A Calendar of Events for Cape Ann

June 12 _The Annual Spiran Lodge Scandinavian Midsummer Fest. Milbrook Meadow off beach Street next to the Peg leg Restaurant. in Rockport from noon to 2 p.m. Finnish singing and dancing as well as traditional foods such as strawberries and cream and nisu.

June 19 & 20 _ Cape Ann Artisans Annual Spring Studio Tour. Fifteen studios open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the artists and see their newest work in the place where it is created. Maps available at Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Gloucester/Rockport Visitor Information Centers. Call 281-3347 or go to www.capeannartisans.com for details and information.

June 23 _ New Fish Festival. Gloucester House, 5:30 p.m. A number of area restaurants contribute to a buffet dinner promoting greater awareness of the diversity of fish species and new ways to cook seafood _ a seafood lovers's wish come true! Sponsored by the Gloucester Seafood Festival and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601.

June 24-27 _ St. Peter's Fiesta. Religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade, culminating with the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet from the Boulevard (near Fisherman's Statue) on June 27 at 3 p.m. Sponsored by the St. Peter's Fiesta Committee. Call 283-1601 for details and information.

June 26 _ International Dory Races. Gloucester vs. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Viewing from State Fish Pier (Parker Street), Gloucester. Gloucester International Dory Committee, 281-0172.

July

July 3-4 _ Holiday Parades. Annual Fourth of July Parades in Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester. Marching bands, floats, and children in costumes all compete for awards and trophies. Highlights include: grand fireworks display (over Gloucester Harbor) on July 3 at 10 p.m., a bonfire in Masconomo Park (Manchester) on July 3 at 10 p.m., and a bonfire on Back Beach (Rockport) on July 4 at 10 p.m. Call 283-1601 for details and information. Parade: Gloucester, July 3, 6 p.m.; Manchester, July 4, start time to be determined; Rockport, July 4, 6 p.m.

July 16-18 _ Magnolia Library Art Show. Exhibit and sale. Various media. Also, unframed art bin. For more information, 525-3690.

July 24 _ Blackburn Challenge Rowing Race. A 22.7-mile rowing race around Cape Ann. Registration and put-in location to be determined and finish at Pavilion beach. Contact Ruth Kuykendall, 283-4695.

July 31 _ Manchester Sidewalk Bazaar. Sales, food, and entertainment in downtown Manchester, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Manchester division of Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601.

August

Aug. 5-7 _ Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar. The biggest retail celebration on the North Shore. Main Street closed to traffic for three-day bazaar. Sales, food, entertainment. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Retail Division of Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601.

Aug.11 _ Rocky Neck's Annual "Beaux Arts" Ball. Come, have fun and mingle at the annual "Beaux Arts" Costume ball on Rocky Neck from 7 p.m. to midnight. For information call 283-7978.

Aug. 21-22 _ Gloucester Waterfront Festival. Arts and crafts show, entertainment and food, including a pancake breakfast on Saturday, 8 to 11 a.m., and a lobster bake on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.. Sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601.

September

Sept. 2 _ Magnolia's 5-Mile Race. U.S.A. Track and Field sanctioned and certified. 5:30 p.m. start at Magnolia Library, corner of Lexington and Norman avenues. For information call 525-3280 or 525-3349. Sponsored by the Cape Ann Savings Bank.

Sept. 3-6 _ Gloucester Schooner Festival. The Mayor's Race for 100-foot schooners, races for other classes, parade of sail, deck tours, public sails, Saturday night fish fry, and other maritime activities. Sponsored by the Gloucester Schooner Festival Committee and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601. Other highlights of the weekend include: Boatlight Parade starting from Lobster Cove at dusk down the Annisquam River to Gloucester Harbor on Sept. 4, followed by grand fireworks display, 9 p.m. Raindate: Sept. 5.

Sept. 6 _ Annual Cape Ann 25K Road Race. Annual 25-kilometer (15.5 miles) road race around Cape Ann, 9 a.m. start at the O'Maley School in Gloucester and finishing at the same location. Sponsored by the Wingaersheek Runners Club and the Cape Ann YMCA, 283-0470.

Sept. 11 _ Essex Clamfest `99. Chowder-tasting competition, arts and crafts, games, entertainment, Memorial Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Essex Division/Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 283-1601.

Sept. 17-19 _ Gloucester Seafood Festival. A celebration of the port and its principal product, featuring a food pavilion, harbor and boat tours, marine, arts and crafts, entertainment, fishing contests and demonstrations, and related events. Sponsored by the Gloucester Seafood Festival Committee, 283-1601.

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