date: 4th of July, 2009

Time:
4:00 PM
Kids' Space Opens- Free Activities
Music, Games & Prizes
by: Deejay Doug Parker
games, crafts, & face painting
by: Target, Salem YMCA, The Gathering & The MeetingHouse Church
Give-A-Ways for Children & Adults by TARGET

Food Vending Tents Open: Hot Dogs, Cold Drinks, Popcorn, and Desserts for sale

5:00 PM
Sandra Lee Live In Concert (in front of main stage)

7:15 PM
Opening Ceremonies
Processional: Salem Veterans Color Guard, Salem Boy Scouts Color Guard
Salem City Council, Salem Celebrates the 4th Committee
Opening Remarks: Kimberley Driscoll, Mayor
Patricia Trap, NPS Superintendent

104th Air National Guard Flyover

7:30 PM
'Pops' Concert featuring the Hillyer Festival Orchestra - Dirk Hillyer, Conductor

8:15PM
Intermission Show
Salem State College Summer Theatre Cast of Footloose

9:15PM
fireworks extravaganza
by the award winning Atlas PyroVison Productions,
accompanied by The Hillyer Festival Orchestra