It’s that time again. The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is anticipating big crowds for Manchester’s Festival-by-the-Sea, which has become a Cape Ann classic event hosted every summer in partnership with the Town of Manchester.
The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 in three of Manchester’s public parks: the Town Hall Common, Reed Park and Masconomo Park. More than 100 artisans, food vendors, and non-profits will be on hand, offering original artwork, handmade goods, tasty treats, among others.
This family friendly event includes live outdoor entertainment, shopping and sidewalk sales by local retailers, restaurants, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun activities for kids, including Face Painting by Miss Wendy and “reptile fun” from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.
The Chamber also announced live music in three locations: the Masco Bandstand, Town Hall Park, and the lot at 7 Summer Street. A schedule and listing of performers (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for the music in Masco Park will be posted on the day of the event. The music Stage at Town Hall (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with performers to be announced and the 7 Summer St. lot will feature John Jerome with other outdoor retail vendors from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Organizers said there will be a free shuttle service running between the High School upper parking lot and downtown Manchester from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to alleviate parking congestion in downtown and shuttle stops will be made at Masconomo Park, Town Hall Park, Reed Park, the Manchester Public Library and 7 Summer Street. The last pick-up of the day will be at 4 p.m. at Masconomo Park.
“The Chamber wishes to acknowledge and thank the Manchester Board of Selectmen, the Manchester Fire & Police Departments and Manchester Parks & Recreation for their support and assistance in bringing this festival to life,” the Chamber wrote in its announcement. “We also thank the many business sponsors and downtown merchants for their support in helping to make this year’s Festival-by-the-Sea possible.”
Additional information may be found at facebook.com/FestivalbytheSea.
