Good Morning Gloucester

We were delighted to find the schooner Bowdoin in our harbor yesterday. The Official Vessel of the State of Maine was apparently on one of its summer missions as the flagship of Maine Maritime Academy’s Vessel Operations and Technology program. Regardless of the reason, it was a delightful sight! For more information on schooner Bowdoin, click here.

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Countdown to Kindergarten welcomes the Class of 2036!

Come on down to Lexington Ave for some Block Party fun! Stop by Pat D’s Photos and say hello. Photo credit Bill Bartlett! Nice to see you guys!

The Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA is preparing for its second annual Golf Tournament, to be held on Monday, October 2, 2023! This outstanding event is raising funds to benefit the children and families in our Cape Ann service area with a demonstrated financial need.  

This year, the goal is to provide nearly a million dollars in financial assistance for childcare, memberships, and specialized sports and wellness programs, including Cornerstone which provides complimentary access to our facility and support programming for those battling cancer.
Because of the generosity of the business and individuals in our community, we not only have the Y that Cape Ann truly deserves but we can also provide hope, health, and healing to friends, neighbors, and families in our communities. 100% of the proceeds raised will go directly into the Glen T. MacLeod YMCA’s financial assistance program.

The tournament is open to all individuals who enjoy playing golf and want to make a difference. Businesses can support by providing items to go in the raffle and/or sponsorship. Register and learn more here.

Here is one example of how life-changing financial assistance can be for our friends and neighbors:

This membership changed my life. As a single mom, the amount of resources offered to me at the Y is numerous. Being able to bring my child with me to the Kids’ Club while I explore new fitness opportunities has helped me reclaim my body and my life. I love trying new classes and programs- even things that are out of my comfort zone are made welcoming by how kind the instructors are and the culture created by other Y members. I never would have seen myself going to “strength train together” or “rise and shine boot camp” but the Y has allowed me to make fitness a central part of my life, in a way that no other gym could. The offerings at the Cape Ann YMCA feel akin to a boutique gym but are accessible to people like me with limited resources. Thank you. 

Send questions to Arthur Athanas: athanasa@northshoreymca.org

Quiet Start…

Take a break from the grind and enjoy some fresh air and delicious food on the deck today!

66 E Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930

Menu: zekesgloucester.com

Phone: (978) 283-7817

The annual Fish Box Derby is coming up soon (Sun Sept 17) and here’s an update from their Facebook page. This event is held along Rogers St near Gortons every year and is super fun but the pre-race inspections are coming right up Sunday Aug 27.

In an earlier post, I noted that I ran all over town chasing sunset last night and these are some examples of how the skies changed so quickly from one part of town to another. These were all within about 30 minutes of each other.

The 39th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival is back for another spectacular Labor Day weekend, beginning on Thursday, August 31, 2023. A weekend of heritage and maritime events culminates with the highly anticipated Mayor’s Cup Schooner Race on Sunday, September 3, 2023 off from Gloucester’s back shore. This beloved regional event, a program of Maritime Gloucester, has evolved into an annual pilgrimage for schooners and a cherished community-wide celebration of Gloucester Harbor’s rich maritime legacy.

Press Days:

Members of the press are cordially invited to schedule appointments prior to the Festival during the following times:

Thursday, August 31: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Friday, September 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Email for Press Inquiries: 

To schedule a time-slot for pre-Festival interviews, please contact Elizabeth Carey at ecarey@maritimegloucester.org. 

The Gloucester Schooner Festival is rooted in fishing traditions dating back hundreds of years.  Paying homage to Gloucester’s age of sail, the Gloucester Schooner Festival gathers schooners from up and down the Eastern seaboard to partake in thrilling races and showcase their elegance both on water and as dockside attractions. With more than 20 schooners gracing the event, attendees can witness these majestic vessels along Gloucester Harbor’s piers. A highlight of the weekend is Maritime Gloucester’s Maritime Heritage Day, a 3-location event that offers engaging hands-on, interactive activities for the whole family, while affording guests of the Festival opportunities to get on board, both dockside and under sail.

Featured Schooners:

Ernestina Morrisey, Massachusetts Flagship: Docked at the Maritime Gloucester Pier

Ardelle, Flagship of Maritime Gloucester: Docked at the Maritime Gloucester Pier

Thomas E. Lannon, Docked at Seven Seas Wharf

Adventure, National Historic Landmark, Docked at the I4C2 Schooner Docks

Denis Sullivan, World Ocean School, Docked at I4C2 Schooner Docks

This event, the pinnacle of the summer, is steeped in history and offers many activities and opportunities for enthusiasts to interact closely with these traditional wooden ships. Drawing thousands each year, the Gloucester Schooner Festival has solidified its place as a cherished Labor Day weekend tradition. We encourage you to share the word and join us in commemorating this wonderful maritime heritage celebration.

For detailed insights into the event’s history and schedule, kindly visit the official Gloucester Schooner Festival website at  www.maritimegloucester.org