The Town of Salem Community Services Department is inviting residents to join a series of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Activities will include senior programs, family events, a community food drive, a children’s coloring contest, a 2.50-mile walk and run, and additional commemorative events throughout the rest of the year.
Red, White & Food Drive
The Red, White & Food Drive will continue through August 22. Community Services is collecting unexpired, nonperishable food items and personal hygiene products to support local families and food pantries.
Donations may be delivered to the Ingram Senior Center, located at 1 Sally Sweet Way. The final collection will take place during the 2.50-Mile Walk/Run on August 22.
June 29: Kickoff to Summer Luncheon and Concert Series
The Kickoff to Summer Luncheon and Concert Series will take place on Monday, June 29, beginning at 11:30 a.m. outside the Ingram Senior Center, weather permitting.
The luncheon costs $12.50, while the concert is free. Registration for the luncheon is available through the Ingram Senior Center. Residents may call the Senior Center or refer to the June Senior Services newsletter on the Town website for additional information.
July 1: Semi quincentennial Celebration
The Ingram Senior Center will host a Semi quincentennial Celebration on Wednesday, July 1.
The event will begin with a quarter-mile walk at 9 a.m., followed by patriotic games throughout the morning:
- Stars, Stripes & Strategy at 10:30 a.m.
- Firecracker Float at 11 a.m.
- Liberty Logistics at 11:30 a.m.
- Freedom Swing at noon
- An optional pizza or hot dog lunch will be offered at 12:30 p.m. for $5.
Registration is required for all activities and must be completed through the Ingram Senior Center. Most Senior Center activities do not offer online registration.
America 250 Coloring Contest
Children ages 10 and younger are invited to participate in Salem’s America 250 Coloring Contest.
Participants may choose from three coloring page designs featuring Salem Town Hall, the Ingram Senior Center, or Palmer School. The contest includes age categories for children ages 4 and younger, ages 5 through 7, and ages 8 through 10.
Coloring pages are available through Salem Community Services at salemnh.myrec.com and will also be available on the Town website.
Completed entries must be submitted as hard copies by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10. Entries may be dropped off at the Ingram Senior Center or mailed to:
Ingram Senior Center
Attn: Julie Lanzillo
1 Sally Sweet Way
Salem, NH 03079
Voting will begin July 20 and will take place at the Ingram Senior Center, where Salem seniors will select winners within each design and age category.
Winners will be announced and their artwork displayed during the August 22 Walk/Run, immediately before the Field of Dreams Family Fun Day.
July 23: Police Cookout
A Police Cookout for Salem seniors will be held on Thursday, July 23, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Ingram Senior Center.
Registration is required and begins July 2 at the Senior Center. Additional details will be included in the July Senior Services newsletter.
August 3–7: Tournament and Anniversary Week
The Ingram Senior Center’s annual Tournament and Anniversary Week will take place from Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7.
The week will feature a variety of activities celebrating the Senior Center’s anniversary. Full details will be available in the July Senior Services newsletter, which is expected to be posted on the Town website beginning June 25 and available at the Senior Center beginning June 29.
As part of the celebration, a Family Fun Afternoon and Cornhole Competition will be held at 3 p.m. on August 3 at the Ingram Senior Center. Salem seniors will be encouraged to bring their children and grandchildren for an afternoon of games and friendly competition.
Registration will open with the regular Tournament Week registration and will be included in the Senior Services newsletter.
August 22: 2.50-Mile Walk/Run
The 2.50-Mile Walk/Run, sponsored by Friends of Salem Recreation, will take place on Saturday, August 22, at Salem Town Hall.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the walk and run will begin at 8:30 a.m. The route will begin and end in front of Salem Town Hall.
The free, family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, families, veterans, students, and neighbors of all ages and abilities. Participants can expect patriotic music, race timing, awards, themed giveaways, family activities, and community involvement.
Advance registration is available at salemnh.myrec.com through August 19. Same-day registration will also be accepted in person.
The event will take place immediately before the Field of Dreams Family Fun Day. The final Red, White & Food Drive donations will be collected, and the America 250 Coloring Contest winners will be announced and displayed.
Community Services is also planning several additional America 250 events later in the year:
Early October: An America 250 aerial photo is tentatively planned for the Ingram Senior Center parking lot. The date and time are still to be announced, although the event is expected to take place in the mid-morning.
November or December: A Firemen’s Luncheon for Salem seniors will be held at the Ingram Senior Center. The date will be announced in a future Senior Services newsletter.
December: Winterfest is expected to take place on a Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The date and location will be announced once finalized.
Additional information and registration details will be shared through the Town website, the Senior Services newsletter, and salemnh.myrec.com as they become available.