Experience the thrill of a true fishing tournament as anglers from around take on the giants of the ocean, the Bluefin Tuna. Dive into three days of excitement at the stunning Cape Ann Marina from July 16th to July 18th.

Enjoy in live music, entertainment, vendors, games, raffles, and don’t miss the highlight: the weigh-in station for the giant bluefin tuna.
Want to be part of the action? Registration is now open!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and be sure to follow us on our social channels:
Website: bluefinblowout.com
Instagram: instagram.com/bluefinblowout/

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable event and support a great cause!

BOAT REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/2024BFBCaptain
BECOME A SPONSOR: https://bit.ly/2024BFBSponsorship
July 15 – Bluefin Bash Fundraiser
July 16-18 – Bluefin Blowout Tournament
*Tournament dates subject to change

Catch of the Day…

CONTEST TIME!!! To enter:
Follow @thirstyseagull and @patdsphotos on Instantagram. Share this post. Tag four friends. Every friend you tag over four gets you an additional entry into the drawing which we will pull on Sundays livestream! @goodmorninggloucester @pdalpiaz @gmgjim @realtor_katelyn Winner will receive a five pack of Gloucester Chart Coozies, a pick of any in stock cap at 44 Main and a small glass print

Must be spring is really here now that some of our favorite seasonal places are opening. Sharing news from The Lobster on East Main St:

We had some time with our 3 year old grandson this week and decided to go to Appleton Farms in Ipswich for their Tuesday morning Story Time. It was a great decision. There were about six young children in attendance that day ranging in age from infant to 3 years old. The staff was well equipped to handle to children and accompanying adults for a little coloring and reading aloud. We then went up to the barns to feed goats, pet rabbits, feed pigs and visit the cows. The children LOVED it and then we headed back for a final story. It’s an easy ride and you can hang around afterward or visit the on site store before leaving. I like to visit Appleton Farms every once in a while but it’s extra special when you can take a child along.

APRIL 3, 2024 ~ BACKYARDGROWERSGLOUCESTER

Dates & Times: April 10, 10am-12pm & April 16, 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary: Learn the Square-Foot Gardening Method in this vegetable gardening workshop with Backyard Growers. Backyard Growers will introduce attendees to this growing approach which maximizes small spaces and crop yields. The organization uses this method across school gardens, backyard gardens, and community gardens all over Gloucester. Learn to plan your vegetable garden according to what you like to eat, the space you have for growing, and the amount of time you have to spend tending to it, with time at this workshop to map out your individual garden alongside Backyard Growers and your neighbors.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. 

Reserve your spot

Workshop: How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

Date & Time: Thursday, May 2, 2-3pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary:  Container gardens are great when space or sunlight is limited or as a way to easily control the height and placement of your garden to eliminate bending over or to ease other mobility concerns. Join Backyard Growers to learn the nuances of container gardening so that you’re set up for a successful (and space-efficient) season. Attendees will receive free vegetable seeds and the option to purchase GrowBags from Backyard Growers to start or add to their vegetable garden.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. 

Reserve your spot

Link to purchase- https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

The waves from yesterday’s Northeast storm have a natural beauty. No captions required.

Go Fly a Kite…

We have had family for company this week so have been seeking family friendly restaurants. The nine year old asked what that means “family friendly” so I’ll offer my parameters: adequate space for seating squirmy kids; a decent kids meal menu with favorites like pasta or pizza; patient servers. We hit the mark at Vita Bella in Essex recently.

I enjoyed my chicken piccata and Jim got ravioli. The children got pasta and pizza (which were quickly eaten so I didn’t get great shots) along with drink cups with covers! Our server was very patient and accommodating which we appreciated. We will take a family group back to Vita Bella at some point knowing everyone will be happy if the kids are happy.

APRIL 3, 2024 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am to 3:00pm: Cape Ann’s first-ever festival dedicated to self-published works is free to all

The SAWYER FREE LIBRARY is excited to announce the inaugural GLOUCESTER ZINE FEST, taking place on Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 3 pm at both 20 and 21 Main Street in Gloucester, MA. The festival, in celebration of the Library’s new zine collection, zine-making, and zine culture, promises a day filled with artistic expression, community engagement, and fun for all ages. It is free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy with free giveaways for the first 200 attendees. 

Short for fanzine or magazine, zines are small-batch, hand-made publications that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and formats. As DIY self-published works, they are a medium for self-expression that is generally not represented in mainstream culture.

Gloucester Zine Fest attendees can look forward to a vibrant and engaging lineup of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages, including inspiring speakers and live music, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street. Here is where zinester-vendors will be trading and selling their work, serving as a great opportunity for people to meet the artists and learn what zines are all about. Participants of all ages can also unleash their creativity by crafting their own zine with local community partners Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum and enjoy aperformance by the Gloucester Student Band. And what’s a festival without some delicious treats? Attendees can indulge in some Holy Cow Ice Cream while immersing themselves in the world of zines.

The Sawyer Free Library’s mission is to cultivate connections across our community, power imaginations, inspire learning and provide a free, welcoming space for all. Zine-making provides the opportunity to nourish creativity and discover perspectives from diverse voices. Zines are often a platform for people in marginalized or less-empowered communities to share their knowledge and experiences. 

The Sawyer Free has been diligently curating a collection of zines that are now available for checkout. This collection aims to provide access to a wide range of zines, showcasing a variety of styles and perspectives. Additionally, the Library welcomes zine donations from people who wish to contribute to this growing collection.  

To learn more about Gloucester Zine Fest, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

What: Gloucester Zine Fest

When: Saturday, April 27, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street and Event Space at 20 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

http://www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org