Salem Bracing for Record Number of Tourists in October
Salem is anticipating a record number of visitors to the city this October.
According to CBS News Boston, the historical Massachusetts city had between 65,000 and 100,000 tourists every weekend during October 2023. In Salem, there are only about 4,000 public parking spots.
With this in mind, city officials are advising people to utilize public transportation if possible. There are two different ferry options available: A ferry between Salem and Long Wharf in Boston, which can carry up to 600 passengers, and a second ferry from Hingham to Salem. Additionally, there will also be extra Keolis commuter trains running between Salem and North Station.
If public transportation isn’t an option and you must drive to Salem, make sure you are not parking illegally, because local law enforcement is not messing around when it comes to issuing tickets.
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo told CBS News Boston, “New this year we will be conducting parking enforcement with automated license plate readers. So, if you park illegally, including parking on a resident-only street, you’re almost certainly going to get a ticket and possibly a tow as well.”
Tourists looking to plan ahead can do so via the Destination Salem app, which offers updates on available parking, events and more.
Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade Among Best Halloween Parades in the U.S.
Speaking of the spooky city, the Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade in Salem, Mass. has been named one of the ten best Halloween parades in the United States.
The parade was included in a 10-best list from the travel blog Airport Parking Reservations. The blog boasted the Salem Grand Parade’s “family-friendly pageantry, music, and enthusiasm from thousands of attendees.” It also touted the parade’s sensory-friendly area.
Of course, considering Salem’s history with the Witch Trials, Halloween is a big deal for the city. Much of the holiday fun kicks off with the Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, which takes place on the first Thursday of October. This year, the parade falls on October 3 and will begin at 6:30 PM. An estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend the event.
Complete details on the Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade can be found at Salem-Chamber.org.
Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival: Details on the Boston Common Event
Boston Parks and Recreation Department is getting into the Fall and Halloween spirit with its fourth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival.
Taking place at the Boston Common Parade Ground on Friday, October 18 from 5-8 PM, adults and their children are welcome at this free event to don their Halloween costumes for some spooky family-friendly fun.
There will be activities galore, including the Haunted Zombie Maze, the Jumpin’ Pumpkin, the Scarecrow Slide and Pumpkin Bowling. When the sun sets, that’s when the Glow in the Dark Park will come to life with its LED swings and LED seesaws. On top of all of that, there will be live music, Family Zumba, various field games and sensory play activities from Play Boston. As if that wasn’t enough, librarians from the Boston Public Library will host “Spooky Story Time,” and there will be ample treats for everyone to enjoy.
Complete details about the Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival can be found at Boston.gov.
