Move over Miami and San Francisco, Haverhill is boasting of fun summer activities that are bound to bring visitors from all over New England this year.
Community groups throughout the city, united under the banner of the Creative Haverhill organization, plan to host more than 80 summer events ranging from concerts to history lectures and more. Thanks to many hours put in by volunteers and a state grant, members of Creative Haverhill expect this summer to offer events for everyone in the family.
The centerpiece of the city's summer events this year will be Team Haverhill's second annual River Ruckus in the downtown, which drew hundreds of people from around the Merrimack Valley and region. This year, Ruckus volunteers expect a number of favorite features to return, including the classic car show and the United States Air Force Jazz Band.
"Given the momentum of last year's event, we expect more," said Kathy McCarron-Ciras, co-chair of the 2011 River Ruckus. "There are a few more big surprises we're working on."
Last year, the River Ruckus concluded with a massive laser light show, but McCarron-Ciras said several people complained they were unable to see some parts of the show. This year, however, McCarron-Ciras said Team Haverhill is considering a new visual spectacle for the show's conclusion.
New features planned for the ruckus include pontoon boat rides along the Merrimack River, the premier of a documentary on the floods of the 1930s and even a trolley to help transport people through the surrounding parking areas.
Creative Haverhill also has other programs waiting to be discovered this summer.
Every Thursday this July and August, the Haverhill Cultural Council will hold the Make Some Noise concert series. The series will draw upon the talent of local Haverhill and regional musicians alongside some offbeat street performers to create a evening of fun each week at Columbus Park and Washington Square.
"2011 is a defining year for arts and culture," Creative Haverhill chairperson David Zoffoli said. "We aim to make Haverhill a destination."
Concerts will be free for the public, covered by the $40,000 Adams Art grant awarded annually by the state.
Zoffoli said these events are a way for the city to develop a "creative economy" that should lure future residents and investors to the city through a thriving cultural scene.
Creative Haverhill is a partnership of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, Team Haverhill, the Haverhill Cultural Council and Haverhill's Cultural Treasures.
Bands expected to take part in Make Some Noise concert series include the Merrimack Valley Concert Band, the fiddle band Deep Hole Road and Sweetheart Serenades.
If you're living in Bradford and don't feel like making the trek over the bridge for the Make Some Noise concerts, the Bradford Common Outdoor Music Series will return for its fourth season every Friday in July and the first two Fridays in August.
"This is the largest event we've had on the field yet," event organizer Paul Prue said.
He expects close to 300 people every Thursday to take part.
Information on all of these events can be found online at haverhillculturalcouncil.com.
