Salem Celebrates the 4th

Salem celebrates Independence-Day at Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime Area.
Photo courtesy of Essex National Heritage Commission.

Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is pleased to announce that there will be a full afternoon and evening of exciting entertainment at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf on Thursday, July 4th. This family-friendly celebration has proven to be one of Salem's signature events, drawing record breaking crowds year after year. 

"Last year Salem was recognized by American Profile, a national publication, as one of the top ten best places in America to celebrate the 4th and this year will be no different,” Mayor Driscoll stated. “Celebrating July 4th in Salem is as good as it gets. It's not just an amazing fireworks display, we have live entertainment from beginning to end, so come early and stay late."

Salem's residential and business community has come together to ensure that this first-class event continues, even in this difficult financial climate. Mayor Driscoll commented, "I am truly grateful that Salem's residents and businesses continue to generously support this annual celebration,” Mayor Driscoll commented. “I’d like to express a special thank you to Footprint Power - Salem Harbor Station and to Salem Five, along with Aggregate Industries, Tache Real Estate, Market Basket, Eastern Bank, KV Associates, and Tavern in the Square. Without their generosity and our other many sponsors, this event would not be possible."

Live entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 4:00 p.m. with the band Britannica and continues at 5:30 p.m. with Julie Dougherty and Friends. Both Salem-based bands are local favorites and are a great way to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Free children's activities begin at 4:00 p.m. with the opening of the Kids' Space, where young ones can play games, do crafts, and get their face painted, all thanks to the generosity of the Gathering, the MeetingHouse Church, the Salem Beautification Committee, and the Salem YMCA. Food tents open at 4:00 p.m., with plenty of hot dogs, french fries, fried dough, kettle corn, and other fair favorites.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll, Congressman John Tierney, and National Park Superintendent Michael Quijano-West – accompanied by the Salem Veterans Color Guard and Salem Boy Scout troops – will parade down the wharf to welcome the crowd.  Salem High School students Lydia Grasberger and Samantha Dupuis will lead the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem.  This year the venue, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, celebrates its 75th Anniversary as the first historic site established by the National Park Service in 1938. 

Following the Opening Ceremonies there will be 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. This year's featured soloist, Rebecca Robbins, is currently performing on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of The Opera at the Majestic Theatre. Dr. Dirk Hillyer, the orchestra's conductor, has selected songs from Rags and Candide to showcase Ms. Robbins lyric soprano voice.

Even intermission is jammed packed with live entertainment, with performers from the Marblehead Little Theatre's production of Spamalot taking to the Main Stage.

At 9:15 p.m, Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic music throughout the entire fireworks display.

Part of the allure of this celebration is its setting. The first National Historic Site in the National Park System, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of waterfront land and houses a dozen historic structures. These include the Custom House, where famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and Derby Wharf, which was used by America's first millionaire Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby. Historic Salem Harbor, with hundreds of boats moored and the replica of a 1700's sailing vessel, the Friendship, as a backdrop, Independence Day in Salem is filled with the history that helped make American the free nation it is today.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence - July 4 - 9:00AM - Salem Common
Also on July 4th, join Mayor Driscoll on Salem Common at 9:00 a.m. for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The special program begins with the Star Spangled Banner, sung by Salem High School's award-winning a cappella group “Witch Pitch?”. This year the Declaration of Independence will be recited by Dann Anthony Maurno. Dann is a Salem resident and actor who has appeared onstage in a variety of area venues, including the Salem Theatre Company. An author, his short story "Something Real Fine" won a Salem Literary Festival award for best fiction. Musical selections will be performed by Robert Kendall on keyboard and local singer Maureen Dalton ends the program with America the Beautiful.

July 4th is the perfect day to spend in historic Salem, Massachusetts. Start off bright and early at Salem Common for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon visiting the City’s numerous historic sites and attractions, dine at one of dozens of remarkable restaurants, and end your day at historic Derby Wharf for one of the most spectacular live concerts and fireworks extravaganzas anywhere in Massachusetts.

For more information check www.salem.com or call Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.
For information regarding our mobility impaired/wheelchair seating section, please call 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.