Essex River Day Returns

Essex River Day is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate this great town that we all live in.”

Essex River Day is an annual summer kick-off that celebrates the town and its river.  

The event began almost 20 years ago when Bob Coviello and members of the Essex Lions Club wanted to provide easy access to the Essex River.

“Essex River Day is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate this great town that we all live in,” said Mark Lynch, a senior finance and data integration consultant.

Now, after a break, the free event returns on Saturday, Aug. 29 after Essex resident Rob Fitzgibbon stepped in to corral a group of volunteers, a sponsor, and secure the town's support to make this community-wide summer event happen.

“There will be a River Day,” he said.

An Essex resident, Fitzgibbon is the vice president of the board at 1623 Studios.  He is also a prolific true-crime author and runs a side business offering interactive coffee-cupping, where he teaches participants about coffee and its history.

Since agreeing to organize the event in June, what followed has been nothing short of a whirlwind of planning.

Organizing the event has required coordination with several town departments, including permits, liability and insurance, police and fire departments, and the Board of Health.

“The planning process is a collaborative effort requiring close coordination across multiple departments to ensure a safe and enjoyable event,” said Dexter Lee-Viator, an Essex selectman.

Although a challenge, and realizing last-minute accommodations, Fitzgibbon said he is thankful for locals' support, and that support became essential, given that Essex River Day is open to all and free to attend.

1623 Studios, a non-profit community media center, is sponsoring the River Fest.

Emily Games, the executive director of 1623 Studios, said the organization serves Cape Ann by producing original programming, covering community events, and providing access to video production.

“We’re excited to be involved,” Games said. “We hope our sponsorship helps the organizers continue that tradition and make this year’s event a success,” Games added.

For the first time, River Fest is happening in August, Fitzgibbon said.

Held in Memorial Park, this year’s celebration will feature a bonfire, live acoustic music, a Crepes du Jour food truck and beer trucks.

Fitzgibbon said the Essex Fire Department will also have a tent focused on fire prevention, while 1623 Studios will have a booth highlighting its work.

The sound system is being provided by Essex Radio & TV, a business that has provided electronics repair services to the North Shore for 70 years.

“We have always supported local organizations and events as much as possible,” said Art Bevilacqua, the business operator.

Refreshments will be provided by True North Ale Company, a brewery located in Ipswich.

Gary Rogers, the founder and chief, said there will be a diverse lineup of refreshments with something for everyone.  Some drinks include Coast to Coast American Summer IPA, the signature White Wine Blend, and non-alcoholic beverages, including seltzer and soda. 

“These events foster interpersonal engagement that is sometimes lacking in our device-dominated world,” Rogers said.

As attendees enjoy snacks and refreshments, Essex resident and rising MERHS senior Maggie Whitman will be playing live music.

Whitman has been playing the guitar since she was eight years old.  For three years, Whitman said she has been performing professionally at several community events, like Woodman’s, a wedding cocktail, and Fireman Sunday.  She said this is her first involvement with Essex River Day.

Whitman will be playing a variety of songs from the 60s era to the modern age.

“I hope people of all ages and from all over town are able to just enjoy being together and remember why we love this town so much,” she said.

Once dusk arrives, it’s time for the bonfire.

“It’s like you’re watching a campfire,” Fitzgibbon said. “It celebrates the beautiful Essex, surrounded by friends and community members from the town.”

Organizers are still seeking a few additional pellet providers to help fuel the fire, while other elements of the event continue to come together.

Black Earth Compost, a local business that collects food scraps from residents, businesses, and schools and turns them into finished compost, is donating wood and pellets for the bonfire.

According to municipal coordinator Jon Laurie of Gloucester, a Black Earth Compost employee who works at the site learned about the event.

“He thought it would be nice to donate some wood and pellets to the event,” Laurie said.

One aspect about Essex River Day that Fitzgibbon said he has always enjoyed is seeing people catch up with one another.

“It’s serendipitous when you bump into people you don’t see too often,” Fitzgibbon said. “It reawakens the sense that we’re part of this awesome event.”

Essex River Day will be on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m.,at Memorial Park in Essex.  It’s free for all to attend.  The Essex Lions Club remains active and is always welcoming new members.  Interested in learning more?  Email to Essexmalions.com or call 978.768.7338 for more information.