The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s annual downtown Block Parties are kicking off Saturday, July 11, with live entertainment, food trucks and a chance to browse downtown shops.
Main Street will be closed to traffic beginning at 5 p.m. and from 6-10 p.m., Main Street shops, along with local organizations and vendors, will bring their wares onto the street for people to shop in a community-focused event.
Chamber CEO Sam Bevins said this year’s rendition of the parties — which also will be held Fridays, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4, at the same times — will look similar to past events with three different music stages, each sponsored by a different local bank. In years past the August event was held on a Saturday but has been moved to Friday for this year.
“Hancock (Street) and Main (Street) is the main stage where there will be different buskers and performances happening throughout each party,” Bevins said.
Performing Saturday on the main stage will be the Red Trousers who will begin their first show at 6:15 p.m. and a second at 8 p.m. The Cape Ann Dancers will perform on the main stage at 7:10 p.m.
Bevins said the timeframe for the August and September events will be similar to the July party and because there are multiple events scheduled there are no rain dates.
“It’s definitely a community event and that’s what makes the block party so special, just taking that stroll down Main Street because of course you’re visiting the organizations and vendors but you’re also seeing all the people that you know,” he said.
A full list of performers may be found at business.capeannchamber.com.
Staff Writer Bobby Grady may be contacted at 978-675-2714 or bgrady@gloucestertimes.com.