What is the Essex River Day?

Essex River Day is an idea that has been evolving for many years. Often when boaters are out on the River you hear the same question over and over again, “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in Essex could experience the beauty of the River?” The concept for the event is simple. Those who have a boat offer a neighborly boat ride to those in town who may not have a boat and don’t have ready access to appreciating the wonders of the Essex River. This simple thought has grown into a full day of events culminating that evening with a softball game, a cook out, music and a bonfire at Memorial Park. This event kicks off “Summer in Essex”.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, June 18th

Evening Sunset Cruise Essex River Cruises has graciously offered to kick River Day weekend off with a sunset cruise at 7:00 pm. There will be no charge to ride and a cash bar for wine and beer. Reservations are first come, first served. Please call Essex River Cruises at (978)768-6981 to reserve your spot on the scheduled trip.

Saturday June 19th

5:30pm: Softball Game, Face Painting and Relay Races at Memorial Park. A pickup softball game for all ages, face painting sponsored by the Essex PTO. Email Riverdaygame@essexma.org to sign up for softball.

5:30pm to 9:30pm: Cookout and Entertainment at Memorial Park. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Chebacco Market, all proceeds to benefit the Essex Merchants Group.

All Sponsored by the Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Vendors include The Essex Lions Club, Chebacco Market and Woodman’s.

8:30pm: Bonfire Start the summer with some fun and entertainment and celebrate what makes Essex a great place to live. We want everyone to have a fun and safe day.

Throughout the day, host captains and boat owning families will be taking guests down river. The Harbormaster/Chief of Police maintains a list of host captains and boat owners who are willing to take people for a ride. Please email psilva@essexma.org or call the Harbormaster at the non-emergency telephone number 978-768-6511 if you have available space on your boat or if you would like to be matched with a host captain and crew for a ride. Once you have been matched, decide with your host family what you would like to do…a ride down river, spend time at the beach, etc.

Captains are reminded they are responsible to follow all Coast Guard Regulations including having life jackets for all passengers.

For more information call Bob Coviello 978-768-7039 or Mark Lynch 978-768-7338.